City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $906 | +$24 |
| Groceries | $168 | $171 | $3 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $136 | $17 |
| Transportation | $49 | $46 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $94 | $105 | $11 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $136 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$1,669
per month
You'd need $1,669/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Amsterdam.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Amsterdam or London cheaper?
Amsterdam is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$1,669/mo in London using COL adjustment.