Living Costs in Netherlands for Students
Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Netherlands. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Netherlands.
Student Monthly Costs in the Netherlands
Monthly Costs, Item by Item
Average monthly costs for students in the Netherlands.
Depends on the city, on which bills are in the rent, and on whether your university finds you a room. Rooms in The Student Hotel (a student housing company) cost more.
Housing Tip
- Groceries (student average)EUR 244 a month
- Dinner in a typical student restaurantEUR 12.50
- Cheese sandwichEUR 4.00
- Cup of coffee or tea in a cafeEUR 3.00
Cooking your own food is the cheapest way to eat.
- Transport (student average)EUR 67 a month
- Single bus ticket in a cityAbout EUR 2
A bike is the cheapest way to get around town.
Before you accept a room, check which bills (gas, electricity, internet, TV) are in the rent.
- Leisure and sports (student average)EUR 239 a month
- Books and study materials (student average)EUR 41 a month
Many bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas give student discounts.
- Dutch public health insurance, only when working (student average)EUR 133 a month
If you only study, you are not allowed to take Dutch public health insurance. Use health insurance from home or a private plan.
Costs by City
Rent is the biggest difference between cities.
Amsterdam
Rooms in Amsterdam cost more.
Smaller Cities
Rooms in smaller towns cost less.
Housing Cost Factors
Ways to Save
Simple ways to spend less.
- Start looking for a room as soon as the university gives you a place on your course.
- Never pay an agent a fee to find you a room. You do not need to.
- Check which bills are in the rent.
- Cook your own food.
- Eat at your university, which often offers hot meals at reasonable prices.
- Buy a second-hand bike and a strong lock.
- Buy a train discount card. It gives 40% off train trips when it is not busy (outside the times when most people travel to work or school).
- Ask for student discounts with your student card.
Find more student discounts
Costs People Forget
Costs on top of rent and food.
IND fee for your permit
EUR 254 (2026)EUR 254 is the fee for the application, paid through your university. It is for your residence permit (a permit to live in the Netherlands) and your MVV (the entry visa sticker in your passport).
Application fee
EUR 75 to EUR 100Some universities charge it to students from outside the EU/EEA (the European Union and a few more European countries).
Courier for your passport with the MVV (India only, optional)
850 Indian rupeesA courier company (DTDC) sends your passport back to you with the MVV entry visa sticker.
Furniture
VariesSome rooms come with just a bed and a chair. Second-hand shops sell cheap furniture and often deliver free.
Liability insurance
If you break something that belongs to someone else, you must pay. Liability insurance can pay for this in many cases.
Insurance for your belongings
Pays if your things are stolen or damaged by fire or water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers about living costs for students from India and Pakistan.
How much do students spend a month in the Netherlands?
Students spend on average EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 a month. It depends on your city and your rent.
How much money must I show for my visa?
The IND (the Dutch immigration office) asks you to show EUR 1,130.77 a month in 2026, for 12 months. The amount changes every 1 January.
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