Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
A picturesque university town famous for its canals, historic ties to the Pilgrims, and a relaxed, intellectual atmosphere close to The Hague and Amsterdam.
Below Average vs Netherlands avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Leiden vs Netherlands Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30.0%
- VAT: 21.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: â¬40,800
- Unemployment: 3.3%
- Population: 130,108
Climate
- Sunny Days: 175/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 36°F
Housing
- Median Home: €455,000
- 1BR Rent: €1450/mo
Cost of Living
Leiden's cost of living index is 76 (Netherlands average = 100).
| Category | Leiden | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 76 | 100 | -24.0% |
| Housing | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €455,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €1450/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €1,813/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €303 |
Data source: Pararius/Funda, 2025
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Leiden:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €135 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Dutch household usage |
| Heating (Gas/Oil) | €218 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Water | €45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €45 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €473 | Monthly estimate (including heating) |
Data sources: CBS, Netbeheer, ACM 2024
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Leiden
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €1,740/mo.
Leiden Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €1,595/mo.
East Leiden
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €1,305/mo.
West Leiden
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €1,378/mo.
Remote Work Score
Leiden scores 132/100 for remote work readiness:
- Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
- Cost of Living: Good
- Climate: 175 year (Fair)
- Quality of Life: Good
Climate
Leiden has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F | 36°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 51°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 54°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30%
- VAT: 21%
- Property Tax: ~0.12% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands?
The cost of living index in Leiden is 76, which is Lower the Netherlands national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Leiden?
The median home price in Leiden is €455,000. The housing index is 110.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Leiden is approximately €1450/mo.
Does Leiden, ZH have income tax?
Leiden is in ZH, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Leiden?
Leiden enjoys approximately 175 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,72°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.36°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.