What will change in 2026 for my wallet?

In 2026, many fixed costs will rise, such as train travel, driving a car, and hotel stays. At the same time, there are also windfalls, such as a higher minimum wage, possible extra housing allowance, and a lower health insurance premium.

How much more expensive will traveling by train be in 2026?

Train travel will become an average of 6.52 percent more expensive. This applies not only to individual tickets but also to train subscriptions.

Will driving be more expensive in 2026 than it is now?

Yes, driving will become more expensive because the excise duty on fuel is partially being increased. As a result, you will pay almost more than six cents extra per liter of fuel.

Who benefits from the higher rent allowance in 2026?

People with a slightly higher rent and a suitable income may be eligible for extra housing allowance in 2026. Whether you receive this depends on your income and assets.

Will health insurance become cheaper in 2026?

Probably yes. Due to a financial windfall for health insurers, there is a good chance that the health insurance premium will decrease, although this varies by insurer. However, the health care allowance may decrease by two euros per month.

News

This is all going to change for you in 2026

By Laudonne Roos | #!31Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +0100+01:004831#31Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +0100+01:00-10Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202631 01am31am-31Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +0100+01:0010Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam2026312026Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +01005910591amThursday=9#!31Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +0100+01:00Europe/Amsterdam1#01-01-2026#!31Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +0100+01:004831#/31Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +0100+01:00-10Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202631#!31Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:59:48 +0100+01:00Europe/Amsterdam1#

Hey, happy new year. Did you survive the New Year's Eve? Maybe you're reading this a bit hungover on the couch or you're already busy with the biggest deep clean you've ever had. Yes, everyone starts the new year differently, but what doesn't change? What is going to change in the new year. A new start usually means all sorts of new laws that affect your wallet and daily life. We've put together a list of what is going to change, so you don't have to research it after those three hours of sleep.

1. The train is getting more expensive again

Traveling by train is something we do a lot in the Netherlands, and as if those crowded trains weren't annoying enough, there's more bad news: traveling is going to get more expensive again. The price is going up by 6.52 percent. This applies not only to your train ticket but also to subscriptions.

2. You're going to pay more VAT for getaways in your own country

Yes, you think you're going to have a ‘cheap’ weekend away by staying within the borders, and then they're raising the VAT. Starting January 1, you're going to pay 21% VAT for staying in hotels. So maybe think twice before booking a hotel, because this is no small change.

3. Going to work by car then? Nope. That's getting more expensive too.

If the train is getting more expensive, then we'll just go by car, right? You thought so, yes. In most cases, it's still cheaper than by train, but that four-wheeled vehicle is going to get a bit more expensive. In 2022, gasoline prices rose due to the war in Ukraine. To compensate for this, the government lowered the excise duty (you know, the tax that is added to the price of fuel). But yes, that's going to be partially taken off the table. You're going to pay almost more than six cents extra per liter. Phew.

4. The minimum wage is going up

Okay, okay, you're not going to earn tons of money, but your monthly salary (if you earn the minimum) is going to go up a bit. Starting January 1, you'll get 31 cents more per hour. Is this going to make a groundbreaking difference? No, you can't pay rent with this, but yes: every little bit helps.

5. It's going to be even harder for freelancers

Although a lot changed for freelancers at the beginning of this year, it's going to get even harder to freelance. The Tax Authorities can impose a fine on a company in 2026 if they hire you. Not just like that, but if they hire you to do the same work as an employee. Previously, the employer only received a warning, but now they have to pay up.

6. You might get extra housing allowance

Do you rent? Then you'll also get housing allowance for a slightly more expensive home. This depends on your income and assets, of course, but there's a good chance this will go through.

7. Your health insurance premium is going down (probably)

After many setbacks, there's finally some positive news in the health insurance world. There has been a huge windfall for the companies, which means premiums will be lowered next year. It varies by insurer, but there's a good chance your health insurance will become cheaper. Do you receive health care allowance? Then you'll get two euros less per month. Oh, and more health costs will fall under the basic package.

8. Childcare is going to be cheaper

The cabinet has voted to allocate more money to childcare allowance. As a result, the maximum hourly rates at which the Tax Authorities determine your allowance will go up. This means you'll receive more allowance. It's also the case that you'll receive allowance for a longer period. Previously, you would no longer receive allowance if you earned about €47,000 per year, which is now raised to €56,000. That's good news, right?

9. Your electricity is going to be cheaper

Although gas is unfortunately getting more expensive, the tax on electricity is going down. You're going to pay 1.2 cents less per kilowatt-hour. So you can definitely run that dishwasher an extra time in the evening. No worries.

10. A smart meter is going to be mandatory

This has been coming for a while... People with an analog energy meter will have to replace it next year with a smart or digital meter. So you'll have to spend some money again.

Are you updated on everything that's going to change? Great. Then you know what to expect. Here you go.