🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇩🇪 Berlin

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇱

Amsterdam

Netherlands

$2,708–$4,287/mo

€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)

🇩🇪

Berlin

Germany

$2,215–$3,508/mo

€2,051 – €3,248 / month (local)

Amsterdam is 22% more expensive

Berlin wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAmsterdam (USD)Berlin (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,031–$3,159$1,662–$2,585🟢 Berlin
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,072–$1,692$877–$1,385🟢 Berlin
Utilities$85–$164$69–$134🟢 Berlin
Groceries$429–$643$351–$526🟢 Berlin
Eating out (mid-range meal)$56–$102$46–$83🟢 Berlin
Public transport (monthly)$107–$130$88–$106🟢 Berlin
Internet & Mobile$34–$56$28–$46🟢 Berlin
Gym membership$39–$73$32–$60🟢 Berlin
Cinema ticket$16–$20$13–$17🟢 Berlin
Monthly total (single)$2,708–$4,287$2,215–$3,508🟢 Berlin

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 · 5.0 / 10
Amsterdam
Berlin▲ better
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Berlin
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Berlin
Education8.4 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Berlin
Environment9.2 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Berlin
Economy7.5 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Berlin
Culture8.1 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Berlin
Internet8.5 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Berlin

Who should choose which city?

Choose Amsterdam if…

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

Choose Berlin if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Amsterdam
  • ✓Startup scene
  • ✓Nightlife
  • ✓Value vs London
  • ✓Creatives

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Full Amsterdam guide

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Full Berlin guide

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Explore Berlin →