Cost of Living in Netherlands for International Students in 2026

Are you considering the Netherlands as your study abroad destination? If so, it’s crucial to check the cost of living in Netherlands, in order to plan your budget effectively. The Netherlands is an excellent choice for students, boasting world-renowned universities, top-tier facilities, and a high standard of living. When considering studying in this country, students must take into account various living costs, including tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare. Other additional expenses include electricity, water, gas, and internet.

Cost of living in the Netherlands for a single person ranges from €800 to €1,500 (INR 72,600 to 1,36,100) per month. The average living costs in the Netherlands for a family are around €3,300 to €4,500 (INR 2,99,400 to 4,08,400) per month, including rent. This article provides detailed information on all potential expenses that students will incur while living in the Netherlands.

Table of Contents

• Average Cost of Living in Netherlands for International students
• Cost of accommodation in the Netherlands
• Cost of food and drinks in the Netherlands
• Cost of transportation in the Netherlands
• Cost of healthcare in the Netherlands
• Top universities in the Netherlands
• Tips to reduce living costs in the Netherlands
• City-wise Comparison of Living Costs in the Netherlands
• FAQs

Average Cost of Living in Netherlands for International students 

An International student needs an average of €800 to €1,500 EUR (INR 72,600 to 1,36,100) per month to cover their cost of living in the Netherlands. It includes numerous expenses like tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, clothes, and much more. It is imperative that students have a clear picture of all possible living expenses in the Netherlands to plan out their budget. An overview of the living expenses in the Netherlands is given below.

Factors	Average Cost Per Month (EUR)	Amount in INR
Accommodation	Shared Apartments: €400 - 700 Student Houses: €350 - 600 Private Houses: €800 - 1000	Shared Apartments: INR 36,410 - 63,710 Student Houses: INR 31,860 - 54,610 Private Houses: INR 72,820 - 91,026
Transportation	€40 - 80	INR 3,640 - 7,280
Food	€160 - 180	INR 14,560 - 16,380
Internet	€35 - 60	INR 3,180 - 5,460
Entertainment	€40 - 110	INR 3,578 - 9,839
Miscellaneous	€120 – 240	INR 10,920 - 21,840

Cost of accommodation in the Netherlands

The cost of accommodation in the Netherlands ranges from €400 to €1,000 (Rs. 36,300 to Rs. 90,750) per month. Students have several housing options offered by the government, universities, local families, and private organisations. The cost varies depending on the city and the type of accommodation. Let’s look at the various accommodation facilities available for international students.

On-Campus accommodation

Universities have “hostel dormitories” where students can stay for a cost that is usually included in the tuition fees. Students staying on campus have the convenience of not having to travel long distances. They also have easy access to campus facilities such as the library and cafe. Students have a safe and comfortable environment to live and experience the vibrant campus life where they can expand their social circle.

Off-Campus accommodation

Many students prefer to rent rooms in student houses or privately-owned houses. These facilities usually host up to 6 individuals and the rent ranges from €300 to €500 per month. The rent varies depending on factors such as size, location, and furnishing. In major cities like Amsterdam, the rent can reach €800 per month while it’s lower in smaller cities.

University Housing

Universities that don’t have on campus accommodation facilities, partner with housing organisations to provide students with housing arrangements. The cost of staying at university housing is more or less the same as private-owned houses. Students get to experience the community atmosphere and they can collaborate with their peers from different cultural backgrounds.

Homestays

Students can choose to stay with a dutch host family if they want to experience the dutch culture and traditions. Homestays are an excellent way for students to learn the language, lifestyle, habits, and customs of their host country. The price range for homestays varies based on the location and amenities provided. Since many of the host families reside on the outskirts of the city, students need to walk or use public transportation for their daily commute.

Housing	Monthly Rent (EUR)	Amount in INR
Shared Apartments	€400 to €700	₹36,430 - 63,760
Student Houses	€350 to €600	₹31,880 - 54,650
Private Owned Houses	€800 to €1000	₹72,870 - 91,090

Cost of transportation in the Netherlands

Students need to spend an average of 60 to 90 euros (₹5,440 to ₹8,160) per month on transportation. The fares vary depending on the location of the university and distance of commute. Holland has several means of transportation such as buses, metros, trams, trains, ferries, etc. Students can also choose to bike to their destination as it’s cheap and an effective way to save money. Students can avail discounts at public transport by using their student ID card. It is recommended that students get an OV chipcard to pay for their travels as it allows them to add passes, avail discounts, and keep track of their travel expenses.

