Cost of Living in the Netherlands for International Students in 2024

Ever tried comparing the cost of living in the Netherlands with other EU nations? Isn’t it one of the most affordable European nations for an international student? QS Top Universities shares that you will need somewhere between €800 and €1,000 per month in living expenses in the Netherlands.

A relatively affordable living cost, complemented by good part-time opportunities and pay, makes studying in the Netherlands one of the best student-friendly destinations.

 

Cost of Living in the Netherlands for Indian Students-2024 Updated

The living costs in the Netherlands for Indian students range from €975 to €1500 per month. This includes:

1. Transportation: This covers your monthly expenses for a Netherlands public transport pass and occasional taxi rides.

2. Utilities: These are your basic monthly bills for electricity, water, heating, and garbage collection in an average-sized apartment.

3. Accommodation: We've listed the average costs for one-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments both in the city center and outside it.

Category	Monthly Cost (Euros)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Food
Meals and groceries	258 - 310	14,000 - 15,000
Accommodation
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City	1,362.66	123,744.52
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside city	1,086.50	98,666.15
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City	2,141.98	194,515.35
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside city	1,711.79	155,449.36
Transportation
Basic one-way public transport	102	9,269.45
Utilities
Basic utilities for 85m² apartment	224.43	19,525.41

Source: Numbeo

Top Universities in the Netherlands

Technical, scientific, engineering, and research-oriented courses are well-regarded in the Netherlands, offering graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs to Indian students. According to the current QS Rankings 2025, five institutions in the Netherlands are among the world’s top-ranked universities:

Name of the University	QS WUR Rankings 2025
Delft University of Technology	49
University of Amsterdam	55
Utrecht University	105
Eindhoven University of Technology	136
Leiden University	141
Wageningen University & Research	155

These universities boast world-class facilities, a vibrant & diverse student culture, and internationally qualified teachers. With its ever-improving structure and appreciation for talent, the Netherlands attracts students globally for its impressive and adaptive culture.

Country-Wise Cost of Living Guides

• Cost of Living in Australia

• Cost of Living in Germany

• Cost of Living in Ireland

• Cost of Living in Canada

• Cost of Living in Europe

• Cost of Living in United Kingdom

• Cost of Living Singapore

• Cost of Living in France

• Cost of Living in Switzerland

• Cost of Living in Spain

• Cost of Living in Quebec

• Cost of Living in Dublin

Cost of Studying in the Netherlands

1. Public University Tuition Fees

Delft, Utrecht, Leiden, and Amsterdam universities are among the sixteen public universities offering scholarships to international students. They provide over forty undergraduate and postgraduate English degrees, with some, like the University of Amsterdam and Leiden University, offering over 100 programs. Tuition fees for Indian students range from ₹65,000 to ₹1,50,00,000 annually, varying based on nationality.

2. Private University Tuition Fees

Holland boasts over sixty private universities offering various degree programs to Indian students. Private schools charge higher tuition than public schools ranging from 1500 to 2000 EUR per year approximately INR 1,27,000 to 1,70,000). Business colleges range from 5000 to 7000 EUR annually approximately INR 4,20,000 to 5,90,000).

3. Scholarships

Leading universities in the Netherlands offer scholarships alongside excellent infrastructure and teaching faculty. Scholarships consider students' country of origin, financial situation, and academic qualifications. Indian students aiming to study in the EU, like the Netherlands, can apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

Cost of Accommodation/housing in the Netherlands

The cost of accommodation in the Netherlands is around €400 to €800 per month in 2023. Here are the options available and their associated living expenses in the Netherlands:

On-Campus Accommodation

Most universities in the Netherlands do not have dormitories, so students typically arrange their own housing. Many universities partner with housing providers and local agencies to support students, ensuring access to safe, comfortable, and convenient living arrangements. Reserved spots in various housing facilities are often available through these partnerships.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Most international students in the Netherlands opt to rent rooms in student houses, which accommodate 3 to 6 individuals. The accommodation and living costs vary based on location, size, and furnishing chosen by the student.

