Finding a place to live in the Netherlands often comes down to one big question:
Should you live in a shared house, or is living alone worth it?

For students and young professionals already living here, this decision usually comes up when you’re moving cities, switching universities, starting a new job, or simply outgrowing your current living situation. Both options have clear advantages and drawbacks, especially in a competitive housing market like the Netherlands.

This guide breaks down what shared housing and living alone are really like, so you can decide what fits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities best.

What Does Shared Housing Look Like in the Netherlands?

Shared housing is the most common option for students. You rent a private bedroom but share spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with other tenants.

Pros of Living in a Shared House:

Lower rent and shared costs
Rent and utilities are usually split, which makes shared housing one of the most affordable ways to live as a student. Prices range across cities, areas and types of shared housing, checkout RentSwap’s Rent Price Comparison Amongst Dutch Cities to find out more about it.
Built-in social life
Housemates often turn into friends, especially for international students who are new to a city.
More availability
There are simply more shared rooms than studios, making it easier to find something without months of searching.

Cons of Shared Housing:

Less privacy
Different schedules, noise levels, and habits can be challenging.
House dynamics matter
Your experience depends heavily on who you live with. Cleaning habits, guests, and communication styles all play a role.
Shared responsibility
Bills, chores, and common areas require cooperation. When expectations are unclear, frustration builds quickly.

Using shared tools like a cleaning schedule, a WhatsApp group, or apps for splitting costs (such as Splitwise) can help keep responsibilities clear and avoid unnecessary tension between housemates.

Sharing a Place With a Friend: A Middle Ground

If you want to save money but feel unsure about living with strangers, sharing housing with a friend can be a good compromise.

In this setup, you and a friend rent a place together or take over a shared apartment. You still split rent and utilities, but you have more control over who you live with and how the household functions.

This option often works well for:

Students moving cities together
Friends starting a new semester
People who want comfort without paying studio prices

However, it’s important to have clear agreements from the start. Money, guests, cleaning, and notice periods should be discussed early to avoid issues later.

What Is Living Alone Like in the Netherlands?

Living alone usually means renting a studio or small apartment with your own kitchen and bathroom.

Pros of Living Alone:

Full privacy and independence
You control your space, schedule, and routines completely.
Better focus and structure
Many students and young professionals find it easier to study or work when living alone.
Possible rent allowance
Some independent studios qualify for rent allowance (huurtoeslag), which can help reduce costs.

Cons of Living Alone:

Much higher rent
Studios are significantly more expensive, especially in popular cities.
Harder to find
Living-alone options often come with income requirements and long waiting times.
Can feel isolating
Living alone can be peaceful, but also lonely if you’re new to a city or working remotely.

Cost Comparison: Shared Housing vs Living Alone

While prices vary, a general comparison looks like this:

Shared housing

€400–€700 per month for a room
Lower utility costs
Easier to find a furnished place

Living alone

€700–€1,200+ per month for a studio
Utilities often excluded
Higher upfront requirements

That said, every city in the Netherlands has its own price range. Housing costs in Groningen or Enschede will look very different from Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam. Checkout RentSwap’s Rent Price Comparison Amongst Dutch Cities. Always do your own research for the city you are moving to so you get a realistic picture of what you can afford.

Which Option Is Better for You?

Shared housing may suit you if:

You want to keep costs low
You enjoy social living
You’re new to a city
You’re flexible with shared spaces

Living alone may suit you if:

You value privacy and quiet
You have a stable income
You’re staying long-term
You qualify for rent allowance

Sharing with a friend can be ideal if:

You want to split costs
You prefer not to live with strangers
You want more control over your home environment

There is no universal “best” option. The right choice depends on your stage of life, finances, and personal comfort.

Switching Between Options Is Normal

Many students start out in shared housing, move into a studio later, or switch back to shared living when priorities change. Housing needs evolve, and that’s completely normal.

What matters most is having clear contracts, verified listings, and a safe way to move when it’s time for a change.

How RentSwap Helps You Find the Right Fit

Whether you’re moving from a shared house to a studio, sharing with a friend, or looking for better housemates, RentSwap helps simplify the process.

With RentSwap, you can:

Find verified rooms and apartments
Take over contracts directly from outgoing tenants
Avoid scams, bidding wars, and unclear agreements
Move with confidence when your situation changes

Finding the right housing setup can significantly improve your daily life. RentSwap helps you make that move safely and stress-free.

RentSwap. Making student housing swaps easy.