From frugal Brabanders to investing Groningers
What does your spending pattern say about where you live? An analysis of the financial year 2025 reveals clear regional differences in how the Dutch save, invest, and spend their money. These insights tell us not only about economic choices but also about culture, lifestyle, and financial strategy.
Brabanders save the most
In 2025, the average Dutch person set aside 256 euros monthly. The median, which provides a more realistic picture than the average, was around 200 euros. Brabanders topped the list with an average of 285 euros per month, or 7 percent of their income. They combine their Burgundian reputation remarkably well with financial discipline.
Flevolanders saved an average of 5 percent of their income. They accessed their savings most frequently, averaging 33 times a year. Limburgers, on the other hand, were more reserved, with only 25 savings transactions per year.
Investment capital peaks in Groningen
Although North Brabant has the most active investors, it is in Groningen where the investment capital is highest. The average investor there has 13 percent more in their portfolio than the national average of 115,476 euros. The median is significantly lower, at 24,964 euros, indicating that a relatively small group with substantial amounts is pulling the average up.
What stands out is that investing is increasingly seen in some provinces as part of serious wealth management, rather than a risky side activity.
Regional differences in spending
In addition to saving and investing, spending patterns also show significant regional differences. They reveal where the priorities lie, whether it concerns fixed costs, leisure spending, or generosity.
Residents of Utrecht spent the largest portion of their income on housing costs, averaging 23 percent. Frisians had the most affordable living costs, with 18 percent of their income going to rent or mortgage.
For groceries, Flevolanders were the most frugal, with a monthly average of 397 euros. Zeelanders exceeded that with 433 euros. In the hospitality sector, spending was particularly generous in Brabant. An average of 179 euros per month was spent there on cafes and restaurants. Moreover, Brabanders donated the most to charities, with 1,556 euros per year.
Payment requests as a measurement tool
Payment requests provide a surprising insight into social and financial habits. In 2025, residents of Overijssel sent an average of 36 payment requests per person, significantly more than the 28 in Friesland. The average amount in Overijssel was 43 euros per request, while in North Holland it rose to 54 euros. The difference may indicate different social habits regarding cost-sharing or spending moments.
Financial technology aids in overview
These insights are based on anonymized data from the 'Insight' feature of the Rabo App. This feature helps users categorize and analyze their income, expenses, and saving behavior. The tool shows predictions for upcoming expenses and is increasingly used as a personal financial dashboard.
The app also received international recognition. In the Mobile Banking Benchmark by Sia Partners, it scored eighth place worldwide.
Looking back is thinking ahead
For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals, a financial retrospective offers valuable insights. Not only to see where the money went, but especially to determine if spending and investments are still in line with personal or business goals.
In a time of rising costs and economic uncertainty, having an overview is more important than ever. Tools that provide real-time insights make the difference between reacting and anticipating. Whether you are acting privately or in business: control over money starts with consciously looking at your own behavior — and that of the region where you live.
