Exploring neighborhoods in Eindhoven: where to find affordable apartments?

Thinking about moving to Eindhoven? Solid move. Whether you’re a student flying in for a semester, an expat starting fresh, or just someone who’s over their current place, finding a decent spot to live here can be… a bit of a mission (to say the least). Feels like the good places are gone before you even click on them, right?

Nevertheless, in this guide we’ll walk you through where to rent apartment Eindhoven Netherlands without going broke in the process. From the most affordable neighborhoods to sneaky tips on how to beat the crowd, and why chilling near Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) might be a smart move, we’ve packed it all in.

🏙️ Why Eindhoven is such a popular place to live

Eindhoven isn’t just known for light bulbs and big tech companies, though yes, it is where the company Philips was born and where half of Europe’s tech startups seem to hang out. But the city has way more to it than that. It’s creative, green, and full of refreshing international energy. We are talking about a noticeable mix of innovation, art, and “gezelligheid” (that cozy Dutch feeling you can’t really translate).

The city knows fast public transport, an great number of bike lanes, loads of parks for your Sunday picnics, and plenty of bars and cafés to enjoy your evenings at. Thanks to Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Design Academy Eindhoven, and the High Tech Campus, there’s a constant flow of students, young professionals, and expats, which means that there are always a lot of interesting people around to meet.

What about the lifestyle? It’s actually pretty chill. You can live centrally without having to sell a kidney (well, maybe half a kidney), and still have money left for stroopwafels and bicycle repairs.

The only real downside? The housing market is a warzone. Like, by the time you click refresh, the apartment’s already rented. However, with the right info and a bit of hard work, you’ll absolutely find your very own perfect Eindhoven apartment.

💸 Most affordable neighborhoods in Eindhoven

Let’s be fair, Eindhoven is not the cheapest city in the Netherlands, but it’s definitely not the most expensive one either (looking at you, Amsterdam). We’ll give you a list of budget-friendly areas where you can find some decent rental apartments Eindhoven style:

🌳 Woensel-Zuid

Woensel-Zuid is a mixed neighborhood not too far from the center, and it’s a solid choice if you want something affordable but still convenient. You’ll find a mix of students, young families, and internationals here. Oh, and the Woenselse Markt? Great food, chill vibes.

🚊 Strijp

The are of Strijp used to be the industrial heart of Eindhoven and is now home to renovated warehouses turned into lofts, studios, and art spaces. It’s trendy but still offers apartments for rent Eindhoven that are cheaper than in the city center.

💡Bonus: You’re just a bike ride away from TU/e and High Tech Campus.

🏡 Tongelre

If you like quiet streets and plenty of green spaces, Tongelre might be your jam. It’s a bit further from the center, but you’ll find lower prices and larger spaces. Perfect for sharing with a roommate or two.

🛤️ Gestel

Another peaceful area, especially near the canal. This district is often overlooked by students, which is good news for you because rent is lower and there’s less competition. Call it a hidden gem if you will.

🎓 Student-friendly areas to live in Eindhoven

If you’re on the hunt for a student apartment Eindhoven or a place to share with fellow exam warriors, here’s where you should look:

🔬 Near TU/e campus

Living close to Eindhoven University of Technology saves time and money. The neighborhoods around TU/e, like Binnenstad, Oude Gracht, and parts of Woensel-Zuid, have a lot of studio apartment in Eindhoven options, student housing, and shared flats.

🧃 De Bennekel

This area might not win any beauty contests, but it’s cheap and well connected. There’s a reason students love it, it’s budget-friendly, has basic shops, and is close enough to both the university and the nightlife.

🛍️ Centrum (city center)

Okay, it’s not cheap, but hear us out. Sometimes you’ll find a small apartment for rent Eindhoven in the city center that’s not a total rip-off, especially if it’s a short stay apartment Eindhoven or a room in a shared flat.

🔍 How to find budget apartments in Eindhoven

Now for the good stuff. Here’s how you can outsmart the competition and find an affordable apartment rent Eindhoven without having to lose your mind:

🧭 Use the right platforms

Yes, we’re biased, but Renthunter is your best friend here. With a focus on personally helping expats and students find housing without having to break bank. New listings pop up all the time, and you can even set alerts so you don’t miss out on good deals.

Other platforms worth checking:

• Pararius
• Kamernet
• Facebook Groups

💡 Pro tip: Avoid sites that charge a fortune for “priority access.” It’s not always worth it.

📧 Reach out to landlords early

If you see a listing that looks good, don’t wait. Email, call, send a pigeon if you have to. The sooner you get in touch, the better your chances. And always personalize your message, landlords get dozens of copy-pasted emails a day.

🪪 Get your documents ready

You’ll usually need:

• A valid ID or passport
• Proof of enrollment (if you’re a student)
• Proof of income or guarantor letter
• Sometimes a short intro or motivation letter (yep, even for a 20m² box with a toilet in the kitchen)

🏘️ Best districts in Eindhoven for affordable housing

Let’s zoom out a bit. Beyond just “cheap,” where can you find good vibes, enough space, and a decent price?

