General costs

• Rent 🛏️

This depends on the city (and even neighborhood) where you live. The size of the room also plays a role.

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• Gas, water & electricity 💡

If you rent a room, these costs are almost always included in the rent, but it’s good to check this in the rental contract beforehand. Sometimes it’s an advance payment, and the actual costs are settled afterward.

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• Internet & TV 📺

These costs are often included in the fixed rent.

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• Local taxation 🫰

Look into which local taxes you need to pay. This varies by country and sometimes even by city.

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Costs for a nice interior

Having your own room, studio, or apartment also means: your own stuff. What exactly you need to buy depends on the situation. For example, if there is a shared kitchen, there is probably a refrigerator. And if you rent a small room, there might only be space for a bed and a wardrobe.

Here is a pretty complete checklist if you moving out of your parents’ house.

For all items: you can make it as expensive as you want. You don’t have to buy everything new. Maybe your parents have items you can take with you. Many things are also available second-hand (for a lower price or sometimes even for free).

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Variable costs

• Groceries 🛒

Living on your own means cooking and grocery shopping yourself. Dutch students spend an average of 173 euros on groceries. But this varies per person. If you regularly eat cheap (unhealthy) frozen pizzas, you’ll probably spend less than if you only buy organic products. Also, consider about 30 euros for shampoo, deodorant, makeup, etc.

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• Transport 🚃

Although you finally moved out, you probably still want to visit your parents regularly. Taking the train and/or bus costs money (outside of your free travel days). On average, students living on their own spend 72 euros per month on transport.

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• Clothing 👔

Once you move out, your clothing allowance days are probably over. You can make it as expensive as you want, but on average, students living on their own spend 53 euros per month on clothing.

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• Leisure 💃

As a student, you’ll want to go out for a drink and a dance now and then, go on vacation, visit the cinema, and dine out with your date. On average, students living away from home spend 124 euros per month on leisure activities.

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Insurances

If you’re over 18, you already have your own health insurance. When living on your own, it might be wise to take out two additional insurances:

• Home insurance, for any damage to your belongings at home (less interesting if you mainly have second-hand items).
• Liability insurance, in case you cause damage to other people or their property (you can also be covered by your parents’ insurance until you’re 25, so check this).

Both insurances cost no more than 10 euros per month in most countries.

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Grassfeld App

To avoid financial problems when moving out, it’s good to keep a grip on your finances and budget. Answer the following questions:

• What will my monthly fixed costs be? (rent, insurance, contracts, etc.)
• What are my monthly incomes? (salary, allowances, loans, etc.)
• Where does my money go? (Think of transport, groceries,
hobbies, etc.)

You can easily keep track of your money with the Grassfeld app. Create an account, link your bank account(s), and the app categorizes your income and expenses. This way, you always know where your money goes and maintain an overview of your financial situation.