Rotterdam is a city with a population of around 1.7 million people and is located in the Netherlands. The cost of living in Rotterdam is high, but the city has a lot to offer its residents. Rotterdam has a large number of universities and colleges, as well as a high concentration of companies in the maritime industry. The city has a rich history and many interesting places to visit.
Introduction
As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost. The cost of living in Rotterdam is lower than in most western European countries, making it an ideal city if you want to save money. In addition to being affordable, Rotterdam also has a great selection of restaurants and entertainment options. Whether seeking a quiet evening out with friends or want to experience the lively nightlife scene, Rotterdam has something for everyone.
What is the cost of living in Rotterdam?
Living in Rotterdam can be expensive. Rent can be high, and food costs can be high as well. However, there are ways to offset some of the costs of living in Rotterdam. For example, a person can find affordable housing. There are also various ways to save money on groceries or other expenses.
The cost of housing: how much does it cost to rent an apartment or house in Rotterdam?
The cost of living in Rotterdam can be expensive, depending on what type of housing you are looking for. Renting an apartment can be relatively cheap while buying a house can be more expensive. Here is a breakdown of the different types of housing:
- Renting an apartment: The average rent for an apartment in Rotterdam is €840 per month.
- Buying a house: The average price to buy a house in Rotterdam is €255,000.
- Living in a shared room: One way to save on rent is to live in a shared room. This can be done by sharing an apartment with others or moving into a granny flat or basement. The average monthly rent for living in a shared room is €376.
The cost of food: what are the prices of groceries, restaurants and drinks in Rotterdam?
The cost of living in Rotterdam is high, as are the prices of groceries, restaurants and drinks. This article will look at the three different areas and what you can expect to pay. The price of groceries in Rotterdam varies depending on where you live, but on average, a kilo of potatoes is €1.05, a kilo of tomatoes is €1.50, and a litre of milk is €1.70.
Restaurants in Rotterdam are also fairly expensive, with an average price for dinner being around €24 per person. Drinks aren’t much cheaper, with an average drink costing €6.50.
The cost of transportation: how much does it cost to travel around Rotterdam?
In Rotterdam, the cost of living can be a little higher than in some other Dutch cities. However, with various transportation options available, finding ways to get around without breaking the bank is possible. Rotterdam has three airports: Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Rotterdam Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Eindhoven Airport.
Additionally, numerous train stations throughout the city connect passengers to other parts of the country and Europe. Some buses run all day and night, and boats travel along the canals. In addition to public transportation, many people in Rotterdam use cars or bikes to get around. Overall, it is relatively easy to get around Rotterdam without spending a fortune on transportation costs.
The cost of utilities: how much does it cost to use electricity, water and gas in Rotterdam?
The cost of living in Rotterdam can be expensive. Electricity, water, and gas can all be costly to use. Electricity is the most expensive utility in Rotterdam. It costs an average of €0.13 per kilowatt-hour to use electricity in Rotterdam. This is more than twice the price of electricity in the United States.
Water and gas are also costly to use in Rotterdam. Gas costs an average of €0.12 per kilowatt-hour, and water costs an average of €0.09 per kilowatt-hour. These prices are higher than in many other European countries, but they are not as expensive as the prices for electricity and gas in the Netherlands.
Cost of living in Rotterdam charted
Living in Rotterdam can be expensive, especially compared to other Dutch cities. The cost of a living index compiled by Expatistan ranks Rotterdam as the seventh most expensive city in the Netherlands. However, despite the high rates of rent and groceries, some areas are cheaper to live in than others. In general, neighbourhoods on the east side of Rotterdam are more expensive than those on the west. Additionally, areas near the sea are more expensive than inland areas.

Prices for leisure time
Every city has its peculiarities when it comes to prices for leisure time. In Rotterdam, the cost of living can be pretty high, although there are a few things you can do for free or at a low cost. While living in Rotterdam does require some sacrifices, there are ways to keep costs down by taking advantage of the city’s free and low-cost activities. The following are a few examples:
- Free attractions: Rotterdam has a lot of free attractions that you can visit, such as the Erasmus University campus and the Botanical Gardens. You can also take advantage of the city’s museums and galleries, free on weekends.
- Low-cost activities: Another way to keep costs down is to look into low-cost activities available in Rotterdam.
Cost of transport in Rotterdam
The cost of living in Rotterdam is high compared to other cities in the Netherlands. The average price of a studio apartment is around €1,000 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from €800 to €1,600. Transportation costs are significantly higher in Rotterdam than in other Dutch cities.
The monthly pass cost for public transportation ranges from €50 to €100, and parking can also be costly. Although a few affordable rental options are available, most properties in the city centre are expensive.
Rental prices in Rotterdam
Rental prices in Rotterdam continue to rise as the city continues to be one of the most expensive places to live in the Netherlands. The average price for a two-bedroom apartment reached €1,600 in December 2017, up from €1,450 in November and €1,350 in December 2016. Furthermore, the cost of groceries has also risen over the past year.
According to data from Daan Liljestrand’s Rentscout research institute, the price of food rose by 3% between January and March 2018. Despite these high living costs, Rotterdam remains one of the most popular cities for expats and tourists. The city is home to several world-class museums and galleries, excellent restaurants and nightlife options.
