The proposed salary is almost spot on what is referred to as 'modaal inkomen', or the median income: the most common income in the country. Therefore, you should be able to live on this salary just fine! But it really all depends on your lifestyle, of course. Keep in mind there are other things that will be taken out of your salary too, like in most countries. But you may also be eligible for tax deductions and other benefits provided by the state. Now, if you're asking about the applicable income tax rate, here is how the system works in the Netherlands and most other countries that have bracketed tax systems: - You get 36,000 euros per year. - The amount up to 19,922 euros is taxed at 36.55% = 7,281. - The amount above 19,922 euros and until 66,421 is taxed at 40.4% = 6,495. - You would be left with 1,852 euros per month to live on. I am a Dutch citizen, but live elsewhere. I remember the rate of 42%, which you mentioned in a comment to @EugonMartynov. I think this tool may still be using outdated rates, as the rates mentioned on the [Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst)][1] website are different. I have used these ones in my calculation. [1]: http://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/prive/inkomstenbelasting/heffingskortingen_boxen_tarieven/boxen_en_tarieven/overzicht_tarieven_en_schijven/u_hebt_in_2016_de_aow_leeftijd_nog_niet_bereikt