Is Moving To This European Country Worth It For Aspiring Expats? Here's What Reddit Thinks

When life gets too overwhelming, it's not uncommon to dream of packing your bags and transplanting to one of many idyllic, friendly European countries to live a more laid-back lifestyle. In fact, millions of Americans have made the leap and crossed the Atlantic Ocean in search of a calmer (and sometimes more affordable) lifestyle. One American, Austin Willingham, made the move with his partner in June of 2025. The couple chose Rotterdam, a top port destination in the Netherlands, and told CNBC, "As soon as we got here, the people were so warm and they immediately welcomed us in." Willingham reported affordable rent, a refreshing work-life balance, and a newfound freedom from societal expectations.

You've all seen news stories just like this one. Headlines that highlight lower monthly expenses and more vacation days are undeniably attractive to burnt-out Americans. But is that the truth? It seems like the answer ultimately depends on your situation and lifestyle preferences. While expat Redditors generally seem to appreciate the Netherlands' laid-back lifestyle, they do still acknowledge the realistic drawbacks of committing to the move.

Reddit users chimed in on a post in r/AmerExit asking for other expats' experiences. Generally, people raved about the work-life balance compared to the United States, as well as the affordable benefits like cheaper groceries, healthcare, and education. One American from Texas, u/Lefaid, reported, "You ask a lot about what I miss, and the truth is that I do not miss much of anything... I think back to my life in the US and just think of a bunch of stress." The user said that they loved living in the Netherlands, despite the issues and differences. Like anywhere, there are bound to be some trade-offs to consider when moving to the Netherlands. Higher taxes, a lack of wilderness areas, and cultural differences can make for a difficult adjustment. Rent in major cities like Amsterdam can be a lot higher than rural areas of the US, so the affordability is relative. But some Redditors warned of the standard of smaller living spaces. Additionally, some users find that some Dutch people and the government can be resistant to immigration to the Netherlands, with tighter restrictions on citizenship requirements being implemented over the past few years.

While there are pros and cons, several American immigrants in the Netherlands say they appreciate the country's safety. One user wrote, "Our neighborhood is quiet and clean, and my kids can walk to the store to get a treat any time they want. I (female) frequently walk alone at night and am not afraid." One user, u/Green_Toe, summed it up to say, "Like anywhere else, the Netherlands isn't perfect. By extension, the Dutch aren't perfect either. However, moving here has been the greatest quality of life improvement imaginable."

While many talk about the more affordable lifestyle, some Americans struggle to see how the cost of living is lower while including cars, childcare, and taxes. This includes u/RaHekki, who started a thread in r/Netherlands asking for clarification on the subject. While many commenters admitted that the Netherlands' housing market over the past few years has been unsustainable, they also noted that the original poster needed to adjust their estimates more towards the Dutch way of life. For example, many commenters agreed that while cars are expensive in the Netherlands, many people — including families and older folks — don't need them. Instead, most Dutch people opt for biking, walking, or taking public transportation. Major cities are particularly walkable and have excellent public transportation systems that are affordable and well-connected.

Childcare can also seem like another cost that's not much different from the United States, but some commenters explained how you can likely get a portion of the expense subsidized if both parents work. One user, u/ozekeri, wrote, "For me it is about 1,800 [euros] a month for 2 kids for almost 3 days a week and I get 1,400 euros back from the kinderopvangtoeslag [childcare benefit]." Ultimately, it seems like a move from America to the Netherlands requires some big adjustments, as any move to a new country would. If aspiring expats or digital nomads are hoping to make a move to the Netherlands, they need to decide if they are willing to learn a new way of life in exchange for that desirable work-life balance.