Households’ disposable income 0.7 percent higher in second quarter

In the second quarter of 2026, households in the Netherlands had more money to spend than a year earlier. Their income was 0.7 percent higher. This is known as real disposable income.

This means looking at how much money people can actually use after prices have risen. People earned more because collectively agreed wages were higher and there were more jobs. Employees received 5 percent more in wages overall.

The number of jobs increased by 1.1 percent. Collectively agreed wages rose by 4.3 percent. People also received more in benefits.

Benefits increased by 7.4 percent overall. This was because the minimum wage increased by 4.6 percent. Pension benefits also increased.

This was because pension funds began paying retirees more in 2026. However, households had to pay 6.2 percent more in taxes and insurance premiums. Mortgage debt—the money people still owe on their homes—also increased.

This debt grew by 12 billion euros and now stands at 948 billion euros. The debt is higher because homes have become more expensive and more homes have been sold. Mortgage debt now amounts to 80 percent of everything the Netherlands earns collectively (gross domestic product).

Last year, this was 79.6 percent.