City Comparison
Amsterdam vs Rotterdam
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rotterdam is ~28% 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
Rotterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
47
Rent Index
31
Groceries
52.3
Restaurant
53.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Amsterdam | Rotterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,318 | $1,378 | +$940 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $1,082 | +$740 |
| Groceries | $374 | $299 | +$75 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $17 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $109 | $87 | +$22 |
| Utilities | $210 | $168 | +$42 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Amsterdam | Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,491/mo | $1,614/mo |
| Typical | $3,341/mo | $2,187/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,094/mo | $2,709/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Amsterdam | ≈ in Rotterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,076/mo | -$424 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,435/mo | -$565 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,153/mo | -$847 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amsterdam or Rotterdam cheaper to live in?
Rotterdam is approximately 28% cheaper overall. Amsterdam's COL+Rent Index is 65.5 vs Rotterdam's 47 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Amsterdam vs Rotterdam?
A 1BR in Amsterdam city center costs ~$2,318/mo vs $1,378/mo in Rotterdam. Outside the center: $1,822 vs $1,082.
What is $2,000/month in Amsterdam worth in Rotterdam?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Amsterdam has the purchasing power of approximately $1,435/month in Rotterdam.
Are groceries cheaper in Amsterdam or Rotterdam?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $374 in Amsterdam vs $299 in Rotterdam. Groceries Index: 65.4 vs 52.3 (NYC = 100).