Cost of Living in Netherlands 2025 for International Students

Living expenses in the Netherlands (Holland) consist of monthly expenses like transport books, food, accommodation, leisure activities, and clothes. So, to cover all these expenses, the estimated cost of living in the Netherlands in 2024 is approximately 8,00 EUR-12,00 EUR or 72,004 INR-1,08,006 INR per month.

However, some students' houses are more comfortable in the Netherlands, as most universities provide on-campus accommodation and help find housing facilities for students who enrol there. Below is a list of general expenses to help you better understand monthly living expenses in the Netherlands. Have a look at it:

Let us now get into detail and learn about some essential monthly expenses for Indian students in the Netherlands.

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The Dutch capital is ranked 44th globally in Mercer's 2021 cost of living report. In the Netherlands, your monthly expenses are determined by the city where you study, the type of rent you pay, and the agreements the university has made in advance. In 2025, accommodation will cost between €400 and €800 per month.

Let us learn more about these accommodations in detail.

• On Campus Accommodation

The university provides this accommodation type, and the “hostel dormitory services” are usually included in the total tuition fees. The advantage of staying on campus is the closeness to the university buildings.

It also ensures a safe environment for international students and benefits from accessing the library café and visiting other students and local citizens. Moreover, students living on campus can hang out in campus spaces, participate in various social activities, etc.

• Off-Campus Accommodation

Most international students in the Netherlands rent rooms in student houses, privately owned houses intended to host 3 to 6 individuals. The cost varies according to the type of accommodation chosen by the student.

The rent in shared houses naturally runs between 300 and 450 EUR/month, depending on location, size, and furnishing. It may even go up to 800 EUR or more in Amsterdam and lower in the smaller cities.

• University Housing

Many universities in the Netherlands don’t have campus accommodation facilities. Instead, they provide student housing through different housing organisations.

Although the prices and facilities are similar to privately owned ones, this housing facility benefits international students by allowing them to meet other students and thus quickly enlarge their social circle.

The nation has a vast public transportation network travels throughout the metropolis, including metros, buses, trams, etc. A student's monthly travel expenses would be about 88 EUR (INR 7,920). However, it changes based on the university's distance from where you live.

In addition, you can rent a bike around the city, which is an inexpensive way to travel. Presenting your student with an I-Card can also receive discounts for being a student while using these public transportation options. The following is a discussion of approximate transportation costs for overseas students studying in the Netherlands:

Most on-campus housing services include meals and groceries in the monthly fee. Purchasing groceries and takeout will cost extra if you live in a privately rented apartment. Due to differences in living standards and other amenities, certain cities may be more expensive than others. Larger cities like Rotterdam or Amsterdam will cost much more for meals and shopping than smaller ones like Groningen or Eindhoven.

Have a look at some essential living expenses in Netherlands for Indian students.

The healthcare system in the Netherlands is very high and funded by a required insurance scheme. EU and non-EU official residents must take this mandatory Dutch health insurance.

On average, Dutch residents will recompense 125 EUR/ per month for their “base insurance,” including an annual deductible of 385 EUR. However, raising your yearly deductible to 885 EUR will increase your monthly health insurance costs in the Netherlands between 85 and 91 EUR per month.

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Students at Dutch institutions can choose between two distinct tuition cost schedules according to their nationality. Students from the Netherlands and the EU/EEA pay the same "statutory tuition fees" at all universities, which the government determines.

International students from other schools must pay "institutional tuition fees," which differ for every university. The tuition charge for students from EU/EEA countries is around €2,530. The table below lists the tuition costs for non-EU/EEA students attending renowned Dutch universities.

Here are a few tips that can help Indian students manage their Netherlands expenses. These are given below:

• Student ID Card

Your University ID card is an acceptable form of identification. You can avail of many discounts by showing your ID card at museums, restaurants, etc. In addition to savings, searching for a part-time job or an internship will help you manage the cost of living in Netherlands.

• Scholarships in the Netherlands

Scholarships are available for international students from diverse backgrounds, considering their country of origin, financial situation, and academic qualifications. Both the government and universities offer various scholarship programs in the Netherlands. 

The cost of living in Netherlands can be affordable for students if they obtain scholarships to finance and support their studies and stay in the Country.

