Study in the Netherlands: Housing & Living Costs

One of the most important factors to consider when studying abroad will be your budget. Housing costs will vary depending on if you choose to stay in university or private accommodations in the Netherlands. Including food, public transport, books, clothes, cinema tickets, housing, and insurance, a student should prepare to spend an average of between €700 and €1,000/month when studying in the Netherlands.

Some average living costs throughout the Netherlands are:

Calculating an average student's income, about one-third will go towards housing, another third spent on food, and the remaining third spent on leisure, books, travel, and other expenses. Many places, such as bars, restaurants, museums, cinemas, and shops give student discounts. Usually, they will ask for proof in the form of a student card from your institution. It is always a good idea to check in advance if a student discount is available. It may be beneficial to acquire an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) since it provides a range of interesting discounts and offers. More information about this is available on the ICIS website.

Finding quality, affordable student housing while studying in the Netherlands can be difficult. It is very crowded in the Netherlands, especially in the big cities such as Amsterdam, Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, and famous student cities such as Leiden and Groningen suffer from shortages. It is common for Dutch students to have problems finding accommodation near their university.

Most universities do, however, offer temporary, short-stay solutions for foreign students upon arrival. If you are part of an exchange program or enrolled in an international course, it is very likely that you will be offered a room.

Accommodation in the Netherlands is expensive and it is important to remember to also consider additional costs, such as the deposit, gas, water, and electricity the price. Also, keep in mind are that most leases run for six months to a year, and you must know whether a room/apartment is furnished or unfurnished.

It is common to have your independent room as a student in the Netherlands, depending on the accommodation. You may have to share the kitchen, living room, shower, and lavatory with other students, however. If you have a problem with men and women living together in a shared house you need to advise the appropriate party since it is common for men and women to live together in the Netherlands. Private rentals cost €710.68 (according to the House Value Rating System) which is the most common option for expats. 

Some useful housing websites

HousingAnywhere.com is partnered with 170+ universities across 65 countries to help their students find accommodation abroad. In addition, they incentivize students to sublet their rooms and apartments to incoming students whilst they are away. Find affordable accommodation in Delft, Eindhoven, Leiden, Maastricht, Rotterdam and Utrecht. 

Huurwoningen.nl is a leading housing platform that gathers all rental properties in the Netherlands on one website. We have experienced that students and expats sometimes have trouble finding a home in the Netherlands. Download their free "How to find a home in the Netherlands" guide for tips and tricks, as well as helpful info on laws and regulations in the Dutch housing sector.

This country study guide was published in cooperation with the Dutch organization, Nuffic. 

About Nuffic

Nuffic is the Netherlands organization for international cooperation in higher education. Nuffic works to bring people together by connecting international students to Dutch universities. Nuffic’s motto is “Linking knowledge worldwide.” By enabling Dutch universities to share their knowledge with international students through a study abroad education, Nuffic not only links knowledge on a worldwide scale but also connects people from many different countries.