The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 16% more expensive than Seattle.
If you move from Amsterdam to Seattle, 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 $62,755 in Seattle.
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 Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $2,730 | $-945 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $428 | +$32 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $322 | $-11 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $114 | $-6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $170 | $-50 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $3,764 | $-979 |
* 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 (16% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($5,800/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 Seattle to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,837 | $8,163 less |
| $75,000 | $62,755 | $12,245 less |
| $100,000 | $83,673 | $16,327 less |
| $125,000 | $104,592 | $20,408 less |
| $150,000 | $125,510 | $24,490 less |
| $200,000 | $167,347 | $32,653 less |
Amsterdam vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 16%. Seattle is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Seattle has 78.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs Seattle: $5,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 1, while Seattle wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.