Renting in Utrecht
Looking to rent a house in Utrecht? Finding a rental in Utrecht is not as easy as it used to be. Rental prices are high and supply is limited. Yet the Dom City attracts thousands of new residents each year, from students to starters and families. RentSlam can make your search for a rental in Utrecht much easier. By continuously collecting all rentals in Utrecht, we can provide you with the newest options. Enter your preferences and we will find the best matches!
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Renting in Utrecht
It is no surprise that Utrecht attracts so many new residents each year. The Dom City combines historic charm with vibrant city life. From the iconic Dom Tower and the unique Oudegracht canal with its wharf cellars to modern new neighbourhoods like Leidsche Rijn. The city offers excellent educational opportunities with Utrecht University and various universities of applied sciences. With the extensive public transport network and Utrecht Central as a hub, you can easily travel through the city and the country.
Demand for rentals in Utrecht far exceeds supply. With over 376,000 residents and approximately 91,000 rental properties, Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. The rental market is highly competitive – properties are often rented within a week. RentSlam helps you stay ahead. Create a profile and before you know it, you will receive relevant rentals in your inbox! From apartments in the city centre to spacious family homes in Vleuten-De Meern, the selection is diverse.
Renting in Utrecht: these are the 10 districts
Utrecht is a compact but diverse city with 10 official districts, each with its own character and housing supply, from rooms and student housing to spacious family homes. The rental market is competitive – properties are often rented within a week. Below you will find an overview of all districts and what you can expect as a tenant.
1. Binnenstad (City Centre)
The Binnenstad is the historic heart of Utrecht with the iconic Dom Tower, the Oudegracht canal with its unique wharf cellars, and the Domplein square. This is the most expensive district in Utrecht with an average property value of EUR 534,000. The city centre has the highest share of private rentals, including many apartments of all districts (46{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b}) and in total 62{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} of properties are rentals.
Neighbourhoods: Oude Binnenstad, Vaartsebuurt, Hooch Boulandt, Hoog Catharijne
Suitable for: Young professionals, couples who love city life
Rental prices: EUR 1,400 – 2,200+ per month for apartments
Neighbourhood rating: 7.7
2. West
Utrecht-West is a diverse district with characteristic 1930s homes, the multicultural Lombok neighbourhood, and the green Oog in Al area. The Kanaalstraat in Lombok is known for its diverse restaurants and lively market. Property prices have increased by 91{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} in eleven years. The share of private rentals is growing the fastest here. The average rent is EUR 24.48 per m2.
Neighbourhoods: Lombok, Oog in Al, Welgelegen, Nieuw Engeland
Suitable for: Starters, young families, people who appreciate multicultural vibes
Rental prices: EUR 800 – 1,500 per month
Character: Lively, diverse, great restaurants
3. Noordwest (Northwest)
Utrecht-Noordwest is a lively district with a mix of old working-class neighbourhoods and new construction. The district has many characteristic 1930s houses and green parks. The average property price has more than doubled in six years: from EUR 185,000 (2017) to EUR 400,000 (2023). The district includes neighbourhoods such as Zuilen, Ondiep and Elinkwijk.
Neighbourhoods: Zuilen, Ondiep, Elinkwijk, Pijlsweerd
Suitable for: Starters, families looking for affordable and characterful housing
Rental prices: EUR 900 – 1,400 per month
Character: Working-class neighbourhoods with character, green parks
4. Overvecht
Overvecht is the most affordable district in Utrecht and has the highest share of rental properties (80{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b}). The district was built in the 1960s and 1970s with many high-rise buildings. Investments are being made in liveability, safety and housing supply. The district offers surprisingly green spaces, spacious homes and good public transport connections to the centre. Overvecht is attracting more and more young families and starters due to its affordability.
Neighbourhoods: Overvecht-Noord, Overvecht-Zuid, Zambesidreef, Vechtzoom
Suitable for: Starters, people with a limited budget, young families
Rental prices: Up to 30{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} lower than the centre – EUR 700 – 1,200 per month
Neighbourhood rating: 5.7 (Utrecht Monitor)
Character: Diverse, spacious, lots of greenery, good public transport
5. Noordoost (Northeast)
Utrecht-Noordoost is an atmospheric and varied district with characteristic old streets, green parks and an excellent balance between tranquillity and city life. The district has the best neighbourhood rating (8.2). From charming historic neighbourhoods to modern residential complexes – there is something for everyone. The average property value is EUR 509,000.
