The Hague vs Wellington
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Wellington
New Zealand
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
32
Groceries
72.8
Restaurant
56.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $1,478 | +$68 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $1,179 | +$35 |
| Groceries | $319 | $404 | $85 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $18 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $111 | $18 |
| Utilities | $179 | $141 | +$38 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $1,786/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $2,404/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $2,977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Wellington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,500/mo | $0 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,000/mo | $0 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,000/mo | $0 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Wellington for Expats & Remote Workers
The Hague and Wellington are remarkably close in overall cost, with less than 2% difference in their combined COL+Rent indices. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Wellington's 50.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $1,478/month in Wellington — giving Wellington a $68/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Wellington ($404/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $18 show Wellington offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, The Hague offers similar value to its counterpart, so your choice should weigh factors like climate, visa accessibility, internet speed, and community. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.