🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇪🇸 Barcelona

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇱

Amsterdam

Netherlands

$2,708–$4,287/mo

€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)

🇪🇸

Barcelona

Spain

$2,338–$3,703/mo

€2,165 – €3,429 / month (local)

Amsterdam is 16% more expensive

Barcelona wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAmsterdam (USD)Barcelona (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,031–$3,159$1,754–$2,728🟢 Barcelona
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,072–$1,692$926–$1,462🟢 Barcelona
Utilities$85–$164$73–$141🟢 Barcelona
Groceries$429–$643$370–$555🟢 Barcelona
Eating out (mid-range meal)$56–$102$49–$88🟢 Barcelona
Public transport (monthly)$107–$130$93–$112🟢 Barcelona
Internet & Mobile$34–$56$29–$49🟢 Barcelona
Gym membership$39–$73$34–$63🟢 Barcelona
Cinema ticket$16–$20$14–$18🟢 Barcelona
Monthly total (single)$2,708–$4,287$2,338–$3,703🟢 Barcelona

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 · 4.2 / 10
Amsterdam
Barcelona▲ better
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Barcelona
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Barcelona
Education8.4 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Barcelona
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Barcelona
Economy7.5 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Barcelona
Culture8.1 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Barcelona
Internet8.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Barcelona

Who should choose which city?

Choose Amsterdam if…

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

Choose Barcelona if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Amsterdam
  • ✓Beach + city
  • ✓Design
  • ✓Food
  • ✓Tech

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Full Amsterdam guide

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📊

Full Barcelona guide

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Explore Barcelona →