Neighbourhoods: Wittevrouwen, Voordorp, Oudwijk, Tuindorp
Suitable for: Families, couples, people who value peace and greenery
Rental prices: EUR 1,200 – 1,800 per month
Neighbourhood rating: 8.2 (highest in Utrecht)
Character: Authentic, green, village atmosphere
6. Oost (East)
Utrecht-Oost is a cosy district with many young residents and green spaces. The district has older properties with lots of character and large parks such as Wilhelminapark. 28{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} of residents are between 15 and 25 years old, making this district particularly attractive for young people and students. The average property value has risen from EUR 324,000 (2013) to EUR 509,000 (2024).
Neighbourhoods: Abstede, Oudwijk (partial), Rubenslaan, Wilhelminapark
Suitable for: Starters, students, young professionals
Rental prices: EUR 1,000 – 1,600 per month
Neighbourhood rating: 8.0
Character: Young, green, lots of character
7. Zuid (South)
The Zuid district has approximately 27,000 residents and nearly 12,000 properties, half of which are social housing. The district consists of Lunetten (1970s-80s with lots of greenery and child-friendly facilities) and Hoograven (a mix of 1930s houses and modern apartments). Lunetten is a typical “cauliflower district” with many residential courts and attention to ecology.
Neighbourhoods: Lunetten, Hoograven, Tolsteeg, Bokkenbuurt, Rotsoord
Suitable for: Families, people seeking greenery and tranquillity
Rental prices: EUR 900 – 1,400 per month
Character: Green, child-friendly, mix of architectural styles
8. Zuidwest (Southwest)
Zuidwest has the second-highest share of rental properties (69{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b}), after Overvecht. The district consists of Kanaleneiland (1960s stamp construction with high-rise and low-rise buildings), Transwijk and the emerging Merwedekanaalzone. The municipality wants to keep this district affordable for people with low or middle incomes. Much new construction is coming, including 200 mid-range rental homes in the Benelux901 project.
Neighbourhoods: Kanaleneiland, Transwijk, Rivierenwijk, Dichterswijk, Merwedekanaalzone
Suitable for: People with a limited budget, families
Rental prices: EUR 750 – 1,300 per month
Character: Affordable, lots of social housing, new construction in development
9. Leidsche Rijn
Leidsche Rijn is the largest new construction location in the Netherlands. Construction has been ongoing here since 1990 and now approximately 51,000 people live here. The district offers modern, energy-efficient new-build homes, good amenities (Leidsche Rijn shopping centre) and lots of greenery (Maximapark). The average rent is EUR 17.38 per m2 – a decrease of 2.2{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} compared to last year, making it relatively affordable.
Neighbourhoods: Leidsche Rijn Centrum, Terwijde, Veldhuizen, Parkwijk
Suitable for: Young families, expats, people who want new-build homes
Rental prices: EUR 1,100 – 1,800 per month (apartments), EUR 1,400 – 2,500 (family homes)
Character: Modern, spacious, energy-efficient, growing
10. Vleuten-De Meern
Vleuten-De Meern combines the historic village feeling with new construction neighbourhoods. The district feels village-like due to the warm, older centres. 71{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} of properties are larger than 100 m2 (vs. 37{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} for all of Utrecht). The district has the lowest share of rental properties (31{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b}). Vleuten has 28,385 residents and De Meern has 21,965.
Neighbourhoods: Vleuten, De Meern, Haarzuilens, Maximapark
Suitable for: Families seeking space, people who want to live in a village setting
Rental prices: EUR 1,200 – 2,000 per month
Character: Village-like, spacious, large properties, lots of greenery
What does renting in Utrecht cost?
Utrecht is the second most expensive city to rent in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. The average rental price is EUR 28.72 per m2 (national average: EUR 24.93). This is 15{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} above the national average. See the current listings.
Average rental prices by property type
- Studios: EUR 850 per month
- Apartments (2-3 rooms): EUR 1,200 – 1,800 per month
- Family homes: EUR 1,500 – 2,500 per month
Price differences by district
- Most expensive districts: Binnenstad, Noordoost (EUR 1,400+)
- Mid-range: Oost, West, Zuid, Noordwest (EUR 1,000 – 1,500)
- Most affordable: Overvecht, Zuidwest, Leidsche Rijn (EUR 750 – 1,200)
Tips for finding a rental in Utrecht
- Start searching early – Begin at least 2-3 months in advance. The rental market in Utrecht is highly competitive.
- Respond immediately to new properties – Properties in Utrecht are often rented within 3-7 days. With RentSlam you receive an instant notification when new properties become available.
- Consider districts outside the centre – Overvecht, Zuidwest and Leidsche Rijn offer affordable alternatives with good public transport connections.
- Prepare your documents – Make sure you have your employer statement, payslips (last 3 months) and ID ready.
- Set a realistic budget – Take into account service costs (EUR 50-150/month) and a deposit of 1-2 months rent.
- Use multiple channels – Combine RentSlam with local estate agents and your network. Social housing via WoningNet (waiting time 11+ years).
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