Compare countries · Netherlands vs United Kingdom
Netherlands vs United Kingdom
Netherlands(Europe)·
United Kingdom(Europe)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Netherlands leads on 7, United Kingdom on 3, 3 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Netherlands
73.4
Worse than 92% of countries
United Kingdom
67.8
Worse than 86% of countries
United Kingdom: 8% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Netherlands
38.7
Worse than 93% of countries
United Kingdom
32.1
Worse than 90% of countries
United Kingdom: 17% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Netherlands
1.53
Better than 86% of countries
United Kingdom
1.67
Better than 79% of countries
Netherlands: more peaceful (1.53 vs 1.67).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Netherlands
74.5
Better than 88% of countries
United Kingdom
51.7
Worse than 59% of countries
Netherlands: higher perceived safety (74.5 vs 51.7).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Netherlands
0.946
Better than 95% of countries
United Kingdom
0.940
Better than 93% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Netherlands
$87,320
Better than 95% of countries
United Kingdom
$64,606
Better than 86% of countries
Netherlands: 35% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Netherlands
82.0 yrs
Better than 84% of countries
United Kingdom
81.4 yrs
Better than 81% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Netherlands
81.5
Better than 97% of countries
United Kingdom
72.7
Better than 80% of countries
Netherlands: better-rated healthcare (81.5 vs 72.7).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Netherlands
239 Mbps
Better than 86% of countries
United Kingdom
167 Mbps
Better than 73% of countries
Netherlands: 42% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Netherlands
89/100
Better than 99% of countries
United Kingdom
80/100
Better than 90% of countries
Netherlands: freer press (89 vs 80 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Netherlands
7.22
Better than 95% of countries
United Kingdom
6.69
Better than 81% of countries
Netherlands: happier on the Cantril ladder (7.22 vs 6.69).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Netherlands
624
Better than 93% of countries
United Kingdom
700
Better than 94% of countries
United Kingdom: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 624).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Netherlands
86.9
Better than 66% of countries
United Kingdom
87.8
Better than 69% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Deciding between Netherlands and United Kingdom for real?
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70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United Kingdom profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.