The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 7% cheaper than Paris.
If you move from Amsterdam to Paris, 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 £42,857 in Paris.
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 Paris:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Paris | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £2,300 | +£200 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £322 | +£14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £245 | +£7 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £141 | £-6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £171 | £-27 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £3,179 | +£188 |
* 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 (7% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,924/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
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 Paris to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Paris | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £32,143 | £2,143 more |
| £40,000 | £42,857 | £2,857 more |
| £50,000 | £53,571 | £3,571 more |
| £60,000 | £64,286 | £4,286 more |
| £80,000 | £85,714 | £5,714 more |
| £100,000 | £107,143 | £7,143 more |
Amsterdam vs Paris: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 7%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Paris has 115.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs Paris: £2,666/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 4, while Paris wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.