The Netherlands is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, making it a challenge for international students who wish to study there to plan their finances. But that shouldn’t stop you from making the Netherlands the study destination of your choice.
Enjoying consistent success in global quality of life indexes, the Netherlands has always appealed to international students. But the nation’s stunning canals and quality of life also come with a hefty cost of living.
Careful budgeting is crucial if want to study at one of the Netherlands' top-ranked universities. Here's a breakdown of the living costs in the Netherlands to help you avoid breaking the bank during your studies.
Accommodation
Unlike many other European countries, it is not common for university students in the Netherlands to live on campus as many Dutch universities don't have one. Some universities do offer on-campus housing, but most students live in student houses or private rentals.
Thanks to the housing shortage in the Netherlands, finding accommodation in large cities such as Amsterdam, can prove a real struggle. However, once a Dutch university accepts you, they will usually provide information that will help you find accommodation.
On average, renting a room in the Netherlands costs between EUR 300 and EUR 800 per month, depending on variables like location, room size, the number of flatmates and housing type.
Rooms in Amsterdam, for example, are significantly more expensive than those in smaller towns like Enschede. Housing in the suburbs tends to be cheaper than that in city centres.
Student housing is usually the most affordable option, ranging from EUR 300 to EUR 600. If you prefer renting a shared flat privately, you need to slightly increase your budget for accommodation to around EUR 400 to EUR 800.
If you prefer not to live with flatmates and want to have the entire flat to yourself, you will be spending around EUR 1,000 per month on rent.
Utilities
When budgeting for accommodation, don't forget to take into account utility bills. Here's roughly what you have to pay every month:
- Water and energy (heating and electricity) for an 85m² flat: EUR 211
- Internet (60 Mbps or more): EUR 40
- Mobile phone monthly plan (with calls and at least 10GB data): EUR 24
Transportation
The Dutch are cycling enthusiasts. In many cities, bike lanes enjoy priority over cars and pedestrians. Cycling is a cheap, environmentally friendly way to get around - you can hire a bike for as little as EUR 10 a day.
If you need to travel further than a bike can take you, there are many public transport options for you to choose from.
In the Netherlands, you can buy public transport tickets for as short as an hour. A one-hour ticket in Amsterdam costs EUR 3.40, while a day ticket will cost you EUR 9. A 7-day ticket costs EUR 41.
If you use public transport often, consider getting an OV-chipkaart, a travel card that automatically deducts funds for each trip. It costs EUR 7.50 to apply for a five-year OV-chipkaart.
Groceries
Food and grocery takes up a significant portion of your monthly expense, next to your rent. But worry not - there are ways to reduce grocery costs without compromising quality. You can shop from farmers' markets or budget-friendly supermarkets to save some money.
These are the rough average costs of some of the most commonly purchased grocery items:
- Milk (1L): EUR 1.08
- Load of fresh white bread (500g): EUR 1.72
- Chicken fillets (1kg): EUR 11.48
- Potatoes (1kg): EUR 1.62
- Tomatoes (1 kg): EUR 2.88
- White rice (1 kg): EUR 2.41
- Eggs (12 pack): EUR 3.69
- Local cheese (1 kg): EUR 10.97
Leisure and entertainment
Entertainment can cost as little or as much as you like in the Netherlands. Some restaurants and establishments offer student discounts, so if you’re on a budget, don't forget to bring your student card along to prove you’re eligible for the concession.
We've put together a few examples of your potential average leisure and entertainment costs so that you can take them into account when budgeting:
- Local beer at a bar or restaurant (1 pint): EUR 5
- Cappuccino (regular): EUR 3.11
- Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: EUR 70
- Cinema ticket (with no student discount): EUR 12
- Monthly gym membership: EUR 30.45
Healthcare
The Netherlands has a compulsory health insurance programme that covers all residents, regardless of their nationality.
On average, you can expect to pay approximately EUR 125 per month for your 'basic insurance,' which includes an annual deductible of EUR 385.
Opting for a higher yearly deductible of EUR 885 can lower your monthly health insurance costs in the Netherlands to around EUR 85 to EUR 91 per month.
Conclusion
The average cost of living for an international student in the Netherlands is between EUR 800 and EUR 1,200 per month. Your actual cost will vary with the city or town you're studying in and the lifestyle you wish to lead.
If you're planning to study in Amsterdam, you'll need an average of EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 per month to live comfortably. However, in Tilburg, you'll only need an average of EUR 715 to EUR 1,215 to cover your monthly living expenses.
The Netherlands is a desirable destination for international students thanks to its quality of life, multicultural environment and strong focus on student-centred learning.
Read our article on why you should study in the Netherlands to help you decide if the European country is the right study destination for you.
Disclaimer: All figures in this article are indicative and correct at the time of writing. Since the economy can be subject to rapid, unexpected changes at any time, we always recommend that you do your research before booking any travel.
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