City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Amsterdam vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in Amsterdam.
London
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,861 | $1,812 | +$49 |
| Groceries | $336 | $343 | $7 |
| Dining Out | $237 | $273 | $36 |
| Transportation | $98 | $92 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $189 | $209 | $20 |
| Other / Misc | $279 | $271 | +$8 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$3,000
per month
London equivalent
$3,339
per month
You'd need $3,339/mo in London to match $3,000/mo in Amsterdam.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $3,000/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,861 to rent, $336 to groceries, $237 to dining.
Can I live in London on $3,000/month?
In London, $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $1,812 rent, $343 groceries, $273 dining.
Is Amsterdam or London cheaper?
Amsterdam is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Amsterdam worth in London?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$3,339/mo in London using COL adjustment.