Leiden, 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.
Overview
Leiden is a city in South Holland with a population of 130,108. A picturesque university town famous for its canals, historic ties to the Pilgrims, and a relaxed, intellectual atmosphere close to The Hague and Amsterdam. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Netherlands Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Leiden vs Netherlands Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 21.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €40,800
- Unemployment: 3.3%
- Population: 130,108
Climate
- Sunny Days: 175/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 36°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
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 | €140 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €96 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €45 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €356 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CBS, Netbeheer, ACM 2024
Remote Work Score
Leiden scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
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" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Leiden faces the following natural hazards:
Low-lying country with significant flood risk from rivers and sea.
Netherlands experiences winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30%
- Sales Tax: 21%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Leiden per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School holidays are staggered across three regions (North, Central, South).
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Leiden is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Netherlands (CBS) (2022)
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, 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 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 36°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Pararius/Funda, 2025
- Income & Employment: CBS StatLine, 2024
- Utilities CBS, Netbeheer, ACM 2024
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.