Housing statistics can be deceptive for newcomers. What the average Dutch household currently pays is not the same as what a new tenant will be asked to pay for an available home today.
Three numbers that answer different questions
- Existing-household costs: useful for understanding household finances, but include people with older contracts and established mortgages.
- Annual rent increases: show how existing rents changed. CBS reports an average Dutch rent increase of 4.4% in July 2026; private-sector rents rose 4.5% on average.
- Current asking rent: what matters when you are searching now. Use current listings and check which rental segment/rules apply.
Why newcomers can experience a different market
CBS notes that rent increases can be larger when tenants change. A newcomer also may not have access to the same housing segment as an established resident and may face landlord income requirements, deposits and competition for available homes.
What to put in your budget
- Base rent or mortgage payment.
- Service costs where applicable.
- Energy and water if not included.
- Municipal and water-board charges.
- Contents/home/liability insurance where relevant.
- Parking or permit costs if relevant.
- Maintenance/VvE costs for owners.
- A one-off deposit, moving and furnishing pot.
BorderlessAdvice rule
When we publish city cost comparisons, we will date the housing evidence and distinguish asking prices, existing rents and household housing costs. They should never be blended into one authoritative-looking number.