Looking for a cheap apartment in the Netherlands can feel like trying to win the lottery. Especially if you’re a student or expat staring at overpriced listings in Amsterdam, wondering if that “cozy” 9m² room is just a closet with Wi-Fi.
The good news? You’re not the only one, and no, you don’t need to sell a kidney to find a decent place.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll show you how to find cheap apartments in Amsterdam, The Hague, and other student-friendly cities across the Netherlands. Plus, we’ll look at smart alternatives like co-living, student housing, and short-stay options.
🧭 Where to start your search
Let’s begin with the basics. Here’s where to look if you want to find a cheap apartment in the Netherlands:
- RentHunter – Curated listings for students and expats, with useful search filters and verified landlords.
- Kamernet – Especially popular for student rooms and flatshares.
- HousingAnywhere – Ideal for international students.
- Pararius – More high-end, but you might get lucky.
- Facebook groups – But be VERY careful. Scams are everywhere. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
💡 Pro tip: Always ask if registration (inschrijving) is possible. Without it, you can’t register at the municipality, which means no DigiD, no health insurance, no student finance, no nothing.
🛏️ Cheap apartments in Amsterdam (yes, they exist)
Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe when it comes to housing, but there are still ways to find cheap apartments in Amsterdam if you know where to look:
- Look outside the center. Think Amsterdam-Noord, Bijlmer, or even nearby cities like Diemen or Amstelveen.
- Search for shared housing instead of studios. Sharing a flat = lower rent + instant social life.
- Check for short-stay apartments. Some are surprisingly affordable, especially during off-peak seasons or between academic semesters. Use terms like amsterdam short stay apartments cheap when searching.
- Student housing providers like DUWO often offer better prices than private landlords.
⛔ Avoid:
- Agencies that charge illegal fees (only landlords can pay agency costs).
- Listings without photos.
- “Too good to be true” deals with no viewings.
🧳 Cheap apartments for rent in The Hague
If you’re looking for cheap apartments for rent in The Hague, good news, it’s generally more affordable than Amsterdam, and still has great public transport connections, universities, and the beach!
Areas to look:
- Laakkwartier – Student-friendly and close to The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
- Moerwijk & Escamp – More space for your money.
- Rijswijk – A nearby town that’s often cheaper, but still close to the city.
💡RentHunter lists cheap apartments and rooms in The Hague with clear contract terms and landlord reviews. Definitely worth checking.
🎓 Cheap apartments near universities
Here’s a quick list of Dutch cities with universities and typically cheaper student housing:
| City | Why it’s affordable | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Groningen | Huge student population, many rooms available | Check SSH and HousingAnywhere |
| Tilburg | Smaller city, lower demand = cheaper prices | Great for shared apartments |
| Enschede | TU Twente students love this budget-friendly town | Focus on student housing providers |
| Leiden | Bit pricey, but suburbs like Voorschoten are cheap | Good train access from nearby towns |
| Rotterdam | Mixed market, cheap options in south & west | Use terms like cheap apartment for rent |
🛠️ Cheap alternatives to traditional renting
If you can’t afford your own place (or don’t want to live alone), here are some great alternatives:
🛏️ Shared housing / flatshares
Still one of the most common ways students live in the Netherlands. You’ll have your own room, and share the kitchen/bathroom. It’s cheaper and more social.
🏘️ Co-living spaces
Modern and popular among young professionals. Think: furnished rooms, shared facilities, flexible contracts, cleaning included. Examples include:
- The Social Hub
- OurDomain
- Student Experience
They’re not always the cheapest, but sometimes they offer better value for money than renting alone.
🏫 Student housing (DUWO, SSH, etc.)
These are reserved for students and often subsidized. Expect basic rooms but very affordable rent.
💡 How to spot a real deal (and avoid scams)
Checklist before you say “yes” to that “perfect” cheap amsterdam apartment for rent:
✅ Does it allow registration? ✅ Can you visit the place in person or via video call? ✅ Are there clear photos? ✅ Is the landlord or agency responsive and transparent? ✅ Is the price suspiciously low?
And if you ever feel unsure, check listings on RentHunter first. Their listings are vetted, and you won’t find fake landlords asking for cash in advance.
💸 What does “cheap” actually mean in 2025?
Here’s a ballpark idea of monthly rent prices for students and expats:
| City | Shared room | Studio | 1-bedroom apt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €550–€750 | €850–€1,100 | €1,200+ |
| The Hague | €450–€650 | €700–€950 | €1,000+ |
| Groningen | €400–€600 | €600–€800 | €850–€1,000 |
| Rotterdam | €500–€700 | €800–€1,000 | €1,100+ |
💡Keep in mind: rent includes basic costs, but not always utilities (gas/water/electricity). Read the fine print!
📦 Final tips before signing a contract
- Read your contract carefully. Especially clauses about deposit, notice period, and rent increases.
- Check if utilities are included. Sometimes “all-in” isn’t really all-in.
- Avoid paying large sums before seeing the property. Big red flag.
- Ask if furniture is included. Some listings look amazing… until you realize they’re empty.
- Use platforms like RentHunter for clear listings and real support.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cheap apartments in the Netherlands
Can I find cheap apartments in Amsterdam city center? Rarely. But you can find decent rooms just outside the center that are affordable and well-connected by public transport.
Is it possible to find a furnished apartment for cheap? Sometimes, especially with short-stay or co-living setups. But expect to pay a bit more for the furniture.
Are short stay apartments cheaper than long-term? Depends on the season and location. They’re great for flexible stays, but long-term contracts are usually cheaper per month.
What’s the cheapest city to rent in as a student? Groningen and Enschede tend to be cheapest. Amsterdam is (unsurprisingly) the most expensive.
Should I use Facebook groups to find housing? You can, but be cautious. Scams are common. Never send money before a contract is signed and you’ve seen the place.
Do I need to speak Dutch to rent? Nope. Most landlords speak English, especially in cities with lots of internationals. But learning basic Dutch does help.
