The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 26% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from Amsterdam to Manchester, 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 £29,388 in Manchester.
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 Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £1,100 | £-1,000 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £333 | +£25 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £200 | £-38 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £136 | £-11 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £162 | £-36 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £1,931 | £-1,060 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,924/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (26% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- 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 Manchester to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £22,041 | £7,959 less |
| £40,000 | £29,388 | £10,612 less |
| £50,000 | £36,735 | £13,265 less |
| £60,000 | £44,082 | £15,918 less |
| £80,000 | £58,776 | £21,224 less |
| £100,000 | £73,469 | £26,531 less |
Amsterdam vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 26%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 1, while Manchester wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.