Moving to the Netherlands for your studies is exciting, new friends, new culture, and maybe even your first independent apartment. But before the adventure begins, there’s one thing you’ll want to figure out: how much does student life actually cost here?
To help you plan (and avoid any end-of-the-month surprises), we’ve put together a clear breakdown of typical student expenses in Dutch cities, from Amsterdam’s bustling canals to Nijmegen’s cozy student vibe.
Housing: Your Biggest Expense
Let’s start with the elephant in the room, rent. Housing will likely be your largest monthly cost.
If you live in Amsterdam or Utrecht, expect to pay between €800 and €1,200 a month for a studio or small apartment. Shared flats are slightly cheaper but still high due to demand. In Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven, prices are more forgiving, think around €600 to €900. And if you’re lucky enough to study in Groningen or Nijmegen, you’ll find some of the most affordable housing options in the country, averaging €450 to €800 per month.
Tip: Always check whether your rent includes utilities like gas, water, and electricity. If not, set aside another €100–€150 per month for these costs.
To find verified listings, start with trusted platforms such as kamer.nl, ROOM.nl, SSH, SSH& (Nijmegen & Arnhem) or Kamernet.
Food and Groceries
Food costs are fairly consistent across the Netherlands. Most students spend around €200–€250 each month on groceries. You’ll find Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Lidl in every city, though shopping at local markets often saves money, and gives you fresher veggies.
Cooking at home is your best money-saving move. Eating out regularly adds up fast, with a simple restaurant meal costing €15–€25. Many student associations or canteens organize affordable dinners for as little as €5–€8, so keep an eye out for those.
Brave tip: Apps like Too Good To Go help you get discounted meals from restaurants and supermarkets at the end of the day.
Transport: Two Wheels and an OV-Card
The best investment you can make in the Netherlands? A bike. A decent second-hand one costs €100–€200 and can save you tons on transport.
If you rely on public transport, expect to spend around €40–€60 per month on buses, trams, and trains. EU students may be eligible for the student travel product (OV-chipkaart), which gives you free weekday or weekend travel.
Learn more about eligibility on DUO’s official page.
Health Insurance and Essentials
If you’re working or doing a paid internship in the Netherlands, you must have Dutch basic health insurance, which costs roughly €120–€140 per month. If you’re not working, you may be exempt, or eligible for zorgtoeslag, a government allowance that covers part of your insurance costs.
You can check your eligibility on the Dutch Tax Authority’s website.
Don’t forget smaller essentials like shampoo, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies, they add another €30–€50 each month.
