Amsterdam vs Jeddah
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Jeddah is ~59% 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
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
27
Rent Index
12.2
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
32.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Amsterdam | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,318 | $455 | +$1,863 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $320 | +$1,502 |
| Groceries | $374 | $276 | +$98 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $12 | +$10 |
| Transit Pass | $109 | $29 | +$80 |
| Utilities | $210 | $73 | +$137 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Amsterdam | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,491/mo | $663/mo |
| Typical | $3,341/mo | $1,013/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,094/mo | $1,316/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Amsterdam | ≈ in Jeddah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $618/mo | -$882 |
| $2,000/mo | $824/mo | -$1,176 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,237/mo | -$1,763 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Amsterdam vs Jeddah for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Jeddah is approximately 59% more affordable than Amsterdam when combining rent and daily living costs. Amsterdam's COL+Rent Index of 65.5 vs Jeddah's 27 (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 $455/month in Jeddah — giving Jeddah a $1,863/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $22,356 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Amsterdam ($374/mo) vs Jeddah ($276/mo) reflect Jeddah's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $12 show Jeddah 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, Jeddah offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,013 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.