marktdata
Average Rental Prices in the Netherlands by City (2026)
RentBuzz·March 14, 2026·8 min read
What does it cost to rent a home in the Netherlands in 2026? The rental market is tighter than ever: free-sector supply dropped by more than 36% and average rents climbed to €1,838 per month nationally. Meanwhile, the Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur) is pushing down prices in the regulated mid-range segment. Updated March 2026, based on 4,810+ active rental listings analyzed by RentBuzz across 1,000+ platforms.
What is the average rent per city?
Average rent in the Netherlands ranges from €1,348/mo in Eindhoven to €2,939/mo in Rotterdam. Amsterdam sits in between at €2,350/mo. These figures are based on 4,810+ active listings that RentBuzz analyzes daily across 1,000+ platforms.
The table below provides a full comparison of average rental prices and available listings across the six largest Dutch cities. The national free-sector average sits at €1,838/mo according to Pararius Q4 2025 data, but prices in the Randstad region run significantly higher.
| City | Average rent | Available listings |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | €2,939/mo | 435 listings |
| Amsterdam | €2,350/mo | 925 listings |
| Groningen | €1,976/mo | 251 listings |
| The Hague | €1,971/mo | 305 listings |
| Utrecht | €1,515/mo | 212 listings |
| Eindhoven | €1,348/mo | 196 listings |
Why is Rotterdam more expensive than Amsterdam?
Rotterdam has a higher average because its rental supply skews toward new-build developments and larger apartments. Amsterdam's many studios and smaller units bring down the overall average. Based on RentBuzz data from March 2026, Rotterdam averages €2,939/mo versus €2,350/mo in Amsterdam.
This difference surprises many renters. Amsterdam has by far the largest supply with 925 listings, which also means greater variety across price ranges. Rotterdam has 435 listings, but with a larger share in the premium segment. Across the Randstad, rents are climbing 6% to 8% year-on-year, with new-build properties in Rotterdam driving the average up in particular.
How is the rental market moving in 2025-2026?
The rental market has tightened dramatically. In Q2 2025, only 12,744 free-sector properties became available — a 36.4% drop year-on-year. The national free-sector average rose to €1,838/mo, and each listing received an average of 57 responses — an all-time record.
Rents in the Netherlands rose by an average of 4.9% year-on-year in July 2025, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). That is slightly below the 5.4% increase from the year before — the largest in over 30 years — but still substantial. In the free sector, rents rose by 4.4%; social housing rents at housing corporations increased by an average of 5.1%.
Supply is under enormous pressure. Many landlords are selling their rental properties due to declining yields caused by new regulations. At the same time, demand keeps growing, meaning every available home faces more competition than ever before. As of early 2026, free-sector rents are estimated to be 5% to 7% higher than a year ago.
What is the Affordable Rent Act changing?
The Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur), effective from July 2024 with enforcement starting January 2025, regulates the mid-range segment through the WWS points system. Homes scoring up to 187 points now fall under the regulated mid-range with a maximum rent of €1,228/mo. Eventually, around 300,000 homes will see rents decrease by an average of €190.
The law has fundamentally reshaped the rental landscape. There are now three distinct categories:
- Social housing — up to 143 points, maximum €932.93/mo, capped at 4.1% increase in 2026
- Regulated mid-range — 144-187 points, maximum €1,228.07/mo, capped at 6.1% increase in 2026
- Free sector — above 187 points, capped at 4.4% increase in 2026
For tenants in the mid-range segment, this is welcome news: they get a fairer rent. But the downside is shrinking supply as landlords pull properties off the market. The net effect on the free sector is further price increases driven by scarcity.
Where are the most affordable rentals?
The most affordable rentals are in Eindhoven (€1,348/mo) and Utrecht (€1,515/mo). Both cities offer an attractive combination of lower rents and strong amenities. RentBuzz searches 1,000+ platforms daily for the most current listings.
Eindhoven benefits from the Brainport region with many new-build projects, keeping supply affordable. Utrecht is notably cheaper than Amsterdam or Rotterdam despite its central location. Groningen (€1,976/mo) and The Hague (€1,971/mo) also come in well below the two most expensive cities.
With the national free-sector average at €1,838/mo, both Eindhoven and Utrecht sit comfortably below that figure — a rarity for major cities.
How much supply is there per city?
Amsterdam leads with 925 active rental listings, followed by Rotterdam (435) and The Hague (305). In total, RentBuzz tracks 4,810+ listings across the Netherlands via 1,000+ rental platforms.
Supply levels reveal a lot about a city's rental dynamics. More listings mean more choice, but also more competition — nationally, an average of 57 people respond to every available property. In cities with smaller supply like Eindhoven (196) and Utrecht (212), popular homes disappear especially fast.
- Amsterdam (925 listings) — The largest supply by far, from studios to family homes
- Rotterdam (435 listings) — Strong in new-build and spacious apartments
- The Hague (305 listings) — Diverse selection in the government city
- Groningen (251 listings) — Popular with students and young professionals
- Utrecht (212 listings) — Centrally located, limited but affordable supply
- Eindhoven (196 listings) — Growing market in the Brainport tech region
Where should you search for a rental?
The 2026 rental market demands speed. With shrinking supply and record response rates per listing, being first to know about new properties is essential. Whether you're looking for an affordable home in Eindhoven or a spacious apartment in Rotterdam — RentBuzz searches 1,000+ platforms daily so you never miss a listing.
Amsterdam → Rotterdam → Den Haag → Groningen → Utrecht → Eindhoven →Veelgestelde vragen
Average rent varies significantly by city. Rotterdam is the most expensive at €2,939/mo, followed by Amsterdam (€2,350/mo). Eindhoven is the most affordable at €1,348/mo. The national free-sector average is €1,838/mo according to Pararius.
Of the six major cities, Eindhoven is the most affordable with an average rent of €1,348 per month, followed by Utrecht at €1,515/mo.
RentBuzz currently tracks 4,810+ active rental listings across 1,000+ platforms throughout the Netherlands. Overall free-sector supply has dropped by over 36% year-on-year.
The Affordable Rent Act (effective July 2024, enforced from January 2025) regulates the mid-range segment up to 187 points (€1,228/mo). It will eventually lower rents for approximately 300,000 homes by an average of €190.
Ready to find your dream rental?
RentBuzz searches 1000+ rental websites and sends you instant alerts.
Start your search →