City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $942 | $12 |
| Groceries | $168 | $188 | $20 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $120 | $1 |
| Transportation | $49 | $33 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $94 | $76 | +$18 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $141 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$1,889
per month
You'd need $1,889/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Amsterdam or New York cheaper?
Amsterdam is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$1,889/mo in New York using COL adjustment.