Rental homes in Province of Groningen
Find a rental home in Groningen: from the bustling city to the quiet countryside. Compare municipalities, rental prices, and resident reviews.
What does renting cost in the province of Groningen?
The province of Groningen is one of the most affordable regions in the Netherlands for renting, especially compared to the Randstad. However, prices have also risen here in recent years. In the free sector, you pay an average of €1,220 per month for a rental property of around 97 square metres. The range is wide: from modest apartments around €300 to spacious homes above €2,000. This difference depends heavily on location. Prices are highest in the city of Groningen, while you are significantly cheaper in municipalities such as Pekela, Stadskanaal or Oldambt.
Of all homes in the province, 46% are rental properties, of which 28% are owned by housing associations and 17% by other landlords. This share of rental properties is higher than the national average, which is linked to the large student population in the city of Groningen and the relatively low average income in the region (€32,413). The average WOZ value of €268,061 confirms the picture: Groningen is financially more accessible for many people than the western provinces. This makes renting in Groningen interesting for students, starters and families looking for more space without committing financially.
From student city to Wadden coast: renting per municipality
The province of Groningen has ten municipalities that differ greatly from each other. From the bustling city of Groningen to the quiet countryside of Het Hogeland and the peat colony villages in the east. Below is an overview of the most important municipalities for tenants.
City of Groningen: the beating heart of the North
With almost 244,000 inhabitants, the city of Groningen is by far the largest municipality and the economic and cultural centre of the province. The University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences attract tens of thousands of students, putting considerable pressure on the rental market. Apartments and rooms are particularly in demand. Residents give the municipality a 7.6 based on 180 reviews. The amenities, nightlife and accessibility by bike are widely praised. A common sentiment among residents is that the city "offers everything you need, but within walking distance." The downside: for a rental house in popular neighbourhoods like Oosterpoort or Helpman, you pay significantly more than in the suburbs. Anyone considering renting an apartment in Groningen would do well to also look at Haren or Hoogkerk, which have been part of the municipality since the reorganisation.
Westerkwartier: village living, close to the city
The Westerkwartier (score 7.7 from 22 reviews) is a vast rural municipality west of the city. Places like Leek, Marum and Zuidhorn offer a village atmosphere with good basic amenities. The train connection from Zuidhorn to Groningen makes it an attractive option for people who work in the city but want to live more quietly. Rental prices here are noticeably lower than in the city itself. Residents appreciate the space and the green surroundings, although the shopping options are sometimes considered limited.
Midden-Groningen: affordable living in the peat colonies
The municipality of Midden-Groningen includes Hoogezand, Sappemeer and Slochteren, among others. With a resident score of 7.1 (26 reviews), this municipality scores somewhat lower than the provincial average of 7.6. The earthquake problem has clearly left its mark here, both physically and in residents' trust. Nevertheless, Midden-Groningen offers advantages: rental prices are low, there is plenty of space, and its location along the A7 makes the city of Groningen accessible within twenty minutes. For tenants who find renting a home in Groningen too expensive, this is a realistic alternative.
Het Hogeland: space and tranquillity on the Wadden coast
Het Hogeland scores remarkably well with an 8.0 from 13 reviews. This municipality along the Wadden Sea, with places like Winsum, Bedum and Uithuizen, attracts people who consciously choose space, silence and the wide Groningen landscape. The supply of rental properties is more limited than in the city, but prices are correspondingly lower. The downside is that amenities such as hospitals and large shopping options are further away.
In addition to these four municipalities, there are more options worth considering. In Eemsdelta (score 7.5) you will find the port city of Delfzijl and the historic Appingedam. Like Midden-Groningen, the municipality is struggling with earthquake damage, but significant investment is being made in renewal. Oldambt, with Winschoten as its centre, scores a 7.3 and offers a surprisingly lively centre with the Blauwestad lake as a trump card. The municipality of Veendam stands out with the highest resident score in the province: an 8.8 from 11 reviews. Residents describe it as a pleasant, well-organised place with good amenities for the region.
In the southeast lies Westerwolde (score 8.5), a municipality known for the beautiful nature around Bourtange and the Westerwold landscape. It is the most remote municipality in the province, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Stadskanaal (7.4) and Pekela (7.5) are typical peat colony municipalities where you can live spaciously for little money, but where employment and the level of amenities are under pressure. Anyone considering renting a house in Groningen and willing to look outside the city will find remarkably good value for money in these municipalities.
Who is a rental property in Groningen suitable for?