Factors	Average Cost (EUR)	Amount in INR
Rented Bikes	€50 - 150	INR 4,550 - 13,660
Train Ticket (Single Fare)	€4 - 5	INR 360 - 450
Trams	€3 - 5	INR 270 - 450
Taxi	€2.30 / km	INR 210 / km
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	€27,000	INR 24,59,530
Gasoline (1 litre)	€1.97	INR 180

Cost of food and drinks in the Netherlands

For students living in campus dormitories, meals would be provided as part of their accommodation package. Students living in private houses need to spend an average of 150 EUR to 200 EUR (INR 13,610 to INR 18,150) per month shopping on food and drinks. The cost of groceries vary depending on the city the student is residing in. It’s because large cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam have a higher standard of living compared to smaller cities like Groningen or Eindhoven.

Items	Cost (EUR)	Amount in INR
Combo meal at fast food, McDonalds	€10	INR 910
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	€15 - 30	INR 1360 - 2730
Milk (1 litre)	€1.08	INR 98
Apples (1kg)	€1.61	INR 146
Oranges (1kg)	€2	INR 150
Bananas (1kg)	€2.19	INR 200
Pizza	€10	INR 910
Coffee	€3	INR 270
Groceries (per month)	€85 - 100	INR 7740 - 9110

Cost of healthcare in the Netherlands

The healthcare system in the Netherlands requires individuals to have an insurance scheme. It is mandatory for both the EU and non-EU official residents to take Dutch health insurance. If you are a salaried employee working part-time or completing an internship, then you will be covered in the WIz scheme and you need to take Dutch health insurance. The base insurance for Dutch residents costs 125 EUR (INR 11,340) per month with an annual deductible of 385 EUR (INR 34,940). By raising your annual deductible to 885 EUR (INR 80,310), your monthly health insurance in the Netherlands will cost between 85 to 91 EUR (INR 7,710 to 8,250) per month.

Treatment	Cost (EUR)	Amount in INR
Health screening	€1,000 - 1,600	INR 91,094 - 1,45,750
Inpatient treatment	€500 - 1,200	INR 45,540 - 1,09,310
Onsite treatment	€40 - 80	INR 3,640 - 7,280
Childbirth	€3,190.00	INR 2,90,580

Top universities in the Netherlands for International Students

Netherland universities have two different tuition fees structures for students based on their nationality. Dutch students and EU/EEA students pay the same “statutory tuition fees” at all universities as set by the government. Students from other internationals have to pay the “institutional tuition fees” that vary with each university. For students from EU/EAA countries, the tuition fee costs around €2,530. The cost of tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students at popular universities in the Netherlands are as given in the table below.

Name of the University	QS World University Rank 2026	Annual Tuition Fees (EUR)	Amount In INR
Delft University of Technology	47	€15,000 - 19,000	INR 13,68,820 - 17,33,830
University of Amsterdam	53	€9,000 - 20,000	INR 821,290 - 18,25,090
Utrecht University	103	€10,000 - 20,000	INR 912,540 - 18,25,090
Leiden University	119	€12,000 - 19,000	INR 10,95,050 - 17,33,830
Eindhoven University of Technology	140	€6,000 - 16,000	INR 547,520 - 14,60,074
Erasmus University Rotterdam	140	€10,000 - 18,000	INR 912,540 - 16,42,580
Leiden University	141	€12,000 - 19,000	INR 10,95,050 - 17,33,830
Wageningen University & Research	153	€15,000 - 18,000	INR 13,68,820 - 16,42,580

The Netherlands has several world-class universities with state of the art facilities, diverse campus life, and a wide range of globally recognised programmes. Let’s look at how much it costs to study at public universities and private universities, along with the availability of scholarships for international students.

Tuition fees at public universities 

Tuition fees for students from EU/EEA countries is lower compared to the fees set for students from other countries. For Indian students, annual tuition fees range from 6,000 EUR to 20,000 EUR (INR 5,44,530 to INR 18,15,110). Dutch public universities provide several undergraduate and postgraduate English courses for international students. 

Tuition fees at private universities 

Private universities charge an average tuition fee of 20,000 EUR to 30,000 EUR (INR 18,15,110 to INR 27,22,670) per academic year. Private universities obviously charge more fees than public universities. The Netherlands (also called Holland) has around sixty private universities that offer various levels of degree programs for international students. 

Scholarships 

Scholarships are awarded to eligible students by several leading universities in the Netherlands. Students can acquire scholarships based on their country of origin, financial situation, and academic qualifications. There are popular scholarship programs like the Erasmus Mundus scholarship and the NL scholarship (formerly known as the Holland scholarship) for Non-EU students.

Tips to reduce living expenses in the Netherlands

Here are the tips for students to incorporate into their daily lives in the Netherlands to manage and reduce their cost of living.

Rent

Rent is the biggest expense for any international student. Select a city where rent is within your budget. Compare prices between furnished and unfurnished apartments to find which best suits your needs and budget. If you need to buy utilities, make sure you don’t overspend. Try shopping at thrift stores or facebook marketplace to find items at cheap and affordable prices. Monthly rent at shared apartments and student housing buildings ranges from €400 to €800 (₹36,300 to ₹72,600).

