top of page
Search

💰 Cost of Living for Students in the Netherlands (2025 Guide) 🇳🇱


Studying in the Netherlands is an exciting adventure — world-class universities, vibrant student cities, and a welcoming international community. But before you move, the big question is: How much will it cost to live comfortably as a student in 2025?


In this guide, I’ll give you personalized tips, city-specific insights, and real student experiences to help you plan. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect — and how to save.


For even deeper insights, our 60+ page Netherlands Starter Pack has everything from housing templates to scholarship toolkits.

📌 Disclaimer: All amounts are estimates in EUR (€) for 2025 and can vary depending on your city, accommodation type, and personal lifestyle.

🏠 Student Housing Costs in the Netherlands (2025).

Housing is the biggest expense for international students in the Netherlands — and finding it can be tricky due to the current student housing shortage (DutchNews.nl).


Average Monthly Rent:

City

Student Room (Shared)

Studio

Private Apartment

Notes

Amsterdam

€650–€1,200

€900–€1,400

€1,400–€1,900

Most expensive city; start searching early

Rotterdam

€450–€750

€700–€1,000

€1,100–€1,400

Affordable, lots of new student housing

Utrecht

€500–€800

€800–€1,100

€1,200–€1,500

Close to Amsterdam; moderate pricing

Groningen

€350–€600

€600–€900

€1,000+

Budget-friendly, strong student community

Eindhoven

€400–€650

€650–€950

€1,100–€1,400

Great for tech & engineering students

💡 Tips for Housing:

  • Apply Early: University housing fills up 6–12 months in advance, so apply as soon as possible.

  • Use Trusted Sites: Kamernet, Room.nl, Pararius, and HousingAnywhere are reliable. Always avoid paying before a contract.

  • Location Matters: Living just outside city centers (e.g., Haarlem instead of Amsterdam) can save €100–€300/month.

  • Shared Housing: Student houses (€400–600/month) are cheaper and social, while studios (€800–1,200+) offer privacy.

  • Stay Flexible: Consider temporary sublets when you arrive to buy time for a long-term place.

  • Network: Join Facebook groups (e.g., Amsterdam Student Housing) and talk to fellow students — many rooms are filled this way.


👉 Note: Rent varies widely by city. Amsterdam is the most expensive (€700–1,200+), while smaller cities like Groningen or Enschede are much more affordable (€400–700).



🥗 Food & Groceries

Your food costs will depend on whether you cook at home or eat out often. They also depend on where you shop. When I first moved to Amsterdam, I didn’t realize how expensive Albert Heijn (a supermarket) was until I switched to Lidl and literally cut my grocery bill by 30%.

Type

Monthly Cost (€)

Notes / Personal Tips

Groceries (cooking at home)

150–250

Budget supermarkets like Lidl & Aldi save 30–40% compared to Albert Heijn. Mix in local markets for fresh produce.

Eating out (mid-range)

10–20 per meal

Occasional treat or social meetups. Amsterdam is more expensive; smaller cities are cheaper.

University canteen

4–7 per meal

Great for quick, affordable lunches. Some universities offer meal plans.

Coffee & snacks

2–4 each

Buy weekly coffee in cafés only as a treat; daily coffees add up fast.

💡 Tips to Save on Food:

  • Cook at home, usually saves 40–60% versus ordering.

  • Shop budget supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi — avoid Albert Heijn for daily groceries.

  • Visit local markets for fresh produce at lower prices.

  • Use student discount apps like ISIC for food deals.


🚲 Transportation

The Netherlands is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world — many students avoid monthly public transport passes by cycling.

Average Monthly Cost:

Mode

Cost (€)

Notes (Traveler’s Insight)

Used Bicycle (one-time)

200–500

Best long-term value; Dutch cities are safe and bike-friendly.

Another option — Swapfiets

19–50/month

Convenient rentals with maintenance included; great if you don’t want resale hassle.