The province attracts diverse groups of tenants. Students are the most visible group: the city of Groningen is one of the largest student cities in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and Utrecht. But starters on the housing market also find opportunities here, especially in the outlying municipalities where rental prices are much lower. Families moving from the Randstad are increasingly choosing Groningen because of its affordability and space. Major employers such as the UMCG, Gasunie and the University of Groningen ensure a stable labour market in the city, while the province of Groningen is focusing on growth in sectors such as energy and data centres (such as Google in the Eemshaven).
To be fair, the province also faces challenges. The earthquake problem in the east and north affects the quality of housing and living comfort in some areas. Population decline in the edges of the province leads to the closure of amenities. And although rental prices are lower than in the west, they are rising faster than incomes in the city of Groningen. If you prefer buying to renting, you can also look at the supply of homes for sale in Groningen, where WOZ values are significantly lower than elsewhere in the Netherlands.
Viewing the rental supply in Groningen
On Buurtje.nl you will find the current supply of rental properties in Groningen, from student rooms in the city centre to detached houses in the countryside. You can filter by municipality, price and property type. In addition, you can read reviews from residents per neighbourhood, so you not only know what is available, but also what it is really like to live there. This way you make a choice based on more than just the rental price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent for a rental property in Groningen?
In the private sector, you pay an average of €1,220 per month for a property of approximately 97 m². In the city of Groningen, prices are higher, while in municipalities such as Pekela, Stadskanaal or Oldambt, you can often rent a spacious property from €500-€700 per month.
In which municipality of Groningen are residents most satisfied?
Veendam scores the highest with an 8.8, followed by Westerwolde with an 8.5 and Het Hogeland with an 8.0. The city of Groningen scores a 7.6 based on 180 reviews. Midden-Groningen scores the lowest with a 7.1, partly due to the earthquake issues.
Is it easy to find a rental home in the city of Groningen?
The pressure on the rental market in the city is high, especially for rooms and apartments. Due to the large student population, there is a lot of competition. Outside the centre and in neighbouring municipalities such as Westerkwartier, the supply is more abundant and the price lower.
Where can I rent a house cheapest in the province of Groningen?
The lowest rents are found in the eastern and northern municipalities: Pekela, Stadskanaal, Oldambt and Westerwolde. Here you can already find a spacious rental house for €500-€800 per month. Keep in mind that amenities and employment opportunities are more limited here.
What about the earthquakes and housing quality in Groningen?
In municipalities such as Midden-Groningen, Eemsdelta and parts of Het Hogeland, gas extraction has led to earthquake damage. This can affect housing quality. Reinforcement programmes are underway, but the process is slow. Inform yourself well about the condition of a property before signing a rental contract.
Is renting an apartment in Groningen suitable for starters?
Certainly, especially in the city of Groningen there is a wide range of apartments. Rents are lower than in the Randstad and the labour market is stable thanks to employers such as the UMCG and the University of Groningen. Starters who want more space can also look at municipalities such as Westerkwartier or Veendam.
How is the accessibility of the province of Groningen?
The city of Groningen is the hub, with trains to the Randstad (approximately 2 hours to Amsterdam), Leeuwarden and Germany. The A7 and A28 connect the province to the rest of the Netherlands. Within the province, smaller municipalities are mainly accessible by car; public transport in rural areas is limited.
What are the pros and cons of renting a home in Groningen compared to buying?
Renting offers flexibility, no maintenance costs and no risk of earthquake damage to your own property. The average WOZ value is €268,061, making buying relatively affordable. The downside of renting is that you do not build up equity and that the supply in the private sector can be limited in popular neighbourhoods.
People are friendly, I enjoy living here.
Auto-translated to English by AII've been living in Winschoten-Noord for years and it's lovely here. There are many parks nearby for nice walks with the dog and the children. The amenities are also in good order: schools, supermarket and a good connection to both the centre and Blauwestad. A few more charging points could be installed, but we can't complain in this neighbourhood. I also always feel safe.
Auto-translated to English by AIIdeally situated. Everything close by.
Auto-translated to English by AIGood
Auto-translated to English by AIClose-knit neighbourhood looks out for each other
Auto-translated to English by AIBeing bullied and ignored. Falsely accusing us. Being gossiped about. Being called lesbian. Things being stolen from our garden. Not happy in current living situation.
Auto-translated to English by AIChild-friendly. Quiet. Safe
Auto-translated to English by AIOriginally from the southern part of North Holland. People here, unlike my place of origin, are friendly, greet each other, honest, straightforward and approachable as long as you take the initiative yourself. If you open yourself up, you will certainly find a place in the community. The area is characterised by dreamy landscapes formed by meadows (often separated by banks and/or rows of trees and shrubs, and forest and bodies of water.
Auto-translated to English by AI
