Amsterdam and Berlin are dynamic, attractive and diversifying European capitals with growing populations. Both must also contend with European Commission directives on economic competition. These processes put pressure on local urban housing systems within which households navigate an increasingly expensive and crowded market. However, both cities offer relatively affordable rental housing options in different forms by a variety of providers. This thesis involves a micro-scale comparative study of affordable rental housing in Amsterdam and Berlin utilizing mixed methods including expert interviews, policy document analysis and descriptive statistics. Given the influence of unique local urban contexts, this empirical research will investigate the ability of these neoliberalizing global cities to provide affordable and accessible dwellings to those urban households who cannot secure accommodation on the private market or through homeownership.