DAFT vs. Staying in the US: Is Moving Really Worth It?
This is the comparison no one writes about, but it's the one most people are actually wrestling with. You've heard about the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), you know the basics, and now you're wondering: is it actually worth uprooting your life to move to the Netherlands?
We made the move in 2024. Here's the honest, no-hype comparison we wish someone had written for us.
Why People Consider Leaving
Let's be direct. Most people looking at DAFT aren't just drawn to the Netherlands — they're also feeling pushed by something in the US. Common reasons we hear:
- Healthcare costs and anxiety about coverage gaps
- Work-life balance that feels impossible to fix
- Political climate and social uncertainty
- Desire for a different environment to raise kids
- Curiosity about experiencing another culture while they're young enough to do it
All of these are valid. None of them, on their own, are enough to make the move work. You need both a reason to leave and a reason to arrive.
The Financial Reality
This is where most comparisons get it wrong. Moving to the Netherlands isn't cheaper. It's different.
| Category | United States (typical) | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $400-800/month (or employer-provided) | 120-180 euros/month (mandatory) |
| Housing | Varies enormously | High, especially Amsterdam |
| Taxes | Federal + state | Higher income tax, but more services |
| Childcare | $1,000-2,500/month | Subsidized (significantly less) |
| Transportation | Car payment + insurance + gas | Bike + transit pass (~100 euros/month) |
| Education | Free public, expensive private | Free public (excellent quality) |
| Retirement | 401(k), IRA | Dutch pension system + continued US obligations |
What Actually Changes Financially
Healthcare is the biggest shift. Dutch health insurance covers everyone for around 120-180 euros per month, with a mandatory deductible (eigen risico) around 385 euros per year. No networks, no surprise bills, no pre-authorization nightmares. This alone changes your financial anxiety level dramatically.
Transportation costs often drop. We sold our car. Between biking and excellent public transit, we spend a fraction of what we used to on getting around. Read more about biking culture in the Netherlands.
Housing is expensive, especially in Amsterdam. But if you're coming from New York, San Francisco, or similar US cities, it's roughly comparable.
Taxes are higher, but you get more. Healthcare, excellent infrastructure, subsidized childcare, and a social safety net that actually works. Whether the trade-off is worth it depends on your values and income level.
Reality Check: If you're earning $200,000+ in the US, you'll likely take a net income hit in the Netherlands. If you're earning $50,000-100,000, the math often works out similar or better when you factor in healthcare, childcare, and transportation savings.
Lifestyle Differences That Matter
Work-Life Balance
The Dutch take this seriously. The Netherlands has one of the shortest average workweeks in Europe. Part-time work is common and respected. Your Dutch neighbors will think you're odd if you work 60-hour weeks.
For DAFT entrepreneurs, you set your own hours. But the cultural norm of balance is contagious in the best way. We work less than we did in the US and honestly get more done.
Parenting
If you have kids, the Netherlands consistently ranks among the happiest countries for children. Kids bike to school independently from a young age. Playgrounds are everywhere. Childcare is subsidized and widely available.
Healthcare Access
No more choosing between "in-network" and "out-of-network." You pick a huisarts (family doctor), and they coordinate your care. Wait times for non-urgent specialists can be longer than in the US, but emergency care is immediate and excellent.
Social Life
This is where the honest downsides live. Making Dutch friends takes time and effort. Dutch social circles often formed in childhood, and breaking in as an adult foreigner requires patience. The expat community helps, but it's not the same as deep local friendships.
Honest Downsides of Moving
We love living in the Netherlands. But honesty matters:
- You'll miss people. Family and close friends are far away. Video calls aren't the same.
- Bureaucracy is real. Dutch government processes are thorough. Getting your BSN number, setting up a business, dealing with the gemeente — it all takes longer than you'd expect.
- Weather. The Netherlands is gray and rainy for much of the year. If seasonal darkness affects you, take this seriously.
- Language. Most Dutch people speak English, but you'll feel like an outsider until you learn some Dutch. Government communications arrive in Dutch. Forms are in Dutch.
- Income ceiling. As a DAFT entrepreneur, you can't take an employee job. If your business struggles, you can't just apply for local jobs as a fallback.
- Distance from family. A 7-9 hour flight is the reality for holidays, emergencies, and everything in between.
Who Should Seriously Consider DAFT
You're a good candidate if:
- You can work remotely or build a location-independent business
- You value healthcare security and work-life balance over maximizing income
- You're genuinely curious about living in another culture
- You have savings to cover 6-12 months of expenses during the transition
- You understand that "moving abroad" doesn't solve personal problems — it just changes the backdrop
You should probably stay if:
- Your primary motivation is running away from something, not moving toward something
- Your income would drop significantly and you're not prepared for that
- You have family obligations that require being physically present in the US
- You're not willing to deal with the discomfort of being a foreigner
Our Take
Moving to the Netherlands via DAFT was the best decision we've made. But it wasn't easy, it wasn't cheap, and it wasn't instant. The first three months were hard. The bureaucracy was frustrating. We missed our friends.
And then it clicked. The slower pace, the bike rides, the healthcare that just works, the first month milestones we hit one by one. The quality of daily life improved in ways we didn't expect.
It's not for everyone. But if you've read this far, it might be for you.
Check the DAFT requirements to see if you qualify, and read about what to pack if you're getting serious.
FAQ
Q: How much savings do I need before making the move? A: We recommend at least 6-12 months of living expenses beyond the 4,500-euro DAFT deposit. The monthly cost breakdown will help you estimate.
Q: Can I move back to the US if it doesn't work out? A: Absolutely. Your US citizenship doesn't change. You can return anytime. Many people find comfort in knowing the move doesn't have to be permanent.
Q: Will I lose my US retirement accounts? A: No. Your 401(k) and IRA accounts remain yours. Managing them from abroad has some complications, but they don't disappear.
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We're not immigration lawyers — just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.