The Netherlands Crowned Best Country in Europe for Young Adults. By Nwabueze Benard| 05 April 2025



While you can’t choose where you’re born, you *can* decide where to spend your early adulthood—and according to a new study, the Netherlands is the best place in Europe for young adults to thrive.  

Travel app **Alorix** recently ranked all 27 EU countries based on factors that impact young people’s quality of life, from affordability to job opportunities. The Netherlands took the top spot, while Italy landed at the bottom of the list.  

## **What Makes the Netherlands the Best?**  

The study compared six key factors to determine the best countries for young adults:  

1. **Rent affordability** – Percentage of salary spent on rent in the capital  
2. **Purchasing power** – Number of Big Macs the average salary can buy  
3. **Crime rate** – Safety and security  
4. **Education level** – Percentage of young adults with diplomas  
5. **Job opportunities** – Unemployment rates  
6. **Happiness index** – Overall life satisfaction  

The Netherlands excelled in multiple categories, securing its place as Europe’s top destination for young people.  

### **Why Young Adults Thrive in the Netherlands**  

✅ **High Purchasing Power** – With an average salary, Dutch residents can afford **533 Big Macs** per month, ranking among the best in Europe.  

✅ **Happiness & Quality of Life** – The Netherlands is the **5th happiest country globally** (4th in Europe), thanks to work-life balance, cycling culture, and strong social systems.  

✅ **Education & Employment** – Over **54.5%** of young adults hold diplomas, and the unemployment rate is just **3.64%**, making it a great place for graduates to start their careers.  

### **The One Downside: Housing Crisis**  

The Netherlands isn’t perfect—**housing remains a major challenge**. Rent in cities like Amsterdam eats up **54.42%** of an average young adult’s salary, one of the highest rates in Europe. The ongoing housing shortage also makes finding affordable accommodation difficult.  

## **Best & Worst European Countries for Young Adults**  

### **Top 5 Countries**  
1. **Netherlands**  
2. **Austria**  
3. **Poland**  
4. **Cyprus**  
5. **Luxembourg**  

### **Bottom 5 Countries**  
1. **Italy**  
2. **Portugal**  
3. **Greece**  
4. **Slovakia**  
5. **France**  

For more details, check out the full study on the **[Alorix website](#)**.  

### **Final Thoughts**  

Despite the housing struggles, the Netherlands offers an unbeatable mix of career opportunities, education, and happiness—making it the best place in Europe for young adults to live, work, and explore.  

What do you think? Would you move to the Netherlands as a young adult? Let us know in the comments!  

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**Thumbnail credit:** Dutch_Photos / Shutterstock.com  

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### **You Might Also Like:**  
- 🇳🇱 [Dutch Passport Ranked 4th Strongest in the World](#)  
- 😴 [Netherlands Rated 2nd Best in Europe for Sleep Quality](#)  
- 🚐 [Why Camper Vans Are Booming in the Netherlands](#)  

**What’s your experience living in the Netherlands as a young adult? Share your thoughts below!** 👇

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