Moving to Rotterdam

Rotterdam has an enormous diversity of neighborhoods. Kralingen is a green, affluent neighborhood near the Kralingse Plas. Het Oude Noorden and Blijdorp are popular with young professionals with affordable housing and a lively atmosphere.

Katendrecht has undergone a major transformation from a port area to a hip district with restaurants and cultural institutions. Delfshaven offers an authentic atmosphere with historic harbors. Rotterdam South is being developed with the National Program Rotterdam South.

Rotterdam is considerably more affordable than Amsterdam. The average rent for an apartment of 60-80 m2 is between 1,000 and 1,600 euros per month in the private sector. In emerging neighborhoods such as Katendrecht or Oude Noorden you can sometimes find even more affordable options.

Municipal taxes are around 350 euros per year. Parking is cheaper than in Amsterdam, with rates around 3-4 euros per hour in the center.

Rotterdam has a wide range of education with more than 170 primary schools. Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is one of the top universities in the Netherlands, best known for economics and medicine. There are also the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Codarts Conservatory.

For international families there is the Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS) and the Wolfert van Borselen International School.

Rotterdam has several large hospitals: the Erasmus MC (academic), the Maasstad Hospital and the Ikazia Hospital. Erasmus MC is one of the largest academic hospitals in Europe.

Register with a doctor quickly after your move. This is usually easier in Rotterdam than in Amsterdam, but popular neighborhoods may also have waiting lists here.

The RET operates metro, tram and bus in Rotterdam. The metro network is extensive and connects the city with The Hague via the Erasmus line. Rotterdam Central Station is an important railway junction with fast connections to Amsterdam (40 minutes), The Hague (12 minutes) and Breda (25 minutes).

Cycling is popular and the city is investing heavily in cycling infrastructure. The Maastunnel and Erasmus Bridge are busy cycling routes every day. Driving is relatively easy compared to Amsterdam.

Rotterdam has many post-war buildings with wider stairwells and elevators, which often makes moving logistically easier than in Amsterdam. However, a moving lift may be necessary for older buildings in neighborhoods such as Delfshaven or Oude Noorden.

Apply for a parking exemption through the municipality of Rotterdam if you need a moving van. The costs are approximately 25-40 euros. Report your move via rotterdam.nl.