Cost of Living in Amsterdam: Everything You Need to Know

Did You Know: Student housing in the Netherlands has become tighter, with room supply dropping by 5.2% and average rents rising 7.2% in just one year. Amsterdam remains the most expensive city for student housing, with rooms averaging €991/month, while demand continues to outpace supply in 13 of 21 major student cities.

Amsterdam is a top destination to study for Indian students in 2025. However, it's also one of the more expensive cities in Europe. On average, students can expect to spend between €1,200 and €1,800 (INR 1.08L to INR 1.62L) per month, covering essentials like rent, food, transport, and utilities.

For a student visa in the Netherlands (including cities like Amsterdam), you must show a minimum of €1,094 (INR 1.04L) for every month of your stay. As of 2025, this amounts to around €13,150 (INR 12.54L) annually. 

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Amsterdam for students, including expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials. This way you can compare the cost of living in Amsterdam with other top destinations like the UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. 

An Overview of Cost of Living in Amsterdam for Students

On average, students should budget between €1,200 and €1,800 per month (INR 1.08L to INR 1.62L), covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials. For many students, it's their first time living alone. 

In this situation, managing expenses can be hard, so budgeting and knowing the cost of living in Amsterdam is key to managing everything.  

This estimate aligns with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) requirement of €1,094 per month as proof of sufficient financial means for international students. A cost of living calculator can also help you budget and stay on track.

Accommodation will likely take up the biggest chunk of your budget. 

For example:

• De Pijp: A lively neighborhood popular with students and young professionals. Expect to pay around €850 to €1,100 (INR 76.K to INR 99K) for a private room in a shared apartment.
• Amsterdam-Zuidoost: More budget-friendly, located slightly away from the city center. Shared housing options can be found between €600 to €850 (INR 54K to INR 76.5K).

Here’s a breakdown of monthly living costs:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (€)	Monthly Cost (INR )
Shared Accommodation (Off-campus)	800 to 1,000	INR 72.K to INR 90K
On-campus Accommodation	600 to 900	INR 54K to INR 81K
Food (Eating Out)	200 to 400	INR 18K to INR 36K
Groceries	200 to 300	INR 18K to INR 27K
Transportation	100 to 150	INR 9K to INR 13K
Utilities	150 to 200	INR 15K to INR 18K
Entertainment	50 to 100	INR 4.5K to INR 9.K
Miscellaneous	50 to 100	INR 4.5K to INR 9K
Total (Off-campus)	1,550 to 2,250	INR 1.4L to INR 2.2L
Total (On-campus)	1,350 to 2,050	INR 1.21L to INR 1.84L

Note: INR values are estimates and can vary as conversion rates change

Now that you know what your monthly expenses would look like in Amsterdam, let’s explore any specific costs of studying in Amsterdam for students.

Cost of Studying in Amsterdam for Students

Amsterdam is a leading destination for education in Europe, with over 128,000 international students enrolled in Dutch higher education institutions. Notably, it hosts the highest number of international students in the country, with 25,272 students choosing the city for their studies.

For instance, a Master’s in Business Analytics at UvA may cost around €16,000 (INR 14.4L) annually, while programs in humanities or social sciences can be relatively lower. It’s important you understand how much total expenses you will incur while studying in the Netherlands. 

Here’s a breakdown of average annual tuition fees for Indian students in Amsterdam:

Course Level	Annual Tuition Fee (€)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR )
Bachelor’s Degree	6,000 - 12,000	INR 5.4L - INR 10.8L
Master’s Degree	10,000 - 20,000	INR 9L - INR 18L
Doctoral Degree	Often Fully Funded	N/A

Note: PhD students in the Netherlands are typically hired as researchers and paid a monthly salary instead of paying tuition fees.

Now you know the average tuition costs in Amsterdam, let’s explore some of the cheapest tuition options in Amsterdam.

Cheapest Universities in Amsterdam for Indian Students

Top-tier research universities in Amsterdam may charge between €13,000 and €20,000 (INR 11.7L to INR 18L) per year for postgraduate degrees. There are several universities in Amsterdam that offer more cost-effective options without compromising on quality.

For instance, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) provides master’s programs in science, business, and social policy with tuition fees starting at €13,200 (INR 11.88L). Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, which focuses on practice-oriented learning, offers postgraduate programs beginning at €8,900 (INR 8.01L).

Here’s a look at the most affordable Amsterdam-based universities for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in 2025:

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (€)	Average Annual Tuition Fee (INR )
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS)	8,900 to 10,000	INR 8.01L to INR 9L
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)	13,200 to 16,000	INR 11.88L to INR 14.4L
University of Amsterdam (UvA)	14,000 to 20,000	INR 12.6L to INR 18L
Inholland University of Applied Sciences	8,000 to 9,200	INR 7.2L to INR 8.28L
Hanze University of Applied Sciences	8,000 to 9,800	INR 7.2L to INR 8.82L

Most of these universities participate in Dutch scholarship schemes such as the Holland Scholarship, Orange Knowledge Programme, and Orange Tulip Scholarship, which offer between €3,000 and €10,000 (INR 2.7L to INR 9L) in tuition support. 

Now, let’s explore some of the key suburbs and areas in Amsterdam and the average cost of living in Amsterdam for students there.

Cost of Living in Amsterdam: City List

Monthly living costs in Amsterdam for a single person typically range from €1,200 to €2,200 (INR 1.08L to INR 1.98L), shaped mainly by rent, groceries, and transport. Amsterdam ranks among the top 10% most expensive cities worldwide, holding the 30th position.

