Published 12 February 2026

Cost of Living in Amsterdam for Students: A Complete Guide 

Introduction 

Studying in Amsterdam is an exciting adventure, with world-class universities and a vibrant student  community from all around the world. 

Before you begin your studies, it is important to know just how much it will cost to live in Amsterdam during your stay. 

What is the Cost of Living in Amsterdam for Students? 

Cost of living refers to the average cost of necessities that allows students to live and study in Amsterdam in comfort. 

There are a range of living expenses in the Netherlands for international students, including accommodation, food and grocery, health insurance and transport. 

Average Cost of Living in Amsterdam for Students 

When considering all expenses, the average cost of living for a student in Amsterdam ranges from around €1000 to €1600 a month. according to the fees and standards amounts 2026 announced  

Cost of Living in Amsterdam vs. Other European Cities

The cost of living in Amsterdam, Netherlands, can be quite high for students but is similar to the cost of studying in other major European cities. 

Living expenses in Amsterdam for international students can be high, however there are many opportunities to lower this cost through budgeting. For example, there are different types of accommodation available that can have a significant impact on the amount you’re spending. 

What are the Student Accommodation Costs in Amsterdam?

Housing in Amsterdam tends to be the largest expense for international students and can range from anywhere between €350 to €1000 a month. The cost can vary wildly based on the type of accommodation and location.  

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing

Most universities offer on-campus accommodation, which is usually the most cost-effective option. This accommodation typically offers shared facilities. 

However, demand for these accommodations is high, so it’s essential that you apply as soon as possible. 

There are also multiple options for housing off-campus, although these typically cost more. 

Average Rent for Student Rooms and Shared Apartments

On-campus student rooms are the most cost-effective option, ranging from €350-€600 a month. 

There are also apartments for rent in Amsterdam for students. This offers a balance of privacy and affordability, but can be more expensive than student rooms, ranging from €400-€700 a month. 

Private housing offers your own private living space and amenities but it is the most expensive option, ranging from €800-€1000 a month. 

Best Areas in Amsterdam for Students to Live 

Amsterdam is a vibrant student city with thousands of international students arriving every year. 

Choosing the best place to live depends on a few factors, including which university you’re attending and how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation. 

While Central Amsterdam provides easy access to campuses and the city center, it is also the most expensive area for housing. 

For a more affordable option, many students stay in Amsterdam Oost (East) which offers lively multicultural spots, great transport links and affordable housing. 

De Pijp is a great spot for internationals, with a great atmosphere and many bars and restaurants, but can be quite competitive. 

Amsterdam Noord is an affordable neighborhood with a creative vibe, and is a short ferry ride away from the city center. 

Finally, Bijlmer offers the cheapest rooms in the city, and while it’s far away from the city center it has great transport links. 

Tips to Find Affordable Student Housing 

When looking for student housing, it is important to consider your needs and budget. 

An on-campus room is the most affordable option; however, it is essential to apply early as there is high demand. 

Shared apartments are a great way to spread the cost of living and meet new people. Amsterdam also has great transport links, so don’t be afraid to look further afield. 

Food and Grocery Expenses for Students 

After accommodation, food and grocery expenses are the next items that students should consider. 

Monthly Grocery Costs in Amsterdam

Grocery costs are consistent across all of Amsterdam, while eating out is more expensive at around €18 a meal. 

For groceries, students should budget around €160-€180 a month. 

Affordable Supermarkets and Student Discounts

Amsterdam is home to countless supermarkets for a range of budgets, so you should be able to find all you need at a reasonable price. 

Additionally, the Dutch government and many local businesses offer student discounts that can help with the cost of living. Obtaining an International Student Identity Card can offer additional discounts. 

Transportation Costs in Amsterdam 

Amsterdam has excellent transport links, including buses, trains, ferries and trams. 

Public Transport Costs for Students

Tickets for public transport can be bought online and range from single bus tickets to unified fares that include buses, metro and trams. 

The cost of standard fares is as follows: 

 1 day / 24h: €10 

2 days / 48h: €16 

3 days / 72h: €21.50 

4 days / 96h: €27.50 

5 days / 120h: €34 

6 days / 144h: €39 

7 days / 168h: €43 (€6.15 per day) 

Student Travel Cards and Discounts

Full-time students can apply for a student travel product, which allows them to travel for free or at a reduced rate on public transport. This is also available for international students. 

Monthly Transportation Budget Estimate

Your transportation budget will vary based on location, but typically you should budget €40-€80 a month. 

Utility and Internet Expenses

As well as accommodation, you’ll also need to budget for utility and internet expenses. 

Electricity, Water and Gas Costs

Utilities including electricity, water and gas average around €126 a month. 

Internet and Mobile Phone Plans

Reliable internet is essential for students and typically costs around €35-€60 monthly. 

You can buy SIM cards from multiple providers for between €5 and €288, with the most expensive including a two-year plan. Plans and packages vary based on providers but average between €5-€25 a month. 

Average Utility Costs for Shared Housing 

Shared housing is a great way to save money as it allows you to spread utility costs with others. 

How much you’ll pay for utilities depends on how many others are living with you, but you can save a significant amount this way. 

Health Insurance and Medical Expenses [H2] 

Another important thing to factor into a budget is health insurance and any medical expenses. 

Mandatory Health Insurance for International Students

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in the Netherlands. It’s a good idea to research allowances before applying, as you may qualify for government help. 

Average Monthly Health Insurance Cost

If you’re not working during your studies you can apply for Private Student Insurance, which covers basic medical needs and costs €40-€60 a month. 

Students with part-time jobs will need to apply for Dutch Basic Insurance which costs €100-€130 monthly. However, some students may apply for the Dutch ‘zorgtoeslag’ allowance, which reduces it to €20-€40 a month. 

Education and Study-Related Expenses 

You’ll also need to consider essential study materials, such as books, software and supplies. 

Books average around €50-€100 monthly or €300-€600 annually, while a laptop can cost between €500-€1200. 

There are several ways to save money on study materials. Many universities offer free licenses for software such as Microsoft Office or Adobe, while you can also use social media to swap books with fellow students. 

Part-Time Work and Student Income Opportunities 

While the cost of studying in Amsterdam may seem high, the good news is that students are able to work part-time jobs during their studies. 

For part-time jobs in Amsterdam for international students, it’s important to check visa rules. However, part-time jobs for students in Amsterdam are a great way to gain real-world experience and make your stay more affordable. 

Cost-Saving Tips for Students Living in Amsterdam

The cost of living in Amsterdam for international students can be daunting, but by following a few tips you’ll be able to enjoy your stay in comfort. 

For accommodation, the most important tip is to search early. On-campus accommodation is affordable but is in very high demand and fills up quickly. 

Sharing an apartment with others is a good way to spread costs, while you can also buy second-hand furniture and supplies for cheap. 

While public transport can be cheaper for students, cycling offers a cheap and easy way of getting around Amsterdam. 

Finally, you should always make use of student discounts. Many local businesses offer discounts for students and by shopping around you’ll be able to find the best deals. 

Conclusion 

Amsterdam is one of the best student cities in Europe, and by taking a few extra steps you can study there for much less than in other European cities. 

To find out more about financial help for students, get in touch with us today.