Amsterdam vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Amsterdam is ~10% 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
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Amsterdam | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,318 | $2,503 | $185 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $1,960 | $138 |
| Groceries | $374 | $422 | $48 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $28 | $6 |
| Transit Pass | $109 | $113 | $4 |
| Utilities | $210 | $258 | $48 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Amsterdam | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,491/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $3,341/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,094/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Amsterdam | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,669/mo | +$169 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,226/mo | +$226 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,339/mo | +$339 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Amsterdam vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Amsterdam is approximately 10% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. Amsterdam's COL+Rent Index of 65.5 vs London's 72.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Amsterdam costs $2,318/month versus $2,503/month in London — giving Amsterdam a $185/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Amsterdam ($374/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect Amsterdam's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $28 show Amsterdam is the better value for dining out. 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, Amsterdam offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $3,341 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.