Amsterdam vs Zurich

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Amsterdam is roughly 15% more affordable than Zurich (index 40 vs 47, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Amsterdam
More affordable overall
15% cheaper than Zurich · Cost index: 40 vs 47

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 Index47
4,200Median Income /mo5,961
82Safety Index76
36Income Tax %40
117Internet (Mbps)297
250Coworking /mo300

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryZurich
$2,100/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
42% cheaper →
$3,630/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
12% cheaper →
$1.2/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
18% cheaper →
$22/meal
$72/month
Monthly Transit Pass
36% cheaper →
$112/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
39% cheaper →
$269/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
55% cheaper →
$200/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

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

Zurich

Internet297 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability85/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Zurich?

Amsterdam is cheaper than Zurich. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 40/100 compared to 47/100 for Zurich (New York = 100), making it roughly 15% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Amsterdam than Zurich?

Amsterdam is approximately 15% cheaper than Zurich based on cost index scores (40 vs 47, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Zurich could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,541/month in Amsterdam.

What is the rent comparison between Amsterdam and Zurich?

In Amsterdam, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,100/month. In Zurich, the equivalent is around $3,630/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Amsterdam offers 117 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Zurich offers 297 Mbps and coworking at ~$300/month. Amsterdam has a cost advantage of 15%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Zurich?

The median net monthly salary in Amsterdam is approximately $4,200 USD, compared to $5,961 USD in Zurich.

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