Zurich vs Amsterdam

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Amsterdam is roughly 17% more affordable than Zurich (index 78 vs 94, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Amsterdam
More affordable overall
17% cheaper than Zurich · Cost index: 78 vs 94

Head-to-Head Stats

94Cost Index78
7,600Median Income /mo3,900
92Safety Index72
18Income Tax %37
145Internet (Mbps)95
450Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

ZurichCategoryAmsterdam
$3,000/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
38% ← cheaper
$1,850/month
$2.15/liter
Meal for One
49% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$20/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
20% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
17% cheaper →
$138/month
$250/month
Utilities (Monthly)
24% ← cheaper
$190/month
$125/visit
Doctor Visit
4% ← cheaper
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Zurich

Internet145 Mbps
Coworking$450/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability85/100

Amsterdam

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability92/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zurich cheaper than Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is cheaper than Zurich. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 78/100 compared to 94/100 for Zurich, making it roughly 17% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Amsterdam than Zurich?

Amsterdam is approximately 17% cheaper than Zurich based on cost index scores (78 vs 94, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Zurich could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,489/month in Amsterdam.

What is the rent comparison between Zurich and Amsterdam?

In Zurich, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,000/month. In Amsterdam, the equivalent is around $1,850/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Zurich offers 145 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Amsterdam offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Amsterdam has a cost advantage of 17%.

What is the average income in Zurich vs Amsterdam?

The median net monthly salary in Zurich is approximately $7,600 USD, compared to $3,900 USD in Amsterdam.

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