Find Rental Housing in Alkmaar
Alkmaar is famous for its cheese market and beautiful historic city center. The city offers an attractive alternative to Amsterdam with good train connections, more space, and lower rental prices.
Kijkie in Alkmaar
Source: automatically collected data via Kijkie. Last updated: December 28, 2025
How the rental market in Alkmaar really is
Alkmaar combines historic charm with accessibility and affordability.
Prices by property type
A room costs €475-650 per month on average. Studios are available from €800-1,050. Apartments start at €1,000-1,350.
The reality of searching
Alkmaar is more accessible than Amsterdam but more popular than smaller North Holland cities. On average, you'll find something within 4-8 weeks.
Historic city center
The canals and historic buildings make Alkmaar attractive. The center is compact and lively with many restaurants and shops.
Cheese market
From April to September there's a weekly cheese market. This attracts tourists and gives the city a unique character.
Beach proximity
Bergen aan Zee and Egmond aan Zee are 15 minutes away. This makes Alkmaar attractive for beach lovers.
Neighborhoods in Alkmaar
Binnenstad
ExpensiveHistoric center with canals. Lively, characteristic, more expensive.
Overdie
AffordableNeighborhood north of center. Mix of old and new, affordable.
De Mare
AverageResidential area in the west. Quiet, families, reasonable prices.
Oudorp
AverageFormer village, now part of Alkmaar. Village character, spacious.
Vroonermeer
AverageNewer neighborhood in the southeast. Modern, many facilities.
Best strategy for Alkmaar
Budget < €700
Rooms in Overdie or outer neighborhoods. Also Heerhugowaard as alternative.
Budget €700 - €1.100
Studios in De Mare or Vroonermeer. Good balance of quality and price.
Budget > €1.100
Apartments in city center or new construction. Historic properties available.
Also consider these places
Scam advice for Alkmaar
Toeristische oplichting
Due to cheese market tourism there are fake vacation rental ads. Check carefully.
Amsterdam-uitwijkers
Many people search remotely from Amsterdam. Always visit in person.
Historische panden
Check the condition of old buildings. Sometimes hidden defects.
Vooruitbetaling
Never pay without contract and viewing.
Tips for Alkmaar
Alkmaar is cheaper than Amsterdam - 35 min by train
The city center is beautiful but pricier - also look at Overdie
Bergen aan Zee is 15 min - ideal for beach lovers
The cheese market is fun but creates bustle in the center
Heerhugowaard is even cheaper as alternative
How Kijkie helps in Alkmaar
Kijkie scans 284+ rental websites and sends you free alerts as soon as a property in Alkmaar becomes available that matches your preferences.
Create a free account and set up your Alkmaar alertsFAQ about Alkmaar
Is Alkmaar a good alternative to Amsterdam?
Yes, Alkmaar offers historic charm, good connections (35 min train), and lower rental prices. Ideal for those seeking tranquility while staying accessible.
How long does it take to find something?
On average 4-8 weeks. The city center is more competitive. Outer neighborhoods and Heerhugowaard are faster.
Which neighborhood is best?
City center for atmosphere and restaurants. De Mare and Vroonermeer for families. Overdie is more affordable.
How close is the beach?
Bergen aan Zee and Egmond aan Zee are 15-20 minutes by bus or car. Unique for a city of this size.
Is the cheese market bothersome?
The cheese market is on Fridays from April-September. It brings atmosphere but also crowds and tourists in the center.