City Comparison
Rotterdam vs Amsterdam
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rotterdam is ~28% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Rotterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
47
Rent Index
31
Groceries
52.3
Restaurant
53.4
Amsterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
65.5
Rent Index
52.2
Groceries
65.4
Restaurant
73.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rotterdam | Amsterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,378 | $2,318 | $940 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,082 | $1,822 | $740 |
| Groceries | $299 | $374 | $75 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $22 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $87 | $109 | $22 |
| Utilities | $168 | $210 | $42 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rotterdam | Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,614/mo | $2,491/mo |
| Typical | $2,187/mo | $3,341/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,709/mo | $4,094/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rotterdam | ≈ in Amsterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,090/mo | +$590 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,787/mo | +$787 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,181/mo | +$1,181 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rotterdam or Amsterdam cheaper to live in?
Rotterdam is approximately 28% cheaper overall. Rotterdam's COL+Rent Index is 47 vs Amsterdam's 65.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Rotterdam vs Amsterdam?
A 1BR in Rotterdam city center costs ~$1,378/mo vs $2,318/mo in Amsterdam. Outside the center: $1,082 vs $1,822.
What is $2,000/month in Rotterdam worth in Amsterdam?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Rotterdam has the purchasing power of approximately $2,787/month in Amsterdam.
Are groceries cheaper in Rotterdam or Amsterdam?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $299 in Rotterdam vs $374 in Amsterdam. Groceries Index: 52.3 vs 65.4 (NYC = 100).