The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 2% cheaper than London.
If you move from Amsterdam to London, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Amsterdam, you would need to earn about £40,816 in London.
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 London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £2,000 | £-100 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £350 | +£42 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £250 | +£12 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £160 | +£13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £180 | £-18 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £2,940 | £-51 |
* Estimates based on London = 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 (£3,800/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 London to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £30,612 | £612 more |
| £40,000 | £40,816 | £816 more |
| £50,000 | £51,020 | £1,020 more |
| £60,000 | £61,224 | £1,224 more |
| £80,000 | £81,633 | £1,633 more |
| £100,000 | £102,041 | £2,041 more |
Amsterdam vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 2%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 4, while London wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.