If you have much in the way of savings / capital, you would be far better off working in NL.
I lived there from 1997-04. As a foreign national, you can become a 'non-resident resident'(!!) Put simply that means you pay tax only on your NL earnings and can park everything else offshore.
You also usually qualify for the 30% Rule.... under that the TOP 30% of your NL earnings are disregarded for tax. It lasts 3 years and can be extended for another 3 upon request.
The Dutch Belastingdiesnt has some info in English. Personnally, your best course would be an hour with a KPMG/other prof firm tax advisor.