Zurich vs Amsterdam

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Amsterdam is roughly 4% more affordable than Zurich (index 46 vs 47, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Amsterdam
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Zurich · Cost index: 46 vs 47

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 Index46✓
5,961✓Median Income /mo3,200
76Safety Index82✓
40Income Tax %30✓
297✓Internet (Mbps)158
300Coworking /mo290✓

Price Breakdown

ZurichCategoryAmsterdam
$3,630/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
42% ← cheaper
$2,100/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
8% cheaper →
$1.3/liter
$22/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
9% ← cheaper
$20/meal
$112/month
Monthly Transit Pass
3% cheaper →
$115/month
$269/month
Utilities (Monthly)
6% cheaper →
$286/month
$200/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$100/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Zurich

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

Amsterdam

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zurich cheaper than Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is cheaper than Zurich. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 46/100 compared to 47/100 for Zurich (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Amsterdam than Zurich?

Amsterdam is approximately 4% cheaper than Zurich based on cost index scores (46 vs 47, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Zurich could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,894/month in Amsterdam.

What is the rent comparison between Zurich and Amsterdam?

In Zurich, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,630/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 158 Mbps and coworking at ~$290/month. Amsterdam has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Zurich vs Amsterdam?

The median net monthly salary in Zurich is approximately $5,961 USD, compared to $3,200 USD in Amsterdam.

Compare Zurich with…

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