Amsterdam vs Zurich

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Zurich is roughly 1% more affordable than Amsterdam (index 47 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Zurich
More affordable overall
1% cheaper than Amsterdam · Cost index: 47 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 Index47
3,650Median Income /mo5,961
78Safety Index76
36Income Tax %40
200Internet (Mbps)297
350Coworking /mo300

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryZurich
$2,100/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
42% cheaper →
$3,630/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
4% cheaper →
$1.2/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
18% cheaper →
$22/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
3% ← cheaper
$112/month
$200/month
Utilities (Monthly)
26% cheaper →
$269/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
55% cheaper →
$200/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

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

Zurich

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Zurich?

Zurich is cheaper than Amsterdam. Zurich has a cost of living index of 47/100 compared to 48/100 for Amsterdam (New York = 100), making it roughly 1% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Zurich than Amsterdam?

Zurich is approximately 1% cheaper than Amsterdam based on cost index scores (47 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Amsterdam could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,965/month in Zurich.

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 200 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Zurich offers 297 Mbps and coworking at ~$300/month. Zurich has a cost advantage of 1%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Zurich?

The median net monthly salary in Amsterdam is approximately $3,650 USD, compared to $5,961 USD in Zurich.

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