Barcelona vs Amsterdam

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Barcelona is roughly 11% more affordable than Amsterdam (index 41 vs 46, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Barcelona
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Amsterdam · Cost index: 41 vs 46

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

41✓Cost Index46
2,385Median Income /mo3,200✓
76Safety Index82✓
25✓Income Tax %30
171✓Internet (Mbps)158
150✓Coworking /mo290

Price Breakdown

BarcelonaCategoryAmsterdam
$1,680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
20% cheaper →
$2,100/month
$1.53/liter
Meal for One
15% ← cheaper
$1.3/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
40% cheaper →
$20/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
78% cheaper →
$115/month
$209/month
Utilities (Monthly)
27% cheaper →
$286/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
40% cheaper →
$100/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Barcelona

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

Amsterdam

Internet158 Mbps
Coworking$290/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability93/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barcelona cheaper than Amsterdam?

Barcelona is cheaper than Amsterdam. Barcelona has a cost of living index of 41/100 compared to 46/100 for Amsterdam (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Barcelona than Amsterdam?

Barcelona is approximately 11% cheaper than Amsterdam based on cost index scores (41 vs 46, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Amsterdam could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,671/month in Barcelona.

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 158 Mbps and coworking at ~$290/month. Barcelona has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in Barcelona vs Amsterdam?

The median net monthly salary in Barcelona is approximately $2,385 USD, compared to $3,200 USD in Amsterdam.

Compare Barcelona with…

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

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