The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 33% more expensive than Austin.
If you move from Amsterdam to Austin, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Amsterdam, you would need to earn about $49,745 in Austin.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Amsterdam:
Why people love Austin:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Austin | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $2,100 | $-1,575 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $396 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $298 | $-35 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $130 | +$10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $210 | $-10 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $3,134 | $-1,609 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (33% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,500/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Austin to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $33,163 | $16,837 less |
| $75,000 | $49,745 | $25,255 less |
| $100,000 | $66,327 | $33,673 less |
| $125,000 | $82,908 | $42,092 less |
| $150,000 | $99,490 | $50,510 less |
| $200,000 | $132,653 | $67,347 less |
Amsterdam vs Austin: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 33%. Austin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Austin has 60.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs Austin: $4,500/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 1, while Austin wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.