The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 7% cheaper than Paris.
If you move from Amsterdam to Paris, you will pay more 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 $80,357 in Paris.
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 Paris:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Paris | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $4,025 | +$350 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $414 | +$18 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $343 | +$10 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $114 | $-6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $190 | $-30 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $5,086 | +$343 |
* 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 (7% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($2,924/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- 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 Paris to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Paris | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,571 | $3,571 more |
| $75,000 | $80,357 | $5,357 more |
| $100,000 | $107,143 | $7,143 more |
| $125,000 | $133,929 | $8,929 more |
| $150,000 | $160,714 | $10,714 more |
| $200,000 | $214,286 | $14,286 more |
Amsterdam vs Paris: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 7%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Paris has 115.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs Paris: $2,666/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 4, while Paris wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.