Chicago vs Amsterdam

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Amsterdam is roughly 23% more affordable than Chicago (index 46 vs 60, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Amsterdam
More affordable overall
23% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 46 vs 60

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

60Cost Index46✓
4,800✓Median Income /mo3,200
60Safety Index82✓
4.95✓Income Tax %30
150Internet (Mbps)158✓
250✓Coworking /mo290

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryAmsterdam
$2,471/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
15% ← cheaper
$2,100/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
4% ← cheaper
$1.3/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
10% cheaper →
$20/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
35% cheaper →
$115/month
$166/month
Utilities (Monthly)
42% cheaper →
$286/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
17% ← cheaper
$100/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability77/100

Amsterdam

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is cheaper than Chicago. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 46/100 compared to 60/100 for Chicago (New York = 100), making it roughly 23% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Amsterdam than Chicago?

Amsterdam is approximately 23% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (46 vs 60, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,299/month in Amsterdam.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Amsterdam?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,471/month. In Amsterdam, the equivalent is around $2,100/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Amsterdam offers 158 Mbps and coworking at ~$290/month. Amsterdam has a cost advantage of 23%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Amsterdam?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $3,200 USD in Amsterdam.

Compare Chicago with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as Chicago

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