Renting in Rotterdam
Looking for a rental property in Rotterdam? Finding a home in the Maasstad is quite a challenge. The city is undergoing a massive transformation and attracts more people every year with its modern architecture, vibrant harbors, and innovative character. Rotterdam was completely rebuilt after World War II and is known for its bold skyline featuring the Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, and cube houses. With RentSlam, your search for a rental property in Rotterdam becomes much easier. We continuously collect all rental properties in Rotterdam and send you the best matches directly!
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Renting a property in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a city you need to experience. After the bombing in 1940, the city was completely rebuilt with a focus on modern architecture and innovation. While other Dutch cities preserved their historic centers, Rotterdam chose renewal. The result is a unique skyline with iconic buildings such as the Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge, and Piet Blom’s cube houses. This boldness and creativity is reflected throughout the city – from trendy neighborhoods to vibrant harbors.
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands with over 670,000 inhabitants and Europe’s largest port. The city attracts thousands of new residents every year – from young professionals and students to expats and families. The rental market is competitive but more accessible than Amsterdam. Rotterdam is on average 20-25{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} cheaper than the capital, while offering comparable amenities and an excellent public transport network. With metro, tram, and train connections to Amsterdam (40 min) and The Hague (20 min), Rotterdam is ideal for commuters. RentSlam helps you find the perfect rental property in this dynamic city!
Types of rental properties in Rotterdam
There are various types of rental properties available in Rotterdam. Here is an overview:
- Apartments: from compact studios to spacious lofts in renovated warehouses.
- New-build properties: modern apartments in emerging neighborhoods like Katendrecht and Kop van Zuid.
- Family homes: ideal for families, commonly found in Noord and Hillegersberg.
- Student rooms: near Erasmus University and colleges, mainly in Kralingen and Noord.
- Social housing: for people with lower incomes, through housing associations like Woonbron and Havensteder.
- Private sector rentals: abundant supply in Rotterdam, more affordably priced than Amsterdam.
Neighborhoods in Rotterdam: where do you want to live?
Rotterdam is a diverse city with 14 areas and more than 70 neighborhoods. From the hypermodern city center to green suburbs, from historic harbor districts to emerging hotspots – there is something for everyone. Below you will find an overview of the most popular neighborhoods for renters, with information about atmosphere, amenities, and price levels. Rotterdam is known for its neighborhoods with character, where each area has its own identity.
Renting in Rotterdam Centre
Rotterdam’s city center is the beating heart of the city and a showcase of modern architecture. Here you will find the iconic Markthal with its spectacular ceiling artwork, Piet Blom’s cube houses, and the renovated Central Station. Coolsingel and Lijnbaan offer excellent shopping, while Witte de Withstraat and Oude Haven buzz with cafes and restaurants. The center was completely rebuilt after the war and radiates a unique energy you won’t find anywhere else in the Netherlands.
Neighborhoods: Stadsdriehoek, Cool, CS Kwartier, Oude Westen, Dijkzigt
Suitable for: Young professionals, expats, city lovers, students
Rental prices: EUR 1,200 – 2,200+ per month for apartments
Character: Modern, vibrant, architecturally unique
Renting in Kralingen
Kralingen is Rotterdam’s most sought-after residential area and combines green spaces with a village-like character. The Kralingse Bos and Kralingse Plas offer extensive recreational opportunities – from running and cycling to sailing and picnicking. The neighborhood has beautiful villas and townhouses from the 19th and early 20th century, as well as modern apartments. Erasmus University is located on the edge of Kralingen, making the area popular with academics and students. The shopping area along Kralingse Kerklaan offers charming shops and restaurants.
Neighborhoods: Kralingen-West, Kralingen-Oost, Struisenburg
Suitable for: Families, expats, academics, young professionals
Rental prices: EUR 1,400 – 2,500+ per month
Character: Green, quiet, village-like, affluent
Renting in Rotterdam North
Rotterdam North is a diverse and lively neighborhood with a multicultural character. The most famous area is Blijdorp, named after the famous Diergaarde Blijdorp zoo. Vroesenpark and Bergse Voorplas offer green relaxation. Oude Noorden and Agniesebuurt have a cozy, urban atmosphere with many small shops, cafes, and restaurants. Rotterdam North is well accessible by metro and tram and offers affordable housing at a short distance from the city center. The neighborhood attracts many starters and young professionals who want to live centrally without the center’s price tag.
Neighborhoods: Blijdorp, Bergpolder, Oude Noorden, Agniesebuurt, Liskwartier
Suitable for: Starters, young professionals, families, students
Rental prices: EUR 950 – 1,600 per month
Character: Diverse, lively, multicultural, affordable
Renting in Delfshaven
Delfshaven is Rotterdam’s picturesque historic harbor area and one of the few parts that survived the 1940 bombing. The old harbor with its historic buildings, including the Pilgrim Fathers Church where the Pilgrims departed for America, forms a scenic contrast with the modern city. The neighborhood has a strong multicultural character with many international restaurants and shops. Delfshaven is on the rise and attracts more young families and creatives who appreciate its authentic character. The area is well accessible by tram and metro.
Neighborhoods: Delfshaven (historic), Spangen, Middelland, Nieuwe Westen, Oud-Mathenesse
Suitable for: Families, creatives, young professionals, culture lovers
Rental prices: EUR 900 – 1,500 per month
Character: Historic, multicultural, picturesque, up-and-coming
Renting in Katendrecht
Katendrecht, once a notorious harbor area nicknamed “De Kaap” (The Cape), has transformed into one of Rotterdam’s hippest neighborhoods. The peninsula on the Maas now houses the SS Rotterdam, a former cruise ship serving as a hotel and event venue, and the Fenix Food Factory, a culinary hotspot in a former warehouse. The area has a unique atmosphere with industrial heritage, street art, and a mix of renovated warehouses and modern apartments. Katendrecht attracts creatives, foodies, and young professionals who appreciate its alternative vibe.