Here are our top picks for apartments in Eindhoven Netherlands that balance cost and comfort:

• Strijp – Industrial-chic and filled with artists, coffee spots, and tech bros.
• Woensel-Zuid – Diverse and vibrant, with lots of international residents.
• Tongelre – Green, peaceful, and good for couples or remote workers.
• Gestel – Great for students who want more peace and quiet.

Each of these areas has a range of Eindhoven apartments for rent, from shared student housing to private studios.

🎓 Affordable rental options near Eindhoven University of Technology

If you’re studying at TU/e and want to skip long commutes (or just enjoy rolling out of bed 10 minutes before class), here are a few neighborhoods worth checking out:

• Binnenstad – Right in the heart of the city. It’s super convenient, but yeah, expect to pay a bit more for that prime location.
• Oude Gracht – A bit quieter than the center, but still close to everything. It’s a nice middle ground.
• Lakerlopen – Slightly further away, but still easy to bike to campus, and way more affordable.

Oh, and if you’re lucky, you might score a short stay apartment near TU/e. These are usually furnished and move-in ready, which is great if you’re coming from abroad. Just don’t expect a hot tub and skyline view, unless your budget says otherwise.

💼 Top places to live in Eindhoven for young professionals

If you’re working in Eindhoven (especially in tech or design), you probably want somewhere that’s cool, commutable, and not full of drunk students singing karaoke at 2 AM (unless you’re into that).

🖥️ Strijp-S

Strijp-S has a creative, modern feel with lots of cafés and old buildings turned into cool apartments. It’s a popular area for young professionals, especially if you work at the High Tech Campus. Rent is a bit higher, but still fair for what you get.

🌆 Centrum

If you want to live near restaurants, bars, and public transport, the city center is a solid choice. It’s not the cheapest area, but you can sometimes find a good deal on a studio or short-stay apartment if you keep an eye out.

🚴‍♀️ Woensel-Noord

A bit more residential, with plenty of family housing and some cheaper apartment buildings. If you’re okay biking 20 minutes to work, you can get a much better deal here.

🛏️ Furnished vs unfurnished: what’s the deal?

One thing that tends to confuse a lot of newcomers when looking at apartments for rent in Eindhoven is what exactly “furnished” means. In most countries, furnished usually means the basics, like a bed, table, chairs, maybe even a couch and TV. But in the Netherlands, the definitions can vary a lot.

In general, rental apartments in Eindhoven come in three exciting (and sometimes slightly shocking) flavors:

🧱 Kaal (bare)

This one’s exactly what it sounds like, bare bones. You’re literally getting a concrete box. No flooring, no curtains, no light fixtures, no kitchen appliances. Sometimes, you even have to install your own light bulbs or oven. No, this is not a joke. Dutch landlords really said: “Here’s a shell. Good luck!”

Pros:

• Cheapest option
• Full control over how you furnish the place

Cons:

• High upfront costs
• You’ll spend your first week living like a Sims character before the furniture gets delivered

🧶 Gestoffeerd (semi-furnished)

This is a much more manageable option, especially if you’re staying longer than a few months. A semi-furnished apartment usually includes flooring (laminate or carpet), window coverings (curtains or blinds), and basic light fixtures. Some might even throw in kitchen cabinets or built-in appliances like a stove or fridge.

Pros:

• Move-in ready without major expenses
• More affordable than fully furnished apartments
• Great for long-term stays

Cons:

• Still need to bring your own furniture, bed, table, etc.

This is a good fit for students or expats staying in Eindhoven for a year or longer. You won’t have to deal with fully furnishing a place yourself, but you’ll still save some money compared to renting something that’s completely furnished.

🪑 Gemeubileerd (furnished)

A furnished apartment in Eindhoven means you can pretty much move in with just your suitcase, and maybe a plant if you’re feeling fancy. You’ll usually get a bed, sofa, wardrobe, table, some kitchen stuff, and sometimes even things like towels or a vacuum. These are great if you’re looking for a short stay or just don’t want to deal with buying furniture.

Pros:

• Super convenient
• No need to waste time or money on furnishing
• Perfect for short-term stays, internships, or remote workers passing through

Cons:

• Higher monthly rent
• Furniture might not be your style (say hello to that 2004 beige couch)
• Some landlords charge extra fees or require higher deposits

🧳 so… which one should you choose?

Here’s the deal:

• If you’re only in town for a few months or don’t want to deal with buying furniture, go furnished.
• If you’re staying longer and want to save money in the long run, go semi-furnished.
• If you’re on a super tight budget and don’t mind turning your apartment into a DIY project, go bare (but stock up on tools and patience).

📦 Final tips from Renthunter

Alright, let’s wrap it up with a few quick fire tips for scoring the best apartments Eindhoven Netherlands:

• Set a daily search schedule (new listings come and go fast)
• Don’t fall for scams (if the rent is €400 in the center… yeah, it’s fake)
• Get a roommate if you’re short on cash
• Use Renthunter for verified listings and actual support
• Say yes to neighborhoods you hadn’t considered, sometimes the best deals are one bus stop away

Still feeling stuck? Just head over to Renthunter and let us help you out. Whether you’re after a student apartment Eindhoven, a cozy studio, or a place to crash while you job-hunt, we’ve got the listings (and the memes) to make apartment-hunting suck a little less.