OV-chipkaart Subscription

50–120/month

Necessary if traveling longer distances; use student plan to save up to 40%.

NS Flex Student Subscription

Variable (up to 40% off)

For frequent intercity travel, sign up early with DUO eligibility.

💡 Tip: If your university is nearby, a bike is enough for 90% of students. Only get a transport pass if you travel long distances often. If your campus is within 5km, a bike alone is enough — you’ll save hundreds on transport annually.


🩺 Health Insurance

Mandatory for all students. Understanding your options can save money and stress:

Insurance Type

Monthly Cost (€)

Notes

Private Student Insurance

40–60

Good if you don’t work; covers basic medical needs.

Dutch Basic Insurance (if working part-time)

100–130

Required if you have a job; some students get zorgtoeslag allowance reducing it to €20–40/month.

💡 Pro Tip: Research allowances before buying insurance — you might qualify for substantial government help. (Government source)


📚 Study Materials

Books, software, and supplies can add up — but you can save by going digital.

Costs:

  • Books: €50 – €100 per month (or €300–€600 per year)

  • Laptop: €500 – €1,200 (one-time)

  • Software: Many universities offer free licenses for Microsoft Office or Adobe.

💡 Tip: Join university Facebook or WhatsApp groups for book swaps — students often sell materials for cheap.


🎉 Entertainment & Leisure

You’re here to study — but also to live!

  • Gym memberships: €20 – €50/month (cheaper if university gym)

  • Cinema tickets: €10 – €14 (student discounts available)

  • Night out: €20 – €50 depending on city and style

💡 Tip: Always ask for a student discount — from museums to festivals, it can save you 10–50%.


🧾 One-Time Initial Costs (Before You Settle)

Item

Cost (€)

Housing deposit + rent

300–1200

Bike or startup kit

100–300

Basic groceries and kitchenware

100–200

OV-chipkaart & student ID

50–120

University registration fees

30–120


📊 Total Estimated Monthly Cost for Students (2025)

Expense

Low Range (€)

High Range (€)

Housing

350

1,200+

Food & Groceries

150

350

Transport

40

120

Health Insurance

40

130

Study Materials

50

100

Leisure

50

150

Total / Month

656

1,950+


💡 Money-Saving Tips for Students in the Netherlands

  1. Start housing search early — Avoid last-minute, overpriced rentals.

  2. Use student discounts everywhere — from trains to museums.

  3. Cook at home — A single dinner out can cost as much as a week’s groceries.

  4. Buy second-hand — Furniture, books, and bikes can be found for cheap.

  5. Share expenses — Flatshare to reduce rent and utility costs.

  6. Get a part-time job — International students can work limited hours, but check visa rules.



📘 Special Resource — Netherlands Starter Pack 🇳🇱


For serious planners, our Netherlands Starter Pack includes:


✅ 60+ pages of real student data

✅ City-by-city housing & cost breakdown

✅ Fillable budgeting templates

✅ Visa, scholarship, and healthcare checklists

✅ Job, internship, and post-study work roadmap

✅ Personalized insights & recommendations




❓ FAQs About Living in the Netherlands


Q: Can I live on €800/month?

  • Yes, in smaller cities like Groningen or Enschede, shared housing, cooking at home, and biking are essential.


Q: Is Amsterdam too expensive for students?

  • Yes, expect €1,200–€1,600/month. Consider nearby cities for a budget-friendly option.


Q: Do students get transport discounts?

  • Yes, use the NS Student Travel Product and DUO discount for trains and local transport.


Q: Are utilities included in rent?

  • Sometimes yes, sometimes no — check each listing. Average utility costs: €50–€100/month.



Sources (key references used above)



 
 
 

Comments

1097 BC Amsterdam, Netherlands

+31626203121

  • TikTok
  • Facebook

PlanMyUni

LOGO (3)_edited.png

© 2025 by PlanMyUni .All right Revserved.

bottom of page