Neighborhoods: Katendrecht (De Kaap), Rijnhaven
Suitable for: Young professionals, creatives, foodies, couples
Rental prices: EUR 1,100 – 1,800 per month
Character: Hip, industrial, culinary, transforming
Renting in Hillegersberg-Schiebroek
Hillegersberg-Schiebroek is Rotterdam’s green lung and ideal for families seeking space and nature. The neighborhood is located in the north of the city and offers extensive recreational opportunities around the Bergse Plassen – a system of lakes created by peat extraction. Hillegersberg has a village-like character with monumental villas, a pleasant shopping center, and good schools. Schiebroek is somewhat more modern with post-war housing but equally spacious and green. The area is well accessible by metro (line E) and the A20 highway.
Neighborhoods: Hillegersberg, Schiebroek, Molenlaankwartier, Terbregge
Suitable for: Families, seniors, nature lovers
Rental prices: EUR 1,300 – 2,200 per month
Character: Green, spacious, village-like, family-friendly
Renting in Rotterdam South
Rotterdam South encompasses the southern areas of the city, including Feijenoord, IJsselmonde, and Charlois. The most eye-catching part is Kop van Zuid, where the Erasmus Bridge connects to the city center. This area has been spectacularly developed with high-rises like De Rotterdam by Rem Koolhaas and the new Luxor Theater. Rotterdam South has long had a lesser reputation but is now undergoing a massive transformation with the National Program Rotterdam South. This makes it an interesting area for those who want to benefit from rising values and increasing amenities.
Neighborhoods: Kop van Zuid, Noordereiland, Afrikaanderwijk, Vreewijk, Lombardijen, Charlois
Suitable for: Starters, investors, young professionals, budget-conscious families
Rental prices: EUR 800 – 1,500 per month (Kop van Zuid: EUR 1,200 – 2,000+)
Character: Diverse, developing, affordable, growing
Renting in Prins Alexander
Prins Alexander is Rotterdam’s largest district (and the Netherlands’ largest!) with over 95,000 residents. The district is located in the east of the city and consists of various neighborhoods such as Ommoord, Nesselande, Zevenkamp, and Prinsenland. Nesselande is the newest neighborhood with modern housing around a recreational lake, ideal for water sports and beach activities. Ommoord has a 1970s feel but offers spacious homes and lots of greenery. Prins Alexander is excellently accessible via metro (lines A and B) and the A16. The district offers excellent value for money and is popular with families and starters.
Neighborhoods: Ommoord, Nesselande, Zevenkamp, Prinsenland, Het Lage Land
Suitable for: Families, starters, commuters, water sports enthusiasts
Rental prices: EUR 1,000 – 1,700 per month
Character: Spacious, modern, family-friendly, good value
What does renting in Rotterdam cost?
Rotterdam is one of the most affordable major cities in the Randstad for family homes and apartments region. Compared to Amsterdam, rental prices are on average 20-25{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} lower, while offering comparable amenities and an excellent public transport network. The average rental price per square meter is EUR 28.40 (Q1 2025), which is 14{682b48c538c4b02d3ee53de8df2965071219c3380eb2ee4843e1e7842a60810b} above the national average but still attractive for the Randstad. Prices vary considerably by neighborhood and property type. Below is an overview of current price ranges:
- Studios: EUR 850 – 1,400 per month
- Apartments (2-3 rooms): EUR 1,100 – 1,900 per month
- Family homes: EUR 1,600 – 2,800+ per month
The most expensive neighborhoods are Kralingen, the Centre, and Hillegersberg. Want to view all rental listings in Rotterdam? The most affordable options can be found in Rotterdam South (outside Kop van Zuid), North, and parts of Delfshaven. Katendrecht and Kop van Zuid have increased significantly in price due to transformation but still offer more value than comparable neighborhoods in Amsterdam.
Tips for finding a rental property in Rotterdam
Looking for a rental property in Rotterdam? These tips will increase your chances:
- Start looking early: Begin at least 2-3 months in advance. The Rotterdam rental market is competitive and good properties go fast.
- Respond immediately to new listings: In Rotterdam, popular properties are rented within 24-48 hours. With RentSlam, you receive instant notifications of new properties.
- Consider emerging neighborhoods: Rotterdam South, Delfshaven, and North offer affordable alternatives that are rapidly increasing in value. The National Program Rotterdam South is driving improvements.
- Prepare your documents: Have a recent employment contract, salary slips, and a BKR credit check ready. Landlords in Rotterdam often require proof of income (minimum 3x the rent).
- Set a realistic budget: Account for additional costs such as service charges, deposit (1-2 months rent), and possible agency fees.
- Use multiple channels: In addition to RentSlam, you can register with housing associations like Woonbron and Havensteder (for social housing) and leverage your network.
Find your rental property in Rotterdam with RentSlam
Are you looking for a rental property in Rotterdam? RentSlam is the solution for renters who want to quickly find a beautiful rental property in the Maasstad. With our advanced technology, you receive instant notifications of new rental properties that match your preferences, so you never miss an opportunity. We collect properties from dozens of sources and send them directly to your inbox or WhatsApp.
Choose RentSlam and make your search for a rental property in Rotterdam easier and more successful! Whether you’re looking for a studio in the city center, a family home in Hillegersberg, or a hip apartment in Katendrecht – we help you find the perfect rental property in this dynamic city.
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