Renting a Room in Amsterdam Centrum: Expensive but Central

The Centrum of Amsterdam. Canals, centuries-old buildings, tourists, and an unrivalled location. Renting a room in Centrum is the dream for many international students and expats looking for a place to live. But the reality is: it is expensive, supply is tight, and the rooms are often small.

What does it cost?

Average room prices in Centrum:

• Room in a shared house: 700 - 1000 euros per month all-in
• Studio: 1200 - 2000+ euros per month

Yes, that is a lot. Centrum, together with the Jordaan, is the most expensive area for rooms in Amsterdam. The reason: the location is unique, supply is extremely limited, and demand is constantly high.

Note that "all-in" usually includes gas, water, electricity and internet, but always confirm with the landlord. Anything below 700 euros for a Centrum room is rare and usually has a catch, a tiny attic, no window, or a shared bedroom.

Sub-areas in Centrum

Grachtengordel (Canal Belt)

The iconic canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht. Living on the canals is a dream, but rooms are scarce. Most buildings here are offices, hotels, or protected monuments. Whoever finds a room in this area pays top price.

Jordaan

Technically a separate neighbourhood, but often grouped with Centrum. Narrow streets, hidden courtyards (called "hofjes"), small galleries. Extremely popular, extremely expensive, extremely little supply.

De Wallen and Nieuwmarkt

Surprisingly, you can still find rooms near Nieuwmarkt and along the Zeedijk. The area is lively, sometimes loud, and not for everyone, De Wallen is the famous red-light district. But the location is absolutely central, and rooms here are sometimes a little cheaper than on the canals.

Plantagebuurt

The Plantagebuurt (around Artis zoo and Hortus Botanicus) is a quieter corner of Centrum. Wider streets, plenty of greenery, and a different atmosphere from the busy areas around Dam Square. Prices are slightly lower than along the Grachtengordel.

Advantages of Centrum

• Everything is close. University, work, restaurants, culture: you walk or cycle to it.
• Transport hub. Centraal Station gives you access to trains, metros, trams, buses, and the free ferry across the IJ to Noord.
• Atmosphere. Nothing in Amsterdam matches the feeling of the canals at night.

Disadvantages of Centrum

• Price. The highest rents in Amsterdam.
• Tourists. During the day (and at night on weekends) it is crowded with tourists, especially around Dam, Leidseplein, and De Wallen.
• Noise. Expect street musicians, party crowds, and early-morning bin trucks.
• Small rooms. Buildings in Centrum are old and rooms are often smaller than in newer parts of the city.
• Bicycle parking. There is a chronic shortage of space to park your bike.

Is it worth the price?

That depends entirely on your priorities. If you want a buzzing social life and value being able to walk everywhere, Centrum delivers. But on price per square metre, you get much more for your money in Oost, West, or Noord.

Many people live in Centrum for a year or two and then move to a quieter (and cheaper) neighbourhood. It is an experience worth having if your budget allows it, but not necessarily where you want to stay long term.

Tips

1. Search through your network. Many rooms in Centrum are never advertised online, they go through word of mouth, university friends, or housemate referrals.
2. Accept less space. In Centrum you pay for the location, not for square metres.
3. Ask about noise. Check with the housemates or hospita how loud it is at night. Rooms on busy streets can genuinely disturb your sleep.
4. Check the Plantagebuurt. It is quieter and sometimes cheaper than the Grachtengordel.
5. Beware the steep stairs. Centrum buildings are old and stairs are notoriously narrow and steep. If you have furniture coming, ask whether items can be hoisted up through a window, many homes use a hijsbalk (the iron beam at the top of canal houses) for exactly this reason.

Practical points for international renters

A few things worth knowing if you are moving from abroad:

• BRP registration: When you start renting in Centrum, you must register your address with the municipality (the BRP, Basisregistratie Personen, is the Dutch population register) within five days. Without it you cannot get a BSN (the Dutch citizen service number, needed for a bank account, employment, and health insurance). Confirm with the landlord that registration is allowed before signing.
• Short-stay vs long-stay: Some apartments in Centrum are licensed for "short stay" only (typically 7 days to 6 months). These can be more expensive and do not allow BRP registration. If you are staying longer than six months, look only for regular long-stay listings.
• Tourist neighbours: Some buildings in Centrum still rent units on Airbnb (legally or not). This means a constant flow of new tourists in the building and possibly noise. Ask explicitly whether the building has short-stay tenants.

On Huismaatje you can filter by Centrum and see directly what is available. Map, prices, housemates: everything at a glance. Curious how Centrum prices compare to other neighbourhoods? Read our overview of room prices per Amsterdam neighbourhood. Or learn how to approach the search smartly in our complete guide to finding a room in Amsterdam.

Frequently asked questions

Is a room in Centrum worth it, or are there smarter choices?

For people who really want to live in the heart of the city and have the budget: yes. But objectively, you get more space for a comparable price in Oost, West, or De Pijp, and sometimes a better day-to-day living environment. Many people live a year in Centrum and then move on to a quieter area.

Which sub-areas in Centrum are the quietest to live in?

The Plantagebuurt is relatively quiet compared to the Grachtengordel and De Wallen. Wider streets, more greenery (Artis zoo, Hortus Botanicus), and fewer tourists. Prices are a little lower than along the canals. The western part of the Jordaan is also quieter than the area around Leidseplein.

What is the noise situation in Centrum at night?

Depending on the street, it can be very loud at night, especially on weekends. De Wallen, Leidseplein, and the area around Rembrandtplein are the noisiest. Bin trucks come early in the morning. Ask the landlord or housemates about night-time noise and consider a room at the back of the building rather than facing the street.

Are there any affordable options for living in Centrum?

"Affordable" is relative. The Nieuwmarkt area and some streets around the Plantagebuurt are slightly cheaper than the Grachtengordel. Sometimes there are also rooms in less desirable streets (busy, unpleasant in the evening) for around 700 euros or less. Do not expect the space or comfort of more expensive rooms.

Is there bicycle parking at homes in Centrum?

This is a real problem in Centrum. Most buildings have no indoor bicycle storage. Always ask explicitly. Parking a bike outside in Centrum is risky: bicycle theft is even higher here than elsewhere in the city. A heavy lock or a Swapfiets (a bike-subscription service that handles theft replacement) is strongly recommended.

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