🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇬🇷 Athens

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇱

Amsterdam

Netherlands

$2,708–$4,287/mo

€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)

🇬🇷

Athens

Greece

$1,692–$2,679/mo

€1,567 – €2,481 / month (local)

Amsterdam is 60% more expensive

Athens wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAmsterdam (USD)Athens (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,031–$3,159$1,269–$1,974🟢 Athens
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,072–$1,692$670–$1,058🟢 Athens
Utilities$85–$164$53–$102🟢 Athens
Groceries$429–$643$268–$402🟢 Athens
Eating out (mid-range meal)$56–$102$35–$63🟢 Athens
Public transport (monthly)$107–$130$67–$81🟢 Athens
Internet & Mobile$34–$56$21–$35🟢 Athens
Gym membership$39–$73$25–$46🟢 Athens
Cinema ticket$16–$20$10–$13🟢 Athens
Monthly total (single)$2,708–$4,287$1,692–$2,679🟢 Athens

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.1 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Amsterdam
Athens▲ better
Safety8.8 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Amsterdam
Athens▲ better
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Athens
Education8.4 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Amsterdam
Athens▲ better
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Athens
Economy7.5 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Amsterdam
Athens▲ better
Culture8.1 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Amsterdam
Athens▲ better
Internet8.5 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Amsterdam
Athens▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Amsterdam if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Amsterdam offers vs Athens
  • ✓English-friendly
  • ✓Bikes
  • ✓Quality of life
  • ✓Tech

Choose Athens if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Amsterdam
  • ✓History
  • ✓Islands access
  • ✓Food
  • ✓Tourism

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Full Athens guide

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Explore Athens →