🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇨🇭 Zurich

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇱

Amsterdam

Netherlands

$2,708–$4,287/mo

€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)

🇨🇭

Zurich

Switzerland

$3,538–$5,603/mo

CHF3,159 – CHF5,003 / month (local)

Zurich is 31% more expensive

Amsterdam wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAmsterdam (USD)Zurich (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,031–$3,159$2,654–$4,128🟢 Amsterdam
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,072–$1,692$1,401–$2,212🟢 Amsterdam
Utilities$85–$164$111–$214🟢 Amsterdam
Groceries$429–$643$560–$840🟢 Amsterdam
Eating out (mid-range meal)$56–$102$74–$133🟢 Amsterdam
Public transport (monthly)$107–$130$140–$170🟢 Amsterdam
Internet & Mobile$34–$56$44–$74🟢 Amsterdam
Gym membership$39–$73$52–$96🟢 Amsterdam
Cinema ticket$16–$20$21–$27🟢 Amsterdam
Monthly total (single)$2,708–$4,287$3,538–$5,603🟢 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 · 1.8 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich
Education8.4 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich
Economy7.5 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich
Culture8.1 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich
Internet8.5 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Amsterdam▲ better
Zurich

Who should choose which city?

Choose Amsterdam if…

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

Choose Zurich if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Zurich offers vs Amsterdam
  • ✓Salaries
  • ✓Nature
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Finance

You might also like…

📊

Full Amsterdam guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Amsterdam →

📊

Full Zurich guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Zurich →