Amsterdam vs Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Amsterdam is roughly 4% more affordable than Edinburgh (index 40 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Amsterdam
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Edinburgh · Cost index: 40 vs 42

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

40Cost Index42
4,200Median Income /mo2,650
82Safety Index78
36Income Tax %29
117Internet (Mbps)67
250Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryEdinburgh
$2,100/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
26% ← cheaper
$1,545/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
22% cheaper →
$1.35/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
22% cheaper →
$23/meal
$72/month
Monthly Transit Pass
20% cheaper →
$90/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
50% cheaper →
$330/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

Internet117 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability95/100

Edinburgh

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Edinburgh?

Amsterdam is cheaper than Edinburgh. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 40/100 compared to 42/100 for Edinburgh (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Amsterdam than Edinburgh?

Amsterdam is approximately 4% cheaper than Edinburgh based on cost index scores (40 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Edinburgh could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,880/month in Amsterdam.

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 117 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Amsterdam has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Edinburgh?

The median net monthly salary in Amsterdam is approximately $4,200 USD, compared to $2,650 USD in Edinburgh.

Compare Amsterdam with…

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

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