• Groceries

Apart from your rent, the most important factor is food and groceries, which you need to pay monthly. To save the cost of groceries, you can go to farmer’s markets, discount supermarkets, and many others. And if you are not so fond of cooking, the best option is to grab a meal from the university cafeteria, as they offer food that ranges between 5 - 8 EUR.

• Transportation

When travelling in the Netherlands, you can purchase a ticket for a few hours or a day. For example, a 1-hour ticket in Amsterdam costs 3.20 EUR, while a day ticket costs 8.50 EUR. However, buying a public transport card is the best way to save money. 

This will permit you to travel using all modes of public transport in the Netherlands. You can buy a modified or anonymous card for 7.50 EUR. The modified card will let you use additional products, such as public hire bikes at every Dutch station and discounts outside rush hour.

• Rent

Housing accommodation is essential for international students because it takes up most of their budget. While renting a private space, remember to check whether the apartment is unfurnished or furnished and how much money you need to pay for additional utilities every month. Rent in the Netherlands averages 400-600 EUR/ per month in a shared apartment or a student housing building.

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Considering these differences is vital when choosing where to study & live in this beautiful country. The Netherlands is a small state but one of the most densely occupied globally. With that comes lots of diverse people and cities rich in culture. The following different towns in the Netherlands for international students are:

To manage the cost of living in the Netherlands for Indian students, one should calculate the expected expenses to spend and live in the Netherlands. And the type of lifestyle you want before moving into the country.

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In conclusion, managing the cost of living in the Netherlands necessitates a balanced strategy because it blends a world-class standard of living with comparatively high living expenses. Cities with higher cost indices, such as Amsterdam and Utrecht, are well-known for their rich cultural life, first-rate public services, and comprehensive social security system, making the country worth visiting. Overall, making the most of what the Netherlands offers requires students and expats to comprehend and adjust to the country's financial structure.

If you are looking for more information regarding the cost of living in Netherlands for international students in 2024, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

1. What is the cost of living in Netherlands?

The cost of living in Netherlands for Indian family can range from 8,00 EUR to 12,00 EUR per month, which includes transport rents, books, food, accommodation, leisure activities, and clothes.

2. Is it expensive to live in the Netherlands?

The cost of living in the Netherlands will depend on where you decide to reside. If you choose to stay in the Capital city, Amsterdam, it will cost you more than other cities, which are comparatively less costly.

3. Is the Netherlands more costly than India?

 the cost of living in the Netherlands is 117% more expensive than in India. Food is 151% more costly in the Netherlands. Housing costs are 333% more expensive than in India. Transportation costs are 198% higher in the Netherlands compared to India.

4. Is the Netherlands safe for international students to live in?

The Netherlands is a safe country to live in presently; it ranks as the 21st most harmless country in the world according to the 2021 World's Safest Country Index.

5. How much does healthcare in the Netherlands cost?

On average, Dutch residents will recompense 125 EUR/ per month for their “base insurance,” including an annual deductible of 385 EUR. However, raising your yearly deductible to 885 EUR will increase your monthly health insurance costs in the Netherlands between 85 and 91 EUR per month.

6. How much do I have to spend on groceries in the Netherlands?

The most significant expense, besides rent, is groceries and meals, which you must pay for each month. You can visit cheap supermarkets, farmer's markets, and many other places to save money on groceries. Additionally, the university cafeteria offers cuisine that costs 5 to 8 EUR, so if you're not too fond of cooking, this is your best bet for lunch.

7. What is on-campus accommodation?

The institution offers this lodging, and the overall tuition costs typically cover the " hostel dormitory services. Being near the university buildings is a benefit of living on campus. Additionally, it guarantees a secure atmosphere for international students, who may take advantage of the library café and socialise with other students and locals. University residents can socialise, hang out on campus, and engage in different activities.

8. What is the cost of food and drinks in the Netherlands?

Most on-campus housing services include meals and groceries in the monthly fee. Purchasing groceries and takeout will cost extra if you live in a privately rented apartment. Due to differences in living standards and other amenities, certain cities may be more expensive than others.

9. Is 4000 euros a good salary in the Netherlands?

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

10. Do people in the Netherlands speak English?

The English language is spoken by the immense majority of the population in the Netherlands, with estimates of English proficiency reaching between 90% to 93% of the Dutch people.