Amsterdam vs Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Edinburgh is roughly 13% more affordable than Amsterdam (index 42 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Edinburgh
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Amsterdam · Cost index: 42 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 Index42
3,650Median Income /mo2,650
78Safety Index78
36Income Tax %29
200Internet (Mbps)67
350Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryEdinburgh
$2,100/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
26% ← cheaper
$1,545/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
15% cheaper →
$1.35/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
22% cheaper →
$23/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% ← cheaper
$90/month
$200/month
Utilities (Monthly)
39% cheaper →
$330/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

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

Edinburgh

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is cheaper than Amsterdam. Edinburgh has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 48/100 for Amsterdam (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Edinburgh than Amsterdam?

Edinburgh is approximately 13% cheaper than Amsterdam based on cost index scores (42 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Amsterdam could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,616/month in Edinburgh.

What is the rent comparison between Amsterdam and Edinburgh?

In Amsterdam, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,100/month. In Edinburgh, the equivalent is around $1,545/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Amsterdam offers 200 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Edinburgh has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Edinburgh?

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

Compare Amsterdam with…

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