Find out what’s trending in rent prices in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. Where can you still find affordable housing in 2025 and what’s driving the rental market in the Netherlands.
The Dutch housing market is in motion and Amsterdam rent prices, as well as median rent prices by city, are reflecting the trends in urban housing demand and affordability In this 2025 update we break down the average rent prices for rooms, studios and apartments, as well as the cost per square meter and the trends that are shaping the Netherlands’ real estate landscape. Whether you’re a student, professional or expat, this guide will give you the inside scoop on finding affordable housing and navigating the competitive rental market.
📊 Rent prices in amsterdam: Still the most expensive city
Amsterdam rent prices remain the highest in the Netherlands, with average rent prices reaching new highs in 2025. The city’s cool culture, strong job market, and international appeal keep driving demand and pushing the cost per square meter to new levels.
| Property Type | City Center | Outside City Center | Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room | €800 – €1200 | €700 – €1000 | Popular areas: De Pijp, Oost, West. |
| Studio | €1500 – €2000 | €1200 – €1600 | Cost per square meter: €35-€45 in prime areas. |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | €2200 | €1800 | Most expensive in prime areas like Jordaan. |
| 2/3-Bedroom Apartment | €3500 – €4500 | €3000 – €4000 | High demand in family-friendly neighborhoods. |
Did you know? The Amsterdam average rent price is heavily influenced by international demand, with expats and remote workers accounting for a big chunk of the tenants.
🌉 Rotterdam rent prices: A growing hub for professionals
Amsterdam house rent prices remain high, but Rotterdam rent prices are rising too. The city is still more affordable but gaining popularity among professionals and students.
| Property Type | City Center | Outside City Center | Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room | €600 – €900 | €500 – €800 | Affordable areas: Feijenoord, Charlois. |
| Studio | €1000 – €1400 | €800 – €1200 | Cost per square meter: €25-€30. |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | €1600 | €1300 | Popular areas: Kralingen, Kop van Zuid. |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | €2000 – €2800 | €1800 – €2500 | Family-friendly neighborhoods on the rise. |
💡Tips : If you’re looking for more affordable housing in Rotterdam, consider neighborhoods like Feijenoord or Charlois, where the rent prices are lower but still well connected to the city centre.
🚲 Utrecht rent prices: Balancing affordability and quality of life
Utrecht, with its beautiful canals and central location, offers a unique mix of affordability and quality of life. The Amsterdam house rent prices are significantly higher, making Utrecht a good alternative.
| Property Type | City Center | Outside City Center | Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room | €700 – €1,000 | €600 – €900 | Popular areas: Lombok, Oudwijk. |
| Studio | €1200 – €1600 | €900 – €1300 | Cost per square meter: €28-€32. |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | €1700 | €1400 | High demand near universities and train stations. |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | €2500 – €3200 | €2200 – €2800 | Growing popularity among families. |
🏛️ The Hague rent prices: The most affordable city of the Dutch major cities
The Hague, the city which brings students, expats and professionals together. It is the most affordable city among the four big cities mentioned in this article.
| Property Type | City Center | Outside City Center | Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room | €600 – €900 | €500 – €800 | Affordable areas: Laak, Escamp. |
| Studio | €1000 – €1400 | €800 – €1200 | Cost per square meter: €22-€26. |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | €1500 | €1200 | Popular areas: Statenkwartier, Benoordenhout. |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | €2000 – €2800 | €1800 – €2500 | Family-friendly neighborhoods with good amenities. |
🏡 How to find affordable housing when prices are rising?
- Look outside the city centre: Neighborhoods like Nieuw-West and Zuidoost have lower prices.
- Split costs with roommates: with flatmates can make housing a lot more affordable.
- Use reliable platforms: Websites like Pararius and HousingAnywhere and Renthunter can help you find budget options.
- Act fast: The rental market is competitive so be ready to move when you find a place.
📉 Comparing rental prices in dutch cities: Where is it cheapest to live?
When looking at rent prices in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague it’s clear that Amsterdam is the most expensive and Rotterdam and The Hague are the cheapest. Utrecht is in the middle so it’s a popular choice for many.
- Amsterdam: €700-€4500
- Rotterdam: €500-€2800
- Utrecht: €600-€3200
- The Hague: €500-€2800
Best tip: If you’re on a tight budget, consider shared housing or looking for properties outside the city center. Websites like Pararius.nl, Kamernet.nl, HousingAnywhere.com Funda.nl and Renthunter.nl are some good rental platforms to help you find a home within your budget.
📈Trends in rent prices for 2025: What’s driving the market?
The Dutch rental market in 2025 is influenced by:
- Urban housing demand: Major cities still attract students, professionals and expats, so rental demand keeps going up.
- Rental regulations: New laws will protect tenants but may also limit the supply.
- Property value: The average price per square meter in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht are rising, pushing rents up.
- Housing affordability: Despite efforts to make it more affordable many renters still struggle to find budget options.
🧠 Did you know? : The Netherlands is investing in new housing developments to address the shortage, but it may take years for these projects to impact rental prices significantly.
If you’re searching for an affordable place, looking at the median rent prices by city and house price per square meter can give a clearer picture. Amsterdam house rent prices are the highest, with prime areas exceeding €40 per m2, while Rotterdam and The Hague offer more budget-friendly options at €22-€30 per m2. Utrecht falls in between with prices around €28-€32 per m2, making it a solid choice for those who want both affordability and quality of life.
⚖️Summary table of the average rent prices in Dutch major cities
| City | Rooms | Studios | 1-Bedroom apartments | 2/3-Bedroom apartments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €700 – €1200 | €1200 – €2000 | €1800- €2200 | €3000 – €4500 |
| Rotterdam | €500 – €900 | €800 – €1400 | €1300-€1600 | €1800 – €2800 |
| Utrecht | €600 – €1000 | €900 – €1600 | €1400-€1700 | €2,200 – €3200 |
| The Hague | €500 – €900 | €800 – €1400 | 1200-€1500 | €2,000 – €2800 |
❓FAQ: Rent prices in Dutch cities in 2025
What are the trends in 2025 rent prices?
- Amsterdam: Prices are going up due to high demand, lack of supply and international appeal. Prime areas are above €40 per m2.
- Rotterdam: Popular among professionals and students, so demand and prices are going up but still more affordable than Amsterdam.
- Utrecht: Balancing affordability and quality of life with steady price increases.
- The Hague: Stable market with lots of options, some of the most affordable rents in the major cities.
What’s the price per m2 in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague?
- Amsterdam: €40+ in prime areas like Jordaan and De Pijp.
- Utrecht: €28-€32.
- Rotterdam: €25-€30 on average.
- The Hague: €22-€26, the most affordable major city.
Where is it cheapest to live in the Netherlands?
The Hague and Rotterdam are the most affordable major cities.Amsterdam is the most expensive, followed by Utrecht.
How much do furnished versus unfurnished apartments cost?
Furnished apartments cost around 10-20% more than unfurnished. For example a furnished 1-bedroom in Amsterdam might be €2200, while unfurnished is €1900.
🏁Conclusion: Navigating the Dutch rental market in 2025
The Dutch housing market is difficult, and rent prices trend with urban demand in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Amsterdam house rent prices remain the highest, while Rotterdam and The Hague offer more affordable options. Rental trends, knowledge of tenant rights, and looking into all options will determine your ability to find that perfect place to call home in the Netherlands. Be it a student, employed, or expat, starting early and being ready for a challenge in a competitive market is the way to go.
