Delft, a city and municipality in South Holland (aka the Netherlands), is known for its historical charm and academic excellence worldwide. It also houses Delft University of Technology, known for its strong focus on science and engineering, making it an attractive option for higher studies. But before jumping on a plane, understanding the cost of living in Delft is crucial for budgeting your study abroad adventure. So let’s get started and explore the types of living expenses that students can expect in 2024.
This Blog Includes:
Why Choose to Study in Delft?
Besides the cost of living in Delft and world-class education, there’s so much more to the Dutch city. Let’s take a look at why Delft should make it to your list of study-abroad destinations in 2024:
- Delft University of Technology consistently ranks among the world’s top universities in science and technology, providing unparalleled educational opportunities.
- With over 200 nationalities, Delft fosters a diverse and welcoming environment for international students.
- From picturesque canals and historical buildings to bustling markets and trendy cafes, Delft offers a captivating urban experience.
- Delft’s close proximity to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague grants easy access to major Dutch cities and attractions.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Netherlands
Cost of Living in Delft for International Students
As of 2024, the cost of living in Delft for an international student is around EUR 780 – 1200/month. It will require careful planning to live comfortably in the Dutch city on a student budget. Let’s take a detailed look at all the monthly expenses that students can expect while living in Delft one by one:
Living Accommodation
Finding budget-friendly accommodation is key to managing your expenses. Here are some options:
Accommodation Type | Average Monthly Rent (EUR) |
Student Room in Shared Apartment | €300 – €450 |
Studio Apartment | €450 – €700 |
Private Apartment | €600 – €900 |
Here’s how much the different types of apartments will affect your cost of living in Delft according to their location:
Type of Apartment | Monthly Rent |
Apartment (1 Bedroom) in City Center | €1,187.5 |
Apartment (1 Bedroom) Outside of City Centre | €856.67 |
Apartment (3 Bedrooms) in City Centre | €2,116.67 |
Apartment (3 Bedrooms) Outside of City Centre | €1,706.67 |
Food
Food costs roughly EUR 150/month for a single student. Preparing your meals can significantly reduce the cost of living in Delft. Here’s a glimpse into grocery prices at the city’s supermarkets:
Grocery Item | Price |
Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 1.15 € |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.81 € |
Rice (white), (1kg) | 2.88 € |
Eggs (regular) (12) | 3.99 € |
Local Cheese (1kg) | 10.88 € |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 14.97 € |
Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1.59 € |
Banana (1kg) | 2.19 € |
Oranges (1kg) | 1.65 € |
Tomato (1kg) | 2.91 € |
Potato (1kg) | 1.84 € |
Onion (1kg) | 1.64 € |
Lettuce (1 head) | 1.04 € |
Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 0.65 € |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 5.99 € |
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | 1.31 € |
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 2.39 € |
Entertainment
The cost of entertainment for a single student in Delft is roughly EUR 30-50/month. Here are some budget-friendly entertainment options that you can factor into your cost of living in Delft:
Activity | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
Museum ticket | €10 – €15 |
Cinema ticket | €10 – €15 |
Local concert/bar event | €10 – €20 |
Monthly gym membership | €20 – €30 |
Utilities
In general, utilities cost around EUR 137/month for a single student. Given below is the monthly expense of utilities that add to your cost of living in Delft:
Utility | Monthly Cost |
Internet | €20 – €30 |
Mobile Phone Plan | €15 – €25 |
Electricity | €50 – €80 |
Gas | €30 – €50 |
Transportation
Transportation generally costs less in Delft, around EUR 20-30/month, with its compact size making cycling the most popular and affordable mode of transport. Consider the following options as well to cut extra expenses off your cost of living in Delft:
Mode of Transportation | Cost |
Local transport ticket | €2.14 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | €55 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | €3.00 |
Taxi 1 hour waiting (Normal Tariff) | €45 |
Gasoline (1 litre) | €1.97 |
Also Read: Cost of Studying in Netherlands 2024
Cost of Living in Delft: Average Tuition Fees
The overall cost of living in Delft also includes the tuition fees of the program students enrol in. While the actual fees will vary according to the university and the type of program applied for, students can expect anywhere between €7,000 – €20,000 per academic year. Also, remember to include additional expenses like study materials and health insurance in your budget.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Delft
Here are some other things that you need to keep in mind before relocating to Delft for your higher studies:
- Secure your housing well in advance as finding student housing can be competitive.
- While English is widely spoken, learning basic Dutch can enhance your experience.
- Be prepared for cold, rainy winters and mild summers.
- Embrace Dutch customs and traditions to adapt better.
FAQs
Ans: Absolutely! While Delft’s cost of living is higher than some other European cities, it’s still manageable with careful planning. Opting for budget-friendly accommodations like shared apartments, preparing your own meals, and utilizing student discounts will help you stretch your funds.
Ans: Yes, several scholarship programs and financial aid options are available for international students studying in Delft. Since these programs are based on academic merit, financial need, or specific fields of study, do your research and check with your chosen university or the Dutch government for scholarship opportunities.
Ans: Developing a budget and tracking your expenses is crucial. Utilize budgeting apps or simply create a spreadsheet to record your income and spending. Look for affordable alternatives for entertainment and transportation, and prioritize essential expenses like rent and groceries.
We hope that this blog gave you a complete overview of the overall cost of living in Delft for international students in 2024. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!