Renting a room in The Hague: 2026 guide for renters

The Hague is unlike any other major Dutch city. It is the seat of government, the diplomatic capital, and home to a large web of international institutions: the International Court of Justice, Europol, dozens of embassies. That gives The Hague a cosmopolitan character that you feel less strongly in Rotterdam or Utrecht. For renters, The Hague is attractive: rents are moderate for a major city, public transport is solid, and the city offers far more than its sometimes dull reputation suggests.

What makes The Hague distinct: the expat market is significant. Embassies, the international courts, and multinationals like Shell and Unilever fuel demand for English-speaking housing. That pushes rents up in certain districts but also keeps English-language rental channels active and visible.

Which districts are popular for renters in The Hague?

Schilderswijk is one of the most affordable but also one of the most discussed districts. Multicultural, dense, busy, and inexpensive, but not for everyone. Expect €600 to €850 per month.

Laak and Spoorwijk are other budget-friendly options on the west side of the centre. Less well known, lower rents, but also less lively. €650 to €850 per month.

Statenkwartier and Duinoord are quieter, upmarket districts popular with expats and families. Rents: €900 to €1,200 per month.

Scheveningen, the coastal area, is popular with renters who want to live close to the sea. More for younger renters than students. Prices vary widely: €800 to €1,300 per month.

Rivierenbuurt and Bezuidenhout sit centrally and have a mixed supply across price points. Expect €750 to €1,050 per month.

What does a room cost in The Hague in 2026?

The Hague is on average slightly cheaper than Utrecht or Rotterdam in comparable district types. A room in a shared house averages €700 to €1,000 per month. The expat market has driven prices higher in some districts, notably the Statenkwartier zone where corporate housing budgets push the upper end.

Students at TU Delft sometimes live in The Hague: the tram connects the two cities in 30 minutes, so The Hague serves as an alternative to Delft's even tighter market.

Always check the service charges your landlord can legally pass on. In The Hague, especially in the international rental segment, some landlords charge high service costs that go beyond what the law allows.

Which educational institutions are in The Hague?

• The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Haagse Hogeschool): a large applied sciences institution with several locations in The Hague. Students live spread across the city.
• Leiden University, The Hague campus: Leiden has a law and public administration campus in The Hague, popular with law students.
• InHolland: a Hague-based campus of this larger applied sciences network.
• TU Delft is reachable in 30 minutes by tram line 1, an option for students who prefer The Hague's housing market over Delft's.

How do you find a room in The Hague?

Platforms like Kamernet and Huismaatje list rooms in The Hague. There are also platforms tailored to the expat market: HousingAnywhere and Expatica Housing run strong listings in English. Facebook groups "The Hague Housing" and "Den Haag Kamers" are active.

For social housing, Woonnet Haaglanden handles the regional waiting lists. Waiting times are similar to other Randstad cities: long.

Read our guide on how to spot rental fraud. Fake listings target The Hague's international community frequently.

Is The Hague a good alternative to Amsterdam?

For expats and international professionals: yes. The Hague has a large English-speaking network, international schools, and a more international atmosphere than most Dutch cities. The rental market is less tight than Amsterdam, though still competitive.

For Dutch students, The Hague is less of an obvious choice unless you study there. The city lacks the pronounced student life of Utrecht or Groningen, though pockets around Hague University do feel student-friendly.

The Hague also has a real coastal advantage that Amsterdam does not: Scheveningen is a 15-minute tram ride from the city centre, which changes weekends entirely.

How do you decide between districts?

A few honest matchups for renters new to the city:

• Tight budget, social vibe: Schilderswijk, Laak, parts of Spoorwijk.
• Expat-friendly, English-by-default: Statenkwartier, Duinoord, Bezuidenhout.
• Sea access, weekend feel: Scheveningen, Duindorp.
• Student life within walking distance: Centrum, Rivierenbuurt near Hague University.
• Quiet, leafy, family-friendly: Statenkwartier, Vogelwijk.

If you are torn between two districts, walk both at different times of day before committing. A Saturday afternoon and a Tuesday evening tell you very different things about a street in The Hague.

Looking for compatible housemates first? Check the Amsterdam rental pillar guide for context on the broader Dutch rental market, or create a profile on Huismaatje and let housemate-fit lead your room search rather than scrambling for the first listing you find.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Hague suitable for international students?

Absolutely. The Hague has a large expat community, international education, and many English-speaking landlords and housing agencies. The language barrier is smaller here than in most other Dutch cities.

Which district is cheapest in The Hague?

Schilderswijk, Laak, and Spoorwijk are among the most affordable. Expect room prices of €600 to €850 per month, with the lowest options going fast.

How easy is it to reach The Hague from Amsterdam?

By intercity train, around 50 minutes. With the Intercity Direct slightly faster. For daily commuting it is heavy; for occasional trips it works well.

Are there student rooms through housing corporations in The Hague?

Yes. DUWO is a large student-housing provider in the region (also covering Delft and Leiden). Sign up via their website. Waiting times range from 6 months to 2 years depending on the type of room.

Is the rental market in The Hague tight?

Less tight than Amsterdam or Utrecht, but not relaxed. Popular districts move fast. Apply quickly and prepare a strong renter profile on the platforms you use.