Transportation

Try to use a bike as your primary mode of transportation if you live close to your university. If not, public transportation is the best way to get around the city at affordable prices. In Amsterdam, a 1-hour ticket costs €3.40 (₹308), while a one-day ticket and seven days ticket costs €9 (₹816) and €41 (₹3,720) respectively. You can purchase a public transport card which allows you to use all modes of public transportation while saving money. There are anonymous and personal ov-chipkaart available for sale. With these cards, students can avail discounts outside rush hour and hire bikes at all Dutch stations. Seasonal tickets are available from time to time which students would find very useful.

Food and Groceries

When it comes to food, home-cooked meals are the best option for students to save money. As far as shopping is concerned, students need to check with all retail outlets in their area to find the best price as costs can vary from one store to another. Mobile applications like Reclamefolder allows you to find grocery items on sale at stores nearby your surroundings. Look for farmers markets and discount supermarkets in your locality to purchase groceries at reasonable prices. Buying items in bulk can get you a good deal or discounts at many stores. Coupons are an excellent way to get great deals at both physical stores and online stores. College cafeterias provide meals at an average price of 5 to 10 euros (INR 450 to 900).

Loyalty Cards and Subscriptions

Many shops offer bonus cards or loyalty programs which students can use to avail discounts and save money in the long run. Scan your bonus card at the checkout counter and get the best deals. Find the cheapest subscriptions available in your locality for services like phone and internet.

Scholarships in Netherlands

Students can obtain scholarships to significantly reduce or completely eliminate their tuition fee expenses. In the Netherlands, several scholarship programs are offered by the government and universities to support international students from diverse backgrounds with good academic qualifications.

Student ID Card

Your student ID card can get discounts at restaurants, stores, museums, etc. There are dedicated apps where you can obtain student discount codes. You can also sign up for part-time jobs to earn money and cover your daily expenses.

City-Wise Comparison of Living Costs in the Netherlands

Students need to compare the cost of living in different cities in the Netherlands to make an informed decision. Living cost is influenced by factors such as the location, universities, population, and facilities in the respective cities. The cities in the Netherlands that international students can compare for costs and choose from are:

City	Average Cost of Living (EUR)	Amount in INR
Amsterdam	€800 - 1450 per month	INR 72,820 - 1,31,980
Tilburg	€710 - 1210 per month	INR 64,620 - 11,01,040
Rotterdam	€750 - 1200 per month	INR 68,270 - 1,09,230
Delft	€775 - 1210 per month	INR 70,540 - 1,10,140
Utrecht	€800 - 1100 per month	INR 72,820 - 1,00,120
The Hague	€800 - 1200 per month	INR 72,820 - 1,09,230

Conclusion

Students aspiring to study in the Netherlands should consider all factors involved in terms of the various expenses involved in their preferred standard of living. One can effectively manage their cost of living in Netherlands and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, given they plan their budget ahead of time.

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• Cost of living in Canada
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• Cost of living in USA

FAQs

1. What is the cost of living in the Netherlands for Indians?

The cost of living in the Netherlands for Indians can range from 810 to 1,100 Euros per month, including food, rent, transportation, books, and leisure expenses. 

2. What is the cost of living in the Netherlands for a family?

For a family of four (husband, wife and two children), the cost of living in the Netherlands ranges from 3,300 to 4,500 EUR per month including rent.

3. What is the living cost in the Netherlands for a single person?

The living costs for a single person in the Netherlands is about 800 to 1,500 EUR per month.

4. What is the living cost in the Netherlands for couples?

For couples living in the Netherlands, the living costs range from 1,600 to 2,100 EUR per month excluding rent.

5. What is the living cost in the Netherlands for expats?

The living costs for an expat in the Netherlands can average between 800 to 1,200 EUR per month.

6. What is the cost of living in Netherlands for Indian students? 

The living costs in the Netherlands for Indian students can range from 72,900 to 1,18,500 lakh rupees per month. Living expenses include rent, food, transportation, clothes, leisure activities, among other things. 

7. Is it expensive to live in the Netherlands?

The cost of living in the Netherlands depends on the area you live in. For instance, living expenses in Amsterdam are high compared to other cities, where the costs are lower.

8. Is 4000 euro a good salary in Netherlands?

Yes, 4000 euros is a good salary in the Netherlands, provided you live in affordable areas with moderate cost of living. Living in Amsterdam will be more expensive and you would need a bigger salary to live a comfortable lifestyle.

9. Is Netherlands costly than India?

Yes, the cost of living in the Netherlands is 199% more expensive than in India. Food in the Netherlands is 159% more costly than in India. Housing costs in the Netherlands are 303% more expensive than in India. Transportation costs in the Netherlands are 211% higher compared to India.