Housing Type	Rent per Month (€)	Rent per Month (INR)
Private Room	550-950	50008.32-86378.01
Private Room in Amsterdam	955	86832.63

University Housing

University Housing is another option for students in the Netherlands. While universities do not have on-campus accommodation, they collaborate with housing dealers to offer student housing. The cost and facilities of university housing are generally similar to privately owned options. 

Monthly Rent

Room Type	Rent per month (€)	Rent per month (INR)
Self-contained	650-900	56,000-78,000
Shared facilities	450-750	39,000-65,00

Room and Inventory

All rooms are fully furnished, ensuring a comfortable stay. Depending on the room type, you may have a private kitchen, shower, and toilet or share these facilities with other students. Upon arrival, you will receive a bed linen set and basic kitchen inventory package, making it easy to settle in right away.

University Housing Types and Pricing

Room Type	Description	Rent per Month (€)	Rent per Month (INR)
Shared Room with Shared Facilities	Shared bedroom with shared kitchen and bathroom	400-500	36,400-45,500
Private Room with Shared Facilities	Private bedroom with shared kitchen and bathroom	500-610	45,500-55,420
Private Room with Private Facilities	Private bedroom with private kitchen and bathroom	610-750	55,420-68,150
Larger Private Room (Suitable for Couples)	Larger private room with private facilities	750-1000	68,150-91,200

Cost of food and drinks in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers affordable prices for everyday necessities. Supermarkets provide budget-friendly options for regular grocery shopping. Dining out can also be economical, with a range of prices to suit different budgets, from inexpensive meals to mid-range restaurant dining. Here’s a breakdown of average costs for common food and drink items: 

 

Item	Average Price (€)	Average Price (INR)
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	9.00-25.00	785-2,178
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant	50.00-110.00	4,350-8,580
McMeal at McDonalds (Combo Meal)	9.50-14.00	785-1,027
Cappuccino (regular)	2.00-4.58	177-344
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	2.00-3.50	147-266
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	1.80-3.00	118-221
Milk (regular, 1 liter)	0.95-1.50	86.41-136.44
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	1-3	90.96-272.88
Rice (white, 1kg)	1.40-3.23	127.34-293.80
Eggs (regular, 12)	2.40-4.80	218.30-436.60
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	7-14.97	636.71-1361.66

Cost of transportation in the Netherlands

The table below provides an overview of the average costs associated with public transit in the Netherlands. This includes prices for one-way tickets, monthly passes, and taxi fares, as well as the cost of gasoline and a new Toyota Corolla Sedan. These figures will help you budget for your transportation needs while studying abroad. 

Item	Average Price (€)	Average Price (INR)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	2.10-5.00	236-413
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	55.00-150.00	5,324-11,406
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	3.50	327.16
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	2.40	218.10
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	27.00	2,476.40
Gasoline (1 liter)	1.93	175.39
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (New Car)	26,000.00-34,662.00	2,234,224-2,584,456

Cost of Healthcare in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a universal healthcare system managed by the government and private insurers. All adults living or working in the country must obtain basic health insurance from a Dutch provider, costing around €100-120 per month.

The basic plan covers standard care, such as GP visits and hospital stays, with additional treatments available for an extra fee. Healthcare allowances exist for low earners, and children under 18 are covered under their parents' insurance.

Here are some common healthcare costs in the Netherlands:

Description	Price (€)	Price Range (INR)
Basic insurance plan	100	9,081.10
One-night hospital stay (bed only)	145	13,167.60
Emergency room	256	23,247.62
Medical consultation during working hours	47	4,268.12
Medical consultation outside of working hours	92	8,354.61

Health insurance in the Netherlands for overseas students

So, when is health insurance in the Netherlands required, and when is it not? As previously noted, it is entirely dependent on your circumstances:

• Short-term International Students: If the Dutch government does not consider you a resident, you typically do not need Dutch health insurance. 
• Non-EU/EEA Students: If you are from a non-EU/EEA country and are not working or interning, you cannot get Dutch public health insurance. In this case, purchasing private health insurance is the best alternative.

Cost of Living in the Netherlands Compared to India

When comparing the cost of living between India and the Netherlands, significant disparities become evident. Consumer prices, especially for rent, groceries, and dining, are notably higher in the netherlands. 

