New York vs Amsterdam

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Amsterdam is roughly 52% more affordable than New York (index 48 vs 100, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Amsterdam
More affordable overall
52% cheaper than New York · Cost index: 48 vs 100

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

100Cost Index48
5,344Median Income /mo3,650
72Safety Index78
37Income Tax %36
450Internet (Mbps)200
400Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

New YorkCategoryAmsterdam
$5,161/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
59% ← cheaper
$2,100/month
$5.43/liter
Meal for One
79% ← cheaper
$1.15/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$120/month
Monthly Transit Pass
4% ← cheaper
$115/month
$275/month
Utilities (Monthly)
27% ← cheaper
$200/month
$200/visit
Doctor Visit
55% ← cheaper
$90/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

New York

Internet450 Mbps
Coworking$400/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability89/100

Amsterdam

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York cheaper than Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is cheaper than New York. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 48/100 compared to 100/100 for New York (New York = 100), making it roughly 52% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Amsterdam than New York?

Amsterdam is approximately 52% cheaper than New York based on cost index scores (48 vs 100, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in New York could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,441/month in Amsterdam.

What is the rent comparison between New York and Amsterdam?

In New York, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $5,161/month. In Amsterdam, the equivalent is around $2,100/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — New York or Amsterdam?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. New York offers 450 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$400/month. Amsterdam offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Amsterdam has a cost advantage of 52%.

What is the average income in New York vs Amsterdam?

The median net monthly salary in New York is approximately $5,344 USD, compared to $3,650 USD in Amsterdam.

Compare New York with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as New York

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Or explore:San Francisco

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