🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇩🇪 Frankfurt

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇱

Amsterdam

Netherlands

$2,708–$4,287/mo

€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)

🇩🇪

Frankfurt

Germany

$2,523–$3,995/mo

€2,336 – €3,699 / month (local)

Amsterdam is 7% more expensive

Frankfurt wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAmsterdam (USD)Frankfurt (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,031–$3,159$1,892–$2,944🟢 Frankfurt
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,072–$1,692$999–$1,577🟢 Frankfurt
Utilities$85–$164$79–$152🟢 Frankfurt
Groceries$429–$643$399–$599🟢 Frankfurt
Eating out (mid-range meal)$56–$102$53–$95🟢 Frankfurt
Public transport (monthly)$107–$130$100–$121🟢 Frankfurt
Internet & Mobile$34–$56$32–$53🟢 Frankfurt
Gym membership$39–$73$37–$68🟢 Frankfurt
Cinema ticket$16–$20$15–$19🟢 Frankfurt
Monthly total (single)$2,708–$4,287$2,523–$3,995🟢 Frankfurt

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 · 5.3 / 10
Amsterdam
Frankfurt▲ better
Safety8.8 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Amsterdam
Frankfurt▲ better
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Frankfurt
Education8.4 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Frankfurt
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Frankfurt
Economy7.5 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Amsterdam
Frankfurt▲ better
Culture8.1 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Amsterdam
Frankfurt▲ better
Internet8.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Frankfurt

Who should choose which city?

Choose Amsterdam if…

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

Choose Frankfurt if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Amsterdam
  • ✓ECB
  • ✓Airport hub
  • ✓Salaries
  • ✓Finance

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Full Amsterdam guide

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Full Frankfurt guide

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