Transportation costs are significantly elevated, with housing expenses particularly steep, especially in city centers. For instance, while the local purchasing power in the Netherlands is stronger, everyday expenses are also higher. 

This comprehensive overview showcases the substantial variances in living expenses between the two countries.

Category	Netherlands	India
Restaurants
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	€16.00  (₹1,439.27)	₹250.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant	€70.00  (₹6,296.82)	₹1,200.00
Markets
Milk (1 liter)	€1.09 (₹98.06)	₹58.50
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	€1.63  (₹147.75)	₹41.62
Rice (1kg)	€2.82  (₹256.86)	₹59.15
Eggs (12)	€3.97 (₹357.26)	₹80.07
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	€3.40  (₹305.85)	₹30.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	€80.00 (₹7,196.36)	₹1,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	€224.43  (₹20,188.61)	₹3,481.81
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	€22.55 (₹2,028.51)	₹313.98
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data)	€40.76 (₹3,666.99)	₹696.29
Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	€1,369.95 (₹123,233.46)	₹17,197.84
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	1,089.64 € (₹98,017.76)	₹10,832.42
Buy Apartment Price
Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City	€5,616.18 (₹510,245.35)	₹149,545.72
Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside the City	€4,024.43 (₹365,630.70)	₹82,745.59

Cost of Living In the Netherlands: City-wise Comparison

Navigating student life expenses in the Netherlands? This city-wise comparison offers approximate monthly living costs for Tilburg, Rotterdam, Delft, Utrecht, The Hague, and Amsterdam, providing insights into the varying expenses across vibrant Dutch cities.

City	Approx. Monthly Cost of Living (€)
Tilburg	€1,000 - €1,200
Rotterdam	€800 - €1,000
Delft	€800 - €1,100
Utrecht	€800 - €1,400
The Hague	€1,100 - €1,500
Amsterdam	€975 - €1,500

Tips to Save Costs in the Netherlands

Here are some tips for saving costs in the Netherlands:

• Affordable Housing: Consider looking for housing outside of Amsterdam, Where rental prices tend to be lower. Cities like Groningen are known for being more affordable for students. Researching various housing options and locations can significantly impact your monthly expenses.

• Establish a Budget for Essential Expenses: Create a budget that includes all necessary living expenses such as food, utilities, and communication. Having a clear understanding of your monthly expenditures will help you manage your finances more effectively.

• Utilize Student Discounts: Make the most of student discounts available with your university or international student ID card. These discounts can help you save money on various expenses including dining out, entertainment, transportation, and cultural activities. Always inquire about student discounts wherever you go. 

• Seeking Part-Time Employment or Internships: Consider finding part-time employment or internships to supplement your income. Many universities and cities offer job opportunities specifically aimed at students. Not only will this help with your finances, but it can also provide valuable work experience and networking opportunities.

• Prepare for Medical Expenses: It is essential to be prepared for medical expenses, as healthcare costs in the Netherlands can be high. Non-EU students should ensure they have medical insurance of their home country, as they are not eligible for the Dutch government’s health plan.

Work opportunities in the Netherlands For Students

If you begin working in the Netherlands during your studies, whether it is a part-time job, a paid internship, or volunteer work for which you are compensated, you will almost certainly be covered by the Wlz scheme (the Long-Term Care Act), which means you will be required to purchase Dutch health insurance. Please keep in mind that a zero-hour contract counts as a job.

SVB evaluation

If you are unsure whether the Wlz program covers you, you can seek a free assessment on the Sociale Verzekeringsbank’s website.

Will your home country’s health insurance cover you throughout your stay?

This is dependent on whether you are a member of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland:

Switzerland, the European Union, and the European Economic Area

You can apply for the European Health Insurance Card if you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and plan to study in the Netherlands (EHIC). This card is free of charge, and it entitles you to free or subsidized medical care throughout Europe.

Conclusion

Studying in the Netherlands offers rich opportunities amid high living costs. Planning ahead and leveraging available resources can effectively manage expenses. While Dutch cities may be pricey, the country’s quality of life, social system, and cultural richness justify the investment. Adaptation to local practices and careful budgeting ensure a fulfilling experience without overspending.