Young adults in the Netherlands struggle with rising costs, debt
The financial situation of young adults in the Netherlands is deteriorating, even as the country’s economy continues to grow, De Telegraaf reports. While some Dutch households have seen modest improvements, those aged 18 to 24 are falling further behind, burdened by rising living costs, unstable jobs, and growing debt. Researchers warn this is a “concerning development.”
Financial stress among young people has been rising for years. Despite broader economic growth, they face increasing challenges, particularly in the past two years. Temporary work contracts, a severe housing shortage, and skyrocketing rental prices make financial security difficult to achieve. The overall cost of living continues to climb, further straining their budgets.
Peter van Loon, partner in Financial Services at Deloitte, underscored the severity of the issue to De Telegraaf: “Almost half earn less than a median income. Many have to take on debt or dip into their savings to make ends meet.”
According to the study, young adults between 18 and 24 struggle the most, with many unable to meet financial obligations or save for the future, including for education. “Young adults between 18 and 24 are struggling financially,” the researchers concluded.
The percentage of young people in this age group who could cover their expenses and put aside savings fell from 18 percent to 12 percent last year. “Young people often focus on the short term, which makes them even more vulnerable,” Van Loon noted.
The study also highlights an increasing gap in financial stability. While the number of financially “healthy” households rose slightly from 26 to 30 percent due to economic growth, nearly half—47 percent—of all Dutch households still face ongoing financial difficulties. Among these, young adults are in an especially precarious position.
At the same time, the percentage of households able to make ends meet increased from 51 percent in 2023 to 57 percent last year. However, financial concerns remain widespread, with many suffering in silence. Of the 5,000 people surveyed, only 3 percent openly discuss their financial situation, making it a largely hidden crisis.
One positive trend in the study is the overall improvement in women’s financial situations. Researchers found that women’s financial status has strengthened on average, reducing the gap with men. However, the report also shows that financial insecurity remains significant. More than half of women still struggle to consistently meet financial obligations, compared to 42 percent of men.
These findings come from the fourth edition of a financial study conducted by Deloitte in collaboration with the budget institute Nibud and researchers from Tilburg University and Leiden University.
