Amsterdam vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~40% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Amsterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
65.5
Rent Index
52.2
Groceries
65.4
Restaurant
73.1
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Amsterdam | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,318 | $821 | +$1,497 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $630 | +$1,192 |
| Groceries | $374 | $370 | +$4 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $15 | +$7 |
| Transit Pass | $109 | $47 | +$62 |
| Utilities | $210 | $170 | +$40 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Amsterdam | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,491/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $3,341/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,094/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Amsterdam | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $902/mo | -$598 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,203/mo | -$797 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,805/mo | -$1,195 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Amsterdam vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 40% more affordable than Amsterdam when combining rent and daily living costs. Amsterdam's COL+Rent Index of 65.5 vs Graz's 39.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Amsterdam costs $2,318/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $1,497/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $17,964 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Amsterdam ($374/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $15 show Graz offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.