The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 2% cheaper than New York City.
If you move from Amsterdam to New York City, 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 New York City.
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 New York City:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | New York City | 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 ($5,500/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 New York City to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in New York City | 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 New York City: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 2%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while New York City has 100.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs New York City: $5,500/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 4, while New York City wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.