08 Jun Living by the square centimetre: This is how much you need to earn for the cheapest apartment in Almere (sold in 2026)

A move-in-ready studio apartment in Almere recently sold for € 190,000. A bargain, you might think. Until you hear that you only get 31 square metres in return. That is roughly the size of a spacious garage, except you are actually allowed to live here.

How much do you need to earn in 2026 to become the proud owner of this ‘pocket-sized palace’? We did the maths for you.

The Calculation: How much salary do you need for 31m²?

Fortunately, you do not need to own a multinational corporation to qualify for a € 190,000 mortgage in 2026. Since this year, single buyers have received a considerable helping hand from the banks. As a single person, you can borrow an additional € 17,000, making the figures surprisingly achievable.

The table below shows exactly how much gross income you need to finance this apartment.

Please note the small print: This calculation assumes that you have dutifully paid off your student loan and do not have an ongoing mobile phone contract or private lease car.

What do you actually get for € 190,000 in Almere?

Let us be honest: 31 square metres sounds as though you would need to sleep in your kitchen cupboard. However, this studio apartment was move-in ready. That means you do not need any DIY skills, although you may need a carefully planned minimalist interior.

When we calculate the price per square metre, we arrive at € 6,129 per m². For comparison, the average price per square metre in Almere is around € 4,183 in 2026. You are therefore paying a considerable premium for the fact that it is ‘small but perfectly formed’.

Frequently asked questions about affordable housing in Almere (FAQ)

Can I include the additional purchase costs in my mortgage?
No. In 2026, you can borrow a maximum of 100% of the property’s value. You will need approximately € 5,000 to € 7,000 in personal savings to cover the transfer tax, notary fees and valuation costs. Are you under the age of 35? Then you may be in luck and could be exempt from transfer tax!

Is Almere still the cheapest place to live near Amsterdam?
Almere has not been the inexpensive commuter town of the Randstad for quite some time. With an average selling price of € 461,000 in the first quarter of 2026, property prices are rising rapidly. However, compared with Amsterdam, where this amount would not even buy you a broom cupboard, Almere remains relatively affordable.

Conclusion: Is it worth it?
Do you earn around € 3,200 gross per month and have you had enough of noisy housemates or living with your parents? Then this apartment in Almere could have been your golden ticket onto the property ladder. You do need to enjoy compact living, because when you stretch out your arms, you will probably touch the fridge on one side and the front door on the other. But hey, at least it is yours!