Barcelona vs Amsterdam

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Amsterdam is roughly 1% more affordable than Barcelona (index 40 vs 41, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Amsterdam
More affordable overall
1% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 40 vs 41

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

41Cost Index40
2,385Median Income /mo4,200
76Safety Index82
25Income Tax %36
171Internet (Mbps)117
150Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

BarcelonaCategoryAmsterdam
$1,680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
20% cheaper →
$2,100/month
$1.53/liter
Meal for One
31% ← cheaper
$1.05/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% cheaper →
$18/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
65% cheaper →
$72/month
$209/month
Utilities (Monthly)
21% ← cheaper
$165/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
33% cheaper →
$90/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Barcelona

Internet171 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability74/100

Amsterdam

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barcelona cheaper than Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is cheaper than Barcelona. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 40/100 compared to 41/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 1% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Amsterdam than Barcelona?

Amsterdam is approximately 1% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (40 vs 41, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,959/month in Amsterdam.

What is the rent comparison between Barcelona and Amsterdam?

In Barcelona, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,680/month. In Amsterdam, the equivalent is around $2,100/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Barcelona offers 171 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Amsterdam offers 117 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Amsterdam has a cost advantage of 1%.

What is the average income in Barcelona vs Amsterdam?

The median net monthly salary in Barcelona is approximately $2,385 USD, compared to $4,200 USD in Amsterdam.

Compare Barcelona with…

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