Cost of education in Rotterdam
Today, the cost of living in Rotterdam is more expensive than in other Dutch cities. For example, rent for an apartment can be more than €1,000 per month. This high cost of living can make it difficult for students to afford to live in Rotterdam and attend school. Additionally, the city has a high cost of food and transportation.
In addition to these costs, students must also account for tuition, books, and other expenses associated with attending school. According to recent studies, the average student spends around €8,000 per year on education fees and related expenses.
Cost of healthcare in Rotterdam
The cost of living in Rotterdam is high, but it’s not the only factor that affects healthcare costs. The city has more than 1 million people, and a wide range of medical services and treatments are available. According to Numbeo, the average monthly price for healthcare in Rotterdam is €615, which is more expensive than the Netherlands as a whole but lower than Amsterdam. One reason for Rotterdam’s high healthcare cost is that the city has many hospitals and clinics.
There are also many specialist doctors and clinics. In addition, residents have to pay for private health insurance, which can add up quickly. However, there are ways to reduce your healthcare costs. For example, if necessary, you can use public hospitals and compare prices before deciding on a provider.
Cost of accommodation in Rotterdam
Finding an apartment in Rotterdam can be expensive. A two-bedroom apartment can cost around €1,000 a month. This is more expensive than in other Dutch cities, such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. The cost of living in Rotterdam is also high. Restaurants, bars, and shops are more expensive than in other Dutch cities.
Food prices in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is known for its high cost of living. The average rent in Rotterdam is €2,000 per month, and the average grocery bill is €120 a week. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Rotterdam is 114% more expensive than in the Netherlands. Despite this high cost of living, there are ways to reduce your expenses while still enjoying a high quality of life in Rotterdam.
One way to reduce food costs is to cook at home more often. Another way to save money on groceries is to shop at discount stores such as Vondelpark and Bijenkorf.
Cost of living in Rotterdam for student
When looking to live in Rotterdam, one of the most important factors is the cost of living. In this city, expenses can be high for students, but there are ways to manage those costs. Here are a few tips for keeping costs down while living in Rotterdam:
- Make use of public transportation. The Dutch city has a comprehensive and affordable public transit system that can help you get around without spending a fortune on rides.
- Consider living in an area with lower housing prices. Areas like the Watergraafsmeer and Erasmus University Medical Center are cheaper than many other parts of town but still offer all the amenities students need.
- Live within your means.
Cost of living in the Netherlands for couples
Couples looking to live in the Netherlands should be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on living costs. Rotterdam, specifically, has some of the highest costs of living in all of Europe. A two-person, full-time minimum wage salary will only cover about one-third of Rotterdam’s average monthly rent and utilities.
Additionally, groceries and other necessary expenses can easily add up to over €600 per month. Despite these high costs, there are ways for couples to save money while still living in Rotterdam. For example, by cooking at home most nights and doing some grocery shopping at discount stores on weekdays, they can drastically reduce their overall spending. Additionally, using public transportation instead of driving can also save them a lot of money on gas and parking fees.
Cost of living Rotterdam vs Amsterdam
The Dutch city comes out on top when comparing the cost of living in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Compared to Amsterdam, Rotterdam has lower housing costs and a lower cost of food. Transportation is also cheaper in Rotterdam, making it easier to get around town. In terms of entertainment, Rotterdam has more affordable options than Amsterdam. Cost-wise, it’s worth considering moving to Rotterdam if you want a budget-friendly city with all the amenities you could want.

Are you an expat living in Rotterdam?
Are you an expat living in Rotterdam? If so, you’ll be aware that the cost of living can be quite expensive. Although there are a few affordable places to live, most expats must budget carefully to maintain a decent standard of living. Rotterdam’s high rental prices are one of the main reasons for the high cost of living.
Even relatively cheap apartments can easily set you back €1,000 per month. That said, there are some things that you can do to reduce your expenditure. For example, it’s worth looking for shared accommodation or housesitting opportunities to cut down on costs. Another thing to consider is how much you really have to spend each month to maintain your lifestyle.
Tips for budgeting and saving money in Rotterdam
If you’re looking to save money and live comfortably in Rotterdam, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips for budgeting and saving money in Rotterdam:
- Know your expenses. Track every penny you spend to see where your money is going and make smarter choices. This will help you avoid overspending and save money on unnecessary expenses.
- Live within your means. It can be tempting to stretch spending a bit when budgets are tight but don’t do it! Stick to your set budget limits, and you’ll be able to save more money in the long run.
- Plan ahead. Make a budget and track each expense so that you can accurately know how much money is available each month.
Final thoughts
Two years ago, when I first moved to Rotterdam, the cost of living was a major concern for me. I was looking for a city with lower living costs than my home country of the Netherlands, and Rotterdam seemed like it would be the perfect place. Since then, I’ve found that Rotterdam is one of the most affordable cities in Europe – especially if you’re willing to live in an area that’s not considered central.
While there are areas in the city where you’ll pay more for necessities like groceries and rent, overall, Rotterdam is one of the most affordable places to live every month. Rotterdam should be on your list if you’re looking for a city with great food options and plenty of activities to keep you busy daily.