The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 4% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Amsterdam to Sydney, 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 $78,061 in Sydney.
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 Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,675 | $4,200 | +$525 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $428 | +$32 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $322 | $-11 |
| Public transport pass | $120 | $117 | $-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $196 | $-24 |
| Total Monthly | $4,743 | $5,263 | +$520 |
* 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 (4% 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 ($3,380/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Sydney to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,041 | $2,041 more |
| $75,000 | $78,061 | $3,061 more |
| $100,000 | $104,082 | $4,082 more |
| $125,000 | $130,102 | $5,102 more |
| $150,000 | $156,122 | $6,122 more |
| $200,000 | $208,163 | $8,163 more |
Amsterdam vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 4%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: $2,924/month vs Sydney: $3,380/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 3, while Sydney wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.