🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇩🇰 Copenhagen
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇳🇱
Amsterdam
Netherlands
$2,708–$4,287/mo
€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)
🇩🇰
Copenhagen
Denmark
$2,831–$4,482/mo
kr20,221 – kr32,014 / month (local)
Copenhagen is 5% more expensive
Amsterdam wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam (USD) | Copenhagen (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,031–$3,159 | $2,123–$3,303 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,072–$1,692 | $1,121–$1,769 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Utilities | $85–$164 | $88–$171 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Groceries | $429–$643 | $448–$672 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $56–$102 | $59–$106 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Public transport (monthly) | $107–$130 | $112–$136 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Internet & Mobile | $34–$56 | $35–$59 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Gym membership | $39–$73 | $41–$77 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Cinema ticket | $16–$20 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,708–$4,287 | $2,831–$4,482 | 🟢 Amsterdam |
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 · 3.4 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Education8.4 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Economy7.5 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Culture8.1 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Internet8.5 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Copenhagen
Who should choose which city?
Choose Amsterdam if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Copenhagen
- ✓English-friendly
- ✓Bikes
- ✓Quality of life
- ✓Tech
Choose Copenhagen if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Copenhagen offers vs Amsterdam
- ✓Bikes
- ✓Design
- ✓Happiness metrics
- ✓Life sciences
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Full Amsterdam guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Amsterdam →📊
Full Copenhagen guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Copenhagen →