Amsterdam vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Barcelona is roughly 11% more affordable than Amsterdam (index 41 vs 46, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Barcelona
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Amsterdam · Cost index: 41 vs 46

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

46Cost Index41✓
3,200✓Median Income /mo2,385
82✓Safety Index76
30Income Tax %25✓
158Internet (Mbps)171✓
290Coworking /mo150✓

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryBarcelona
$2,100/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
20% ← cheaper
$1,680/month
$1.3/liter
Meal for One
15% cheaper →
$1.53/liter
$20/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
40% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
78% ← cheaper
$25/month
$286/month
Utilities (Monthly)
27% ← cheaper
$209/month
$100/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

Internet158 Mbps
Coworking$290/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability93/100

Barcelona

Internet171 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability74/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Barcelona?

Barcelona is cheaper than Amsterdam. Barcelona has a cost of living index of 41/100 compared to 46/100 for Amsterdam (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Barcelona than Amsterdam?

Barcelona is approximately 11% cheaper than Amsterdam based on cost index scores (41 vs 46, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Amsterdam could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,671/month in Barcelona.

What is the rent comparison between Amsterdam and Barcelona?

In Amsterdam, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,100/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,680/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Amsterdam offers 158 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$290/month. Barcelona offers 171 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Barcelona has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Amsterdam is approximately $3,200 USD, compared to $2,385 USD in Barcelona.

Compare Amsterdam with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Amsterdam wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Amsterdam

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed