Rents by property type
Ballpark figures for 2026 for a long-term rental in Amsterdam:
| Property type | Monthly rent (excluding utilities) |
|---|---|
| Room in a flat-share | €1,000 – 1,500 |
| Studio | €1,800 – 1,900 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | €2,100 – 2,300 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | €2,500 – 3,000 |
Prices vary strongly by district: expect to pay more in the centre (Jordaan, Canal Ring, De Pijp) and less in Noord, Oost or the neighbouring towns. To decide where to look, see our guide to Amsterdam's neighbourhoods.
Utilities: the line everyone forgets
On top of the rent come the utilities: gas, electricity, water, internet and municipal taxes. Expect €250 to €400/month depending on the size of the home and your consumption.
Watch the wording of listings:
- inclusief = utilities included;
- exclusief = excluding utilities (add the amount above).
A "cheap" exclusief listing can end up costing more than an inclusief one: always compare with utilities included.
The deposit and first month
At signing, plan for some starting cash:
- deposit: 1 to 2 months' rent;
- sometimes the first month in advance.
For a rent of €2,100, that means €4,200 to €6,300 to pay at once. Reminder: key money and contract fees are illegal in the Netherlands — never pay this kind of "extra".
The income required by landlords
This is the point that blocks the most files. Dutch landlords often ask for an income equal to around 3 to 4 times the rent, depending on the landlord.
| Monthly rent | Household income often required |
|---|---|
| €1,800 | ~€5,400 – 7,200 |
| €2,100 | ~€6,300 – 8,400 |
| €2,500 | ~€7,500 – 10,000 |
If you don't reach that threshold, there are two solutions: a guarantor (garantsteller) with sufficient income, or a larger deposit negotiated. The detail of the documents to provide is in our BSN, inschrijving and income guide.
Example of a full budget (1-bedroom apartment)
- Rent: €2,100
- Utilities: €320
- Real monthly cost: ~€2,420
- Starting cash (2 months' deposit + 1st month): ~€6,300
- Household income to prove: ~€6,300 – 8,400
How to cut the bill
- Flat-sharing: the most economical route, especially at the start (see our guide to flat-sharing in Amsterdam).
- Widen to neighbouring towns: Amstelveen, Haarlem, Diemen and Zaandam offer more space for less.
- Aim for up-and-coming districts: Amsterdam Noord remains more affordable than south of the IJ.
Want to anchor your search to your real budget? Book a free discovery call: together we'll work out your housing budget and target the homes you can genuinely afford.
In summary
In Amsterdam in 2026, the real cost of a home = rent + €250–400 in utilities, a deposit of 1 to 2 months, and an income to prove of around 3 to 4× the rent. Getting this budget right before you search means avoiding disappointment and aiming straight from the first listing.