Zurich vs Amsterdam

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

47Cost Index48
5,961Median Income /mo3,650
76Safety Index78
40Income Tax %36
297Internet (Mbps)200
300Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

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

Digital Nomad Profile

Zurich

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

Amsterdam

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zurich cheaper than Amsterdam?

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 Zurich and Amsterdam?

In Zurich, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,630/month. In Amsterdam, the equivalent is around $2,100/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Zurich offers 297 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Amsterdam offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Zurich has a cost advantage of 1%.

What is the average income in Zurich vs Amsterdam?

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

Compare Zurich with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as Zurich

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