Amsterdam vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Barcelona is roughly 3% more affordable than Amsterdam (index 76 vs 78, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Barcelona
More affordable overall
3% cheaper than Amsterdam · Cost index: 76 vs 78

Head-to-Head Stats

78Cost Index76
3,900Median Income /mo2,500
72Safety Index73
37Income Tax %20
95Internet (Mbps)95
250Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryBarcelona
$1,850/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
32% ← cheaper
$1,260/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
12% cheaper →
$1.25/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
3% ← cheaper
$15.5/meal
$138/month
Monthly Transit Pass
61% ← cheaper
$54/month
$190/month
Utilities (Monthly)
26% ← cheaper
$140/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
25% ← cheaper
$90/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability92/100

Barcelona

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Barcelona?

Barcelona is cheaper than Amsterdam. Barcelona has a cost of living index of 76/100 compared to 78/100 for Amsterdam, making it roughly 3% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Barcelona than Amsterdam?

Barcelona is approximately 3% cheaper than Amsterdam based on cost index scores (76 vs 78, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Amsterdam could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,923/month in Barcelona.

What is the rent comparison between Amsterdam and Barcelona?

In Amsterdam, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,850/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,260/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Amsterdam or Barcelona?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Amsterdam offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Barcelona offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Barcelona has a cost advantage of 3%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Amsterdam is approximately $3,900 USD, compared to $2,500 USD in Barcelona.

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