Rental homes in Rotterdam
View the current rental property supply in Rotterdam, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district. Filter by price, size and more.
Renting a home in Rotterdam: a city where two-thirds rent
Rotterdam is par excellence a city of renters. As many as 66% of the more than 321,000 homes are rental properties, compared to 34% owner-occupied homes. This makes the city unique in the Netherlands. Of these rental homes, 44% are owned by housing associations (think Woonstad Rotterdam, Havensteder and Woonbron), while 22% are offered via private landlords and investors. If you are considering renting a home in Rotterdam via the free sector, you pay an average of €1,922 per month for a home of around 98 m². The range is enormous: from around €300 for a compact apartment to €10,000 for luxury penthouses on the Wilhelminapier. Note: these are prices in the free sector, excluding social housing. The current average rent and daily supply can be found in the overview at the top of this page.
This large rental market has everything to do with the character of the city. Rotterdam attracts many students (Erasmus University, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Codarts), young professionals working in the port, healthcare or creative sector, and a growing group of expats. The largest age group is 25 to 45 years old, accounting for more than 211,000 residents. At the same time, 169,000 of the households are single-person, which keeps demand for apartments and studios high. Accessibility scores a 7.9 among residents, not bad with Rotterdam Central as an HSL station, an extensive metro network and direct motorway connections via the A13, A15 and A20.
From Kralingen to Hoogvliet: where do you want to rent?
Rotterdam consists of fourteen areas that differ enormously from each other. The neighbourhood score on Buurtje.nl ranges from 6.6 to 8.0. Below are the districts that stand out the most, but don't forget to explore the lesser-known areas too.
Prins Alexander, the largest district in the Netherlands
With a neighbourhood score of 7.9 based on 46 reviews, Prins Alexander is one of the best-rated areas. This is the largest district in the Netherlands in terms of residents, with sub-areas such as Nesselande, Oosterflank and Alexanderpolder. Residents appreciate the space, the greenery around the Zevenhuizerplas and the good accessibility via Alexander metro station. "Quiet living and yet within twenty minutes in the centre," writes one resident. It is a popular choice for families and couples looking for a bit more space without leaving the city.
Kralingen-Crooswijk, student city meets villa district
Kralingen-Crooswijk scores a 7.7 among residents (14 reviews) and is perhaps the most diverse area of Rotterdam. On the one hand, you have the stately avenues around the Kralingse Bos with detached villas, on the other hand, the lively Crooswijk with affordable porch flats. The Kralingse Bos and the Kralingse Plas are popular with runners, rowers and barbecue enthusiasts. Due to the proximity of Erasmus University, there is high demand for rental homes, especially apartments.
Overschie, quiet and underestimated
Overschie has the highest neighbourhood score of all Rotterdam districts with an 8.0, although this is based on 4 reviews. This village-like area north of the A13 hardly feels like Rotterdam. Narrow streets, a historic core and relatively low rents make it interesting for those seeking peace and quiet. The downside: the level of amenities is more limited than in the city centre.
Furthermore, there are plenty of other districts to discover. Hillegersberg-Schiebroek (7.5 from residents) is popular with families because of the village atmosphere around the Bergse Plassen. Hoogvliet (7.4) has become much more attractive after a major restructuring, with many new-build homes and relatively low rents. Noord (7.0) is the beating heart of the city, with the Markthal, the Koopgoot and Rotterdam Central, but scores lower on peace and greenery. On the south side lie Feijenoord (6.6) and Charlois (7.0), districts in development where rents are lower but the beauty score (6.3 average for all of Rotterdam) is clearly noticeable. View all resident reviews and district comparisons on the municipality page of Rotterdam.
Who is renting in Rotterdam suitable for, and who is it not?
Renting an apartment in Rotterdam makes sense if you work in the Randstad but don't want to pay Amsterdam or The Hague prices. However, with an average income of €35,900 in the municipality and rents in the free sector around €1,922, it is no longer a cheap city. Starters and single people with a modal income hardly get a look-in in the free sector and are dependent on social housing. In that case, register as soon as possible with the municipality of Rotterdam and the housing associations, because the waiting lists are long.
For expats and dual-income couples, the free sector offers more possibilities, especially in districts such as Kralingen, the centre and Prins Alexander. Families looking for space and a garden often look at Hillegersberg or neighbouring municipalities such as Capelle aan den IJssel or Barendrecht. Prefer to buy? Then check the supply of owner-occupied homes in Rotterdam, because with an average WOZ value of €320,000 there are still relatively affordable options compared to Amsterdam or Utrecht. Practical tip: prepare your proof of income, employer's statement and ID in advance. Rental homes in the free sector are rented out quickly, especially in popular districts. Respond on the same day a home comes online.
