Car costs Netherlands are the highest in Europe for fuel and among the highest for annual road tax (MRB). The APK inspection and weight-based MRB make ownership expensive. This guide breaks down every major expense for 2026 using verified figures.
We use September 2026 data from the EU Oil Bulletin and Eurostat for petrol, diesel, electricity, inspection fees, and road tax. Enter your details in our calculator for a personalised estimate.
Fuel prices in the Netherlands (2026)
Petrol averages €2.35 per litre and diesel €2.326 per litre according to the EU Oil Bulletin (week of 31 August 2026). Both are the highest in the EU, well above the averages of €1.840 and €1.966 respectively.
A 50-litre tank of petrol costs about €118. At 12,000 km per year and 7 L/100 km consumption, annual fuel spend reaches roughly €1,975 for petrol and €1,955 for diesel.
- Petrol: €2.35/L (EU Oil Bulletin, 31 Aug 2026)
- Diesel: €2.326/L (EU Oil Bulletin, 31 Aug 2026)
- EU average petrol: €1.840/L, diesel: €1.966/L for comparison
Prices fluctuate weekly; use the fuel cost calculator for current estimates.
Electricity costs for EV charging
Household electricity in the Netherlands averages €0.256/kWh (Eurostat, H2 2025, band DC, incl. taxes). This matches France and is above the EU average of €0.220/kWh but far below Germany's €0.387/kWh.
Charging a 60 kWh battery at home costs about €15. At 15 kWh/100 km and 12,000 km annually, expect roughly €460 per year in electricity — dramatically lower than petrol or diesel.
- Household electricity: €0.256/kWh (Eurostat, H2 2025)
- EU average: €0.220/kWh
- Home charging a 60 kWh EV: ~€15 per full charge
Public fast-charging rates are higher; many networks charge per kWh plus session fees.
APK inspection — cost and frequency
The Algemene Periodieke Keuring (APK) costs roughly €65. New cars have their first test at 48 months, then every 24 months until 8 years old, then annually. For cars over 30 years old, the interval is 24 months.
The test covers safety, emissions, lighting, brakes, and structural integrity. If repairs are needed, a re-test must be completed within a specified period. Only RDW-approved stations can perform the APK.
- Cost: ~€65
- First test at 48 months (new cars), then every 24 months until 8 years, then annually
- Cars over 30 years: every 24 months
Book early; RDW-approved stations are required.
MRB — annual road tax
The Motorrijtuigenbelasting (MRB) is an annual tax based on vehicle weight, fuel type, and province. A typical petrol car pays roughly €700/year, but the exact amount varies significantly by province and vehicle weight.
Diesel and LPG vehicles pay higher rates due to a surcharge. Electric vehicles are exempt from MRB until 2025, then pay a reduced rate (25% of the standard rate) until 2030. The tax is paid quarterly or annually to the Belastingdienst.
- Based on weight, fuel type, and province
- Typical petrol car: ~€700/yr (varies widely)
- EV: exempt until 2025, then 25% rate until 2030
Use the official Belastingdienst MRB calculator for your exact amount.
Insurance, depreciation, and other running costs
Insurance varies enormously with driver profile, region, claims history and cover level, so we do not publish a Dutch average. Third-party cover (WA) is the legal minimum and cheaper; comprehensive cover (allrisk) costs more. Use your own renewal quote for budgeting.
Depreciation follows the general pattern: roughly 15–25% in year one and about 50% over five years. Maintenance, tyres, parking, and potential low-emission zone (milieuzone) restrictions in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam add to the total.
- Allrisk: typically €600–€1,200/yr (varies widely by insurer)
- WA (mandatory): lower cost, covers third-party damage
- Depreciation: ~15–25% year one, ~50% over five years (approximate)
Insurance varies widely by insurer, driver history, and postcode.
Annual cost summary for a typical petrol car
Combining the major fixed and variable costs gives a rough picture for a petrol car driven 12,000 km/year at 7 L/100 km (typical MRB):
| Cost item | Annual estimate (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol) | ~1,975 |
| APK (amortised per year) | ~33 |
| MRB (typical petrol) | ~700 |
| Insurance (allrisk, indicative) | ~900 |
| Maintenance & tyres (indicative) | ~500 |
| Total (indicative) | ~4,108 |
Actual totals vary by vehicle, mileage, province, and personal circumstances. Use the calculator below for your exact numbers.
Use the free calculators
Frequently asked questions
How much is MRB road tax in the Netherlands?
MRB is based on vehicle weight, fuel type, and province. A typical petrol car pays roughly €700/year, but it varies widely. Diesel and LPG vehicles pay a surcharge. EVs are exempt until 2025, then pay 25% of the standard rate until 2030. Check the Belastingdienst calculator for your exact amount.
What does the APK inspection cost and how often is it needed?
The APK costs roughly €65. New cars have their first test at 48 months, then every 24 months until 8 years old, then annually. Cars over 30 years old are tested every 24 months. Only RDW-approved stations can perform the APK.
Is charging an EV cheaper than petrol in the Netherlands?
Yes. Household electricity averages €0.256/kWh. Charging a 60 kWh battery at home costs about €15. At 15 kWh/100 km and 12,000 km annually, electricity costs roughly €460 per year — far below the ~€1,975 for petrol.
Are there low-emission zones in Dutch cities?
Yes. Cities including Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague operate milieuzones restricting older diesel vehicles (typically Euro 4 and below). Petrol cars are generally unrestricted. No vignette is required; enforcement is via licence-plate cameras. Fines apply for non-compliant vehicles.
Where can I calculate my personal car ownership cost for the Netherlands?
Use the KnowCarCost car ownership cost calculator. Enter your vehicle, annual mileage, fuel type, and province to get a detailed breakdown including fuel, APK, MRB, insurance, depreciation, and inspection costs tailored to your situation.