The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 7% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Amsterdam to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco.
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 San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $3,850 | +$175 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $459 | +$63 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $368 | +$35 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $124 | +$4 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $196 | $-24 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $4,996 | +$253 |
* 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)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- 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 San Francisco to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in San Francisco | 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 San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 7%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while San Francisco has 110.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs San Francisco: $7,000/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 5, while San Francisco wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.