Dutch household spending rises amid high energy and grocery costs

Dutch households are facing significant monthly expenditures across essential categories. Based on Nibud guidelines, an average household is estimated to spend €585 per month on groceries in 2026.

Energy and transport costs are also driving budget pressures. The average monthly bill for gas and electricity stands at €277, a notable increase from €224 in February. When including fuel costs for the average driver, total monthly energy and transport expenses can exceed €400. Fuel prices reached a record advisory price of €2.692 per liter for Euro95 in early September, influenced by shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz following conflict in Iran.

While consumption in certain areas like medical services and housing has risen, spending on durable goods saw a slight decline of 0.9% in March 2026 compared to the previous year. Historical data from 2020 indicates that housing, water, and energy typically account for approximately one-third of total household expenditures.