Why renting outside the big cities is the smart move in 2026

In 2026, the trend of moving to the Netherlands for work is shifting towards locations just outside the major cities. According to Pararius, 42% of unregulated rental listings now ask for more than €2,000 a month, up from 36.5% the previous year. This pressure is most evident in the G5 cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Eindhoven.

However, living just outside these cities often offers better rental options due to the efficient Dutch rail network. Around Amsterdam, Haarlem and Amstelveen are good options, offering comparable rents to Amsterdam's historic center but with more space. Almere, further out, provides newer, better-insulated housing at a lower price per square meter.

For Rotterdam and The Hague, Delft and Schiedam are accessible via trains and provide roomy housing. Utrecht's satellites, such as Amersfoort, Zeist, and Nieuwegein, are quiet, greener, and have lower rent prices compared to Utrecht itself. Around Eindhoven, Veldhoven, Best, and Helmond are great for tech professionals. It's important to check the door-to-door commute using the NS journey planner and verify commuting cost reimbursements with your employer.

The energy label on rental listings can also give an idea of monthly utility costs. All listings on Pararius come from verified professional agents, and the same application process applies outside the city centers.