Depends on your definition of "really" expensive, but as a Dutch citizen I can tell you that: - On average new cars are about twice as expensive compared to th

Depends on your definition of "really" expensive, but as a Dutch citizen I can tell you that: - On average new cars are about twice as expensive compared to the USA, mostly due to tax. (A Mustang GT starts at 119.500 EUR, about 133k USD). - Insurance is mandatory - For each car you own you pay a monthly road tax (between 30-100 euro per month, depending on the car) - fuel prices are also quite high (~6,5USD per US gallon) - parking can also be very expensive in some regions (I pay 115 euro/month for my parking space) Despite all that, most Dutch people still own a car, for practical and status purpose. However, due to the cost involved (fuel and parking) many Dutchies will prefer a bike if the trip is not that far.