🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇬🇧 London

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇱

Amsterdam

Netherlands

$2,708–$4,287/mo

€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)

🇬🇧

London

United Kingdom

$3,015–$4,774/mo

£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)

London is 11% more expensive

Amsterdam wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAmsterdam (USD)London (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,031–$3,159$2,262–$3,518🟢 Amsterdam
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,072–$1,692$1,194–$1,885🟢 Amsterdam
Utilities$85–$164$94–$182🟢 Amsterdam
Groceries$429–$643$477–$716🟢 Amsterdam
Eating out (mid-range meal)$56–$102$63–$113🟢 Amsterdam
Public transport (monthly)$107–$130$119–$144🟢 Amsterdam
Internet & Mobile$34–$56$38–$63🟢 Amsterdam
Gym membership$39–$73$44–$82🟢 Amsterdam
Cinema ticket$16–$20$18–$23🟢 Amsterdam
Monthly total (single)$2,708–$4,287$3,015–$4,774🟢 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 · 2.8 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London
Education8.4 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London
Economy7.5 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London
Culture8.1 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London
Internet8.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
London

Who should choose which city?

Choose Amsterdam if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than London
  • ✓English-friendly
  • ✓Bikes
  • ✓Quality of life
  • ✓Tech

Choose London if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what London offers vs Amsterdam
  • ✓Global finance
  • ✓Culture
  • ✓Transit
  • ✓Finance

You might also like…

📊

Full Amsterdam guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Amsterdam →

📊

Full London guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore London →