The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 27% cheaper than New York.
If you move from Amsterdam to New York, you will pay more 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 £51,020 in New York.
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 New York:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | New York | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £3,600 | +£1,500 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £368 | +£60 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £288 | +£50 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £152 | +£5 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £198 | — |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £4,605 | +£1,614 |
* 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 (27% 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 (£4,345/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 New York to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £38,265 | £8,265 more |
| £40,000 | £51,020 | £11,020 more |
| £50,000 | £63,776 | £13,776 more |
| £60,000 | £76,531 | £16,531 more |
| £80,000 | £102,041 | £22,041 more |
| £100,000 | £127,551 | £27,551 more |
Amsterdam vs New York: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 27%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while New York has 180.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs New York: £4,345/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 5, while New York wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.