The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 20% more expensive than Berlin.
If you move from Amsterdam to Berlin, 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 $59,694 in Berlin.
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 Berlin:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Berlin | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $2,380 | $-1,295 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $369 | $-27 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $263 | $-70 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $114 | $-6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $196 | $-24 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $3,322 | $-1,421 |
* 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)
- Want higher earning potential ($2,924/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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 Berlin to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Berlin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,796 | $10,204 less |
| $75,000 | $59,694 | $15,306 less |
| $100,000 | $79,592 | $20,408 less |
| $125,000 | $99,490 | $25,510 less |
| $150,000 | $119,388 | $30,612 less |
| $200,000 | $159,184 | $40,816 less |
Amsterdam vs Berlin: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Berlin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Berlin has 68.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs Berlin: $2,580/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 0, while Berlin wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.