Searching for rental homes in Rotterdam via neighbourhood scores and reviews
On Buurtje.nl you compare rental homes in Rotterdam based on real resident reviews (264 pieces, average 7.2) and district statistics. This way you not only see the price and surface area, but also how safe, green or accessible a neighbourhood really is. Looking wider? Then also look at rental homes in Albrandswaard or Alblasserdam, or view the full supply in Zuid-Holland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Rotterdam?
In the free sector, the average rent in Rotterdam is €1,922 per month, based on nearly 6,000 rented homes in the past 12 months. The average floor area is 98 m². Prices range from around €300 to €10,000 per month, depending on the neighbourhood, size, and finish. Social housing through housing associations is significantly cheaper but has long waiting lists.
Which neighbourhoods in Rotterdam are the most popular for renting?
Based on resident reviews, Overschie (8.0), Prins Alexander (7.9), and Kralingen-Crooswijk (7.7) score the highest. Hillegersberg-Schiebroek (7.5) is popular with families, while Noord and Delfshaven attract more young people and first-time renters. The choice depends on your budget and what you value: peace and quiet, accessibility, or amenities.
How quickly are rental homes in Rotterdam rented out?
Rental homes in the free sector go quickly, especially in popular neighbourhoods like Kralingen and the city centre. Prepare your documents (proof of income, employer's statement, ID) in advance and preferably respond on the same day. The current average time to rent in days is shown at the top of the page.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Rotterdam?
In Rotterdam, 44% of homes are owned by housing associations (social housing) and 22% by other landlords (free sector). For social housing, you need a housing permit and there is an income limit. The free sector has no waiting list but is more expensive, averaging €1,922 per month. Registering with Woonnet Rijnmond is the first step for social housing.
Is Rotterdam a good city to find a rental home as an expat?
Rotterdam is relatively expat-friendly. Many landlords accept international tenants, especially in the free sector. Neighbourhoods like Kralingen-Crooswijk and the city centre around the Wilhelminapier are popular with internationals. Accessibility scores a 7.9 among residents, and with Erasmus University and the port area, there are many international employers.
How safe is it to live in Rotterdam?
Residents give Rotterdam an average safety score of 7.5 based on 264 reviews. This varies by neighbourhood: Prins Alexander and Hillegersberg-Schiebroek score above average, while Feijenoord (overall score 6.6) and parts of Charlois score lower. Check the neighbourhood scores per district for a realistic picture of your intended area.
Can I rent a home in Rotterdam with a median income?
With a median income of around €40,000 gross, it becomes difficult in the free sector, where the average rent is €1,922. You would then be more eligible for social housing through housing associations, but waiting times are long. Alternatives are neighbourhoods like Hoogvliet or Charlois where rents are lower, or neighbouring municipalities like Capelle aan den IJssel.
Do I need a parking permit if I rent in Rotterdam?
In many Rotterdam neighbourhoods, paid parking applies and you need a parking permit. Especially in Noord, Delfshaven, Kralingen, and Feijenoord, parking pressure is high. Costs and availability vary by district. Check this in advance with the municipality of Rotterdam, as some areas have a waiting list for permits.
I've lived here for a few years. There's litter on the ground. But the supermarkets are good in the neighbourhood and there's a community centre. Nice!
Auto-translated to English by AIA very nice neighbourhood. The airport is nearby, but you don't hear a thing. Zestienhovenpark is great for walking or jogging. Many families with children live here. There is a lot of greenery and you see many birds. The best neighbourhood
Auto-translated to English by AIed432f34g
Auto-translated to English by AIWell, I was born here so I grew up with the neighbourhood as it is now.
Auto-translated to English by AIThe neighbourhood is improving more and more each year. Thanks to the rent law, there are fewer slumlords and more and more families. It sometimes still has a bad reputation, but that is undeserved except for a few streets. The location is fantastic, metro, Zuidplein, city centre a quarter of an hour by bike. Zuiderpark is also around the corner and soon the Nelson Mandela park.
Auto-translated to English by AIThe facilities and the apartment itself are nice. But around the building there is a lot of rubbish on the street and junkies.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt is and remains a village
Auto-translated to English by AILived there during my student days
Auto-translated to English by AI
