Renting a furnished studio or apartment in Arnhem

So, you’ve landed in Arnhem (or you’re about to) and you’re entering the Dutch rental market. Prepare yourself for clicking through endless listings that either look too good to be true or make you wonder if you’ll be living in someone’s attic. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. If you want that furnished accommodation in Arnhem, you’ll have to educate yourself on how to navigate the market. We make it easy for you! Everything you need to know about quickly getting your furnished housing in Arnhem, you’ll find down here. Don’t forget to take notes.

🏙️ Why choose Arnhem in the first place?

Arnhem is a great city. Seriously. It’s got the best of both worlds, you get the energy and creativity of a vibrant city, without the chaos and sky-high rent prices of Amsterdam or Rotterdam. It’s a place where you can grab an espresso macchiato in a trendy café, walk it off in a massive park, and still be home in time to binge your favorite Netflix series. Not bad, right?

This city is a bit of a hidden gem, especially for students and expats who value social life, solid education or work opportunities, and affordable housing, all in one place. It’s got a youthful vibe and a decent university crowd, but it’s also home to loads of internationals working in tech, sustainability, and design.

Arnhem is right next to the Veluwe, one of the most beautiful national parks in the Netherlands. You can literally go from class to hiking trail in 30 minutes. Whether you like jogging through the forest, biking past wild deer, or just chilling in the sun with a book, you’ll love it here.

And finally, yes, the rent. While it’s not super cheap (this is the Netherlands, after all), Arnhem offers a way better deal than the Randstad cities. You can actually find a furnished apartment or studio here without having to sell a kidney. So if you’re searching for a house for rent in Arnhem or eyeing studio apartments for rent in Arnhem, you’ve got a good shot at something affordable and livable.

🛋️ Best furnished apartments in Arnhem for expats

If you’re an expat, chances are you don’t have time (or energy) to play Dutch real-life Sims. You want a place where you can just show up, throw your suitcase on the bed, and feel at home. That’s why furnished apartments in Arnhem are such a popular choice, especially in neighborhoods where everything is nearby, the vibe is right, and the neighbors don’t mind your Dutch being, well… a work in progress.

Here are some of the best areas to look for furnished housing in Arnhem, and what makes each one special.

📍 City center (Centrum)

This is where the action is. If you’re new to Arnhem and want to be surrounded by life, the city center is a no-brainer. Here, you’ll find a great mix of modern apartment buildings and older, character-filled homes that have been divided into furnished flats and studios.

Living in the center means you’re walking distance from everything: grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, gyms, coworking spaces, nightlife, museums, and most importantly, Arnhem Central Station. For many expats who commute or travel often, being a few minutes from the train can be a lifesaver.

The apartments here tend to be more upscale and are usually well-furnished, often with stylish interiors and all the basics you need, from kitchenware to comfy beds. Yes, rents are a bit higher, but you’ll save on public transport, furniture, and probably some sanity.

City center living is perfect for:

• Expats working in Arnhem or commuting to Utrecht/Amsterdam
• Internationals looking for convenience and comfort
• Anyone who loves having coffee shops and night spots within crawling distance

📍 Spijkerkwartier

If you’re into old-school charm with a creative twist, Spijkerkwartier is calling your name. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Arnhem, and it shows, in a good way. Think narrow streets, historic facades, and hidden gardens. A lot of the houses here have been renovated and split into cozy studio apartments or shared flats, many of which come furnished.

It’s also one of Arnhem’s most diverse neighborhoods, popular with students, artists, musicians, and young professionals. That gives it a bit of a laid-back, alternative vibe. You’ll find funky cafés, yoga studios, and second-hand shops, but also a peaceful park or quiet street around the corner.

The buildings might not be as modern as those in the city center, but what you lose in stainless steel finishes, you gain in character and charm. And rent tends to be a little more affordable, too.

Spijkerkwartier is ideal for:

• Students and expats looking for a social, creative environment
• People who enjoy a “lived-in,” local neighborhood feel
• Anyone who loves vintage, greenery, and community vibes

📍 Klarendal

Klarendal is where Arnhem’s creative heart beats loudest. Once a working-class neighborhood, it’s now known for its transformation into a trendy, up-and-coming district filled with boutiques, galleries, coffee spots, and concept stores, all centered around the famous Modekwartier (Fashion Quarter).