A family of four may spend around €3,800 to €5,500 (INR 3.42L to INR 4.95L) per month. Students generally need €1,100 to €1,500 (INR 1L to INR 1.35L) monthly, excluding tuition. 

Costs vary significantly across neighborhoods. For instance:

• Amsterdam Zuid: A popular area near business districts, where a single person may spend €1,300 to €1,800 (INR 1.17L to INR 1.62L) monthly.
• Amsterdam Nieuw-West: A residential zone with good connectivity, costing €950 to €1,300 (INR 85K to INR 1.17L) per month.

Knowing the cost by area helps students and professionals manage costs of living more accurately.

Top 8 Expensive Cities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam experienced a significant surge in property values, with average home prices rising by 10.1%. Property prices in Amsterdam’s most elite suburbs often exceed €10,000 to €13,000 per square metre (INR 9L to INR 11.7L), one of the priciest in the Netherlands. It’s also home to some of the best universities.

Amsterdam’s exclusive neighborhoods are popular for their historic architecture, canal-side locations, and proximity to cultural institutions. Prime districts property values often exceed €10,000 per square metre (INR 9L) and have higher costs of living.

Here’s a comparison of the top eight most expensive suburbs in Amsterdam with their estimated monthly living costs for a single person:

Suburb	Avg. Monthly Cost (€)	Avg. Monthly Cost (INR)
Oud-Zuid	2,300	INR 2.07L
Grachtengordel	2,250	INR 2.02L
De Pijp (South)	2,100	INR 1.89L
Museumkwartier	2,400	INR 2.16L
Zuidas	2,500	INR 2.25L
Jordaan	2,200	INR 1.98L
Amsterdam Centrum	2,350	INR 2.11L
Amsterdam-Zuid	2,150	INR 1.93L

Note: INR values are based on an exchange rate of €1 = INR 90 and can vary.

These areas are highly desirable areas but they come with a significant price tag, making them difficult to access for most students and average earners.

Next, let’s explore the more budget-friendly neighborhoods in Amsterdam where students and working professionals can manage better while still enjoying city life.

Top 8 Cheapest Cities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s outer suburbs offer affordable living options for students and young professionals. Areas like Nieuw-West have seen a population growth of over 10% in the last five years. These areas offer rents starting from €650 to €950 (INR 58.5K to INR 85.5K) per month for shared flats or studios.

Here’s a breakdown of the eight cheapest Amsterdam suburbs with average monthly costs:

Suburb	Avg. Monthly Cost (€)	Avg. Monthly Cost (INR)
Bijlmermeer	1,250	INR 1.12L
Amsterdam Nieuw-West	1,300	INR 1.17L
Amsterdam Noord	1,350	INR 1.21L
Slotervaart	1,400	INR 1.26L
Geuzenveld	1,300	INR 1.17L
Diemen	1,350	INR 1.21L
Osdorp	1,250	INR 1.12L
Holendrecht	1,200	INR 1.08L

Note: INR values are based on an exchange rate of €1 = INR 90 and can vary

Choosing one of these suburbs lets students manage living expenses without sacrificing quality.

Now, let’s explore some ways you can budget your expenses and get the most of your student life in Amsterdam.

How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Amsterdam? Key Tips

Amsterdam’s lifestyle is full of experiences, but costs can add up quickly for international students. With thoughtful planning, you can reduce your monthly living expenses by 20–30%, without compromising your quality of life.

Ranked among the top 20 most expensive cities in terms of costs of living in Europe, it pays to be strategic with your spending. 

Below are actionable tips that can help students stretch their budget:

Tip	Estimated Monthly Savings
Choose Shared Accommodation	Shared flats can save €400–€600 (INR 36K–INR 54K) monthly in rents compared to private studios.
Use Student Discounts	Amsterdam offers discounts on GVB transport, museums, cinemas, and restaurants. Savings average €40–€80 (INR 3.6K–INR 7.2K) monthly.
Cook at Home	Eating out in Amsterdam can cost €15–€20 (INR 1.4K - INR 1.9K) per meal. Cooking at home can lower your food costs significantly.
Buy Second-hand	Platforms like Marktplaats.nl and Facebook Marketplace offer used textbooks, furniture, and bikes at up to 70% off retail prices.
Use Public Transport	The GVB student monthly pass is around €40 (INR 3.6K), compared to €100 (INR 9.5K) for regular adults. Biking is also a free and popular option.
Limit Utility Use	Smart usage of electricity, heating, and water can save €25–€50 (INR 2.2K–INR 4.5K) monthly.
Attend Free Events	Amsterdam hosts dozens of free events like festivals, museum nights, and cultural days, ideal for budget-friendly outings.
Track Your Spending	Budgeting apps like Dyme and Buddy can help students stay on top of expenses and identify saving opportunities.

These strategies not only ease the financial burden but also promote independence and sustainability. Follow these and you can focus more on learning and less on living costs.

How Can upGrad Support Your Study Abroad Journey in Amsterdam?

Studying in Amsterdam is exciting, but the paperwork can feel overwhelming. upGrad makes it easier by helping you shortlist universities that fit your goals and budget, guiding you through SOPs and offering clear support every step of the way.

All of this helps you smoothly settle in your student life abroad. Book a free one-on-one counselling session with upGrad’s study abroad experts and get tailored advice to start your Amsterdam journey right.