Amsterdam vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Barcelona is roughly 21% more affordable than Amsterdam (index 38 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Barcelona
More affordable overall
21% cheaper than Amsterdam · Cost index: 38 vs 48

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

48Cost Index38
3,650Median Income /mo2,300
78Safety Index78
36Income Tax %37
200Internet (Mbps)165
350Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryBarcelona
$2,100/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
33% ← cheaper
$1,400/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
17% cheaper →
$1.39/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
28% ← cheaper
$13/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
50% ← cheaper
$58/month
$200/month
Utilities (Monthly)
40% ← cheaper
$120/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
33% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

Internet200 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability92/100

Barcelona

Internet165 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 38/100 compared to 48/100 for Amsterdam (New York = 100), making it roughly 21% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Barcelona than Amsterdam?

Barcelona is approximately 21% cheaper than Amsterdam based on cost index scores (38 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Amsterdam could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,372/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 $1,400/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Amsterdam offers 200 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Barcelona offers 165 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Barcelona has a cost advantage of 21%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Amsterdam is approximately $3,650 USD, compared to $2,300 USD in Barcelona.

Compare Amsterdam with…

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