Cost of Living in Rotterdam for Expats (2026)
- SolsBury Prime Rentals B.V.
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
If you’re planning to move to Rotterdam, one of the first questions you’ll have is: what does it actually cost to live here?
Compared to cities like Amsterdam or London, Rotterdam is relatively affordable—but costs can still vary significantly depending on your lifestyle, housing choice, and length of stay.
In this guide, we break down the cost of living in Rotterdam for expats in 2026, so you can plan your move with clarity and confidence.
1. Housing Costs in Rotterdam
Housing is by far the biggest expense.
Average monthly costs:
Room (shared housing): €600 – €1,000+
Unfurnished apartment: €1,400 – €2,300+
Furnished / serviced apartment: €2,400 – €3,700+
For expats and professionals, furnished apartments are often the most practical option—especially for temporary stays.
They include:
Furniture
Utilities
Internet
Flexible rental terms
This removes the need for long-term contracts and setup costs.
2. Utilities and Internet
If you rent an unfurnished apartment, utilities are usually separate.
Typical monthly costs:
Electricity, gas, water: €150 – €300
Internet: €40 – €70
With fully furnished serviced apartments, these costs are typically included in one fixed monthly price—making budgeting much easier.
3. Food and Groceries
Food costs depend heavily on your lifestyle.
Groceries (monthly):
Single person: €250 – €400
Couple: €400 – €700
Eating out:
Casual meal: €20 – €35
Dinner at a restaurant: €40 – €80 per person
Having access to your own kitchen can significantly reduce your overall expenses.
4. Transportation
Rotterdam has an efficient and reliable public transport system.
Typical costs:
Public transport (monthly pass): €70 – €120
Bike (one-time purchase): €100 – €300
Car (including parking): significantly higher
Most expats rely on biking and public transport, which keeps costs relatively low.
5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands.
Average cost:
€120 – €160 per month
This provides access to the Dutch healthcare system.
6. Leisure and Lifestyle
Your lifestyle will influence your overall cost of living.
Examples:
Gym membership: €25 – €80 per month (at SolsBury, the gym has 24/7 free access)
Coffee: €3 – €5
Drinks: €5 – €8
Cinema ticket: €12 – €15
Rotterdam offers a wide range of options—from budget-friendly to premium.
7. Total Monthly Cost Overview
Here’s a realistic estimate for expats in Rotterdam in 2026, based on the updated housing, utilities, and lifestyle costs:
Single expat:
Budget lifestyle: €2,000 – €2,800
(shared room or small unfurnished apartment, basic groceries, public transport, modest leisure)
Comfortable lifestyle: €2,800 – €4,000+
(furnished or serviced apartment, utilities included, eating out, leisure, gym access)
Couple:
Comfortable lifestyle: €3,500 – €5,500+
(furnished or serviced apartment, utilities included, groceries for two, regular dining out, leisure activities, transportation)
Note: Housing is always the largest variable. Choosing a furnished or serviced apartment—like those offered by SolsBury Prime Rentals—provides a predictable, all-inclusive cost, which is especially helpful for budgeting mid- to long-term stays.
Why Housing Choice Matters Most
The type of accommodation you choose has the biggest impact on both cost and experience.
Hotels: expensive for long stays
Unfurnished rentals: cheaper monthly, but require contracts and setup
Serviced apartments: higher monthly rate, but all-inclusive and flexible
For many expats, serviced apartments offer the best balance between convenience, flexibility, and total cost—especially for stays between 1 and 6 months.
A Practical Option for Expats in Rotterdam
For expats who want a smooth and hassle-free experience, fully furnished apartments can simplify the transition significantly.
SolsBury Prime Rentals offers serviced apartments in Rotterdam, including in Kralingen, a popular area among expats and professionals.
With everything included (furniture, utilities, internet), you can move in immediately without dealing with contracts, setup, or hidden costs.
Final Thoughts
Rotterdam offers a relatively balanced cost of living compared to other major European cities—but your total expenses will depend largely on your housing choice and lifestyle.
To keep things simple:
Plan your housing carefully
Factor in all monthly costs
Choose flexibility if your stay is temporary
With the right setup, Rotterdam is not only affordable—but also an excellent place to live and work.
Looking for a Comfortable Stay in Rotterdam?
SolsBury Prime Rentals provides fully furnished, move-in ready apartments for expats and professionals.
Whether you’re staying for a few weeks or several months, you’ll have everything you need from day one.
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