The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 30% more expensive than Chicago.
If you move from Amsterdam to Chicago, 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 $52,041 in Chicago.
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 Chicago:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Chicago | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $1,925 | $-1,750 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $383 | $-13 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $280 | $-53 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $117 | $-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $190 | $-30 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $2,895 | $-1,848 |
* 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 (30% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
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 Chicago to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $34,694 | $15,306 less |
| $75,000 | $52,041 | $22,959 less |
| $100,000 | $69,388 | $30,612 less |
| $125,000 | $86,735 | $38,265 less |
| $150,000 | $104,082 | $45,918 less |
| $200,000 | $138,776 | $61,224 less |
Amsterdam vs Chicago: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 30%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Chicago has 55.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs Chicago: $4,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 0, while Chicago wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.