Dutch households face rising financial strain, Nibud reports

A new Nibud report shows that the share of Dutch households struggling to make ends meet has risen from 32 % to 38 % in two years. The increase is most pronounced among young adults: 54 % of people aged 18‑30 now say they have difficulty paying their bills, up from 40 % previously.

One quarter of all households reported being unable to pay at least one bill this year, compared with 17 % two years ago. The main pressures are higher everyday costs, especially groceries, transport and health expenses, alongside rising fixed costs such as rent or mortgage payments. Many households have little savings – about a third hold €2 500 or less, and roughly a quarter have less than €1 000 to fall back on.

Nibud director Mattias Gijsbertsen warned that rising energy prices, geopolitical tensions and insecure incomes are driving the trend, and stressed the need for structural solutions such as affordable housing and lower fixed expenses to protect vulnerable families.