The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 2% cheaper than London.
If you move from Amsterdam to London, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Amsterdam, you would need to earn about $76,531 in London.
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 London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $3,500 | $-175 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $450 | +$54 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $350 | +$17 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $130 | +$10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $200 | $-20 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $4,630 | $-113 |
* 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
- Want lower overall living costs (2% cheaper)
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($3,800/mo avg)
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 London to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,020 | $1,020 more |
| $75,000 | $76,531 | $1,531 more |
| $100,000 | $102,041 | $2,041 more |
| $125,000 | $127,551 | $2,551 more |
| $150,000 | $153,061 | $3,061 more |
| $200,000 | $204,082 | $4,082 more |
Amsterdam vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 2%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs London: $3,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 4, while London wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.