It’s got a young, international feel, partly thanks to the number of ArtEZ students and new residents who’ve moved in over the past decade. You’ll find a growing number of renovated houses here, many offering modern, furnished studios and apartments with flexible contracts, perfect for newcomers.

Klarendal is also super walkable and just a short bike ride from both the city center and the central station. It has a “local but lively” feel, you might find yourself chatting with your neighbors at the bakery or running into a pop-up art show on your way home from work.

Klarendal is perfect for:

• Expats in creative industries or startups
• Students who want style on a budget
• People looking for a community with edge and personality

🔎 Where to rent a furnished flat in Arnhem

You’ve got options, both online and offline. Here’s a quick breakdown:

🌐 Online platforms

• Renthunter.nl – the best solution for expats to find accommodation, a platform for all accommodation ads in the netherlands
  Pararius.nl – A solid go-to for expats. Filter by “furnished” and you’re golden.
• Funda.nl – Mostly used for buying houses, but you’ll find some rentals here too.
• Kamernet.nl – Great for students looking for rooms for rent in Arnhem or even a shared apartment.
• HousingAnywhere – Caters to internationals; prices are a bit steeper, but listings are reliable.
• Facebook groups – Yep, the old-fashioned “I need a house for rent Arnhem” post still works in local housing groups.

💡Avoid sketchy landlords by sticking to platforms with verified listings. If someone asks you to wire money before you’ve seen the place? Run.

📅 When to start looking?

Timing is everything, especially in the Netherlands. If you show up in Arnhem at the end of August expecting to find a cheap furnished studio near the city center… good luck.

The best time to start searching is two to three months before your planned move-in date. This gives you time to browse, contact landlords, and schedule viewings (in person or via video call). If you’re moving in summer, the busiest season, try to start even earlier if you can.

Many landlords only post listings four to six weeks in advance, so don’t panic if you don’t see much a few months ahead. Just keep checking regularly, set up alerts, and jump on opportunities fast.

💬 Common struggles (and how to overcome them)

“Everything is either taken or costs €1,500 a month!”

Yep, welcome to the Dutch rental market. It’s competitive. But not hopeless! Set up notifications on housing platforms, message landlords fast (and in Dutch if you can, even if it’s done through ChatGPT), and don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it takes a dozen rejections before you land the right one. Think of it like dating… but with less ghosting. Hopefully.

“Do I really need a furnished place?”

If you’re staying less than a year, furnished is the way to go. It saves you time, hassle, and a lot of cash upfront. No need to buy beds, transport a fridge, or figure out where the heck to get curtains that actually fit Dutch windows.

If you’re staying longer, consider semi-furnished or even bare apartments. You can slowly furnish your place with help from Marktplaats (Dutch Craigslist), Facebook Marketplace, or that one magical friend who always knows someone giving away a couch.

“What condition should the place be in when I leave?”

Dutch landlords can be extremely picky. Your place needs to be sparkling clean and back in its original condition, or you risk losing your deposit.

Take photos when you move in (and out). Save all the emails. And yes, cleaning counts, no mold in the shower, no crumbs under the fridge. If you don’t feel like scrubbing, hire a cleaner. It’ll cost less than your deposit.

☕ What to expect from living in Arnhem

Arnhem might surprise you. It’s got history (a lot of WWII heritage), nature (Veluwe National Park is basically in its backyard), fashion (hello, niche designer shops), and enough cafés and bars to keep your weekends interesting. Plus, the locals are super chill and totally used to internationals, so even if your Dutch sounds like you’re mid-exorcism, you’ll be just fine.

Still feeling overwhelmed by housing stuff? Whether you’re confused about Dutch rental contracts, unsure how to spot a scammy listing, or just wondering where to register your new address, we’ve got your back. And hey, if you’re starting your search, check out Renthunter. It’s a handy platform for finding furnished rentals in Arnhem without all the fluff.

Need help figuring out where to get second-hand furniture that isn’t totally cursed? Or just want someone to tell you it’s going to be okay after your fifth rejected application? You’re not alone. 🙌

💡 You probably have seen the movie “A Bridge Too Far.” That bridge? It’s in Arnhem