Can I Afford to Live in Amsterdam vs New York on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Amsterdam, NL
$4,000/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (45% of take-home)
Difficult
New York, NY
$5,746/mo take-home
Rent: $3,500/mo (61% of take-home)
Difficult

Monthly budget breakdown

Amsterdam
NL
New York
NY
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,000
$5,746Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,800Best ✓
$3,500
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$437
Transport (est.)
$150
$132Best ✓
Utilities
$110Best ✓
$180
Internet
$40Best ✓
$75
Left after essentials
$1,520/month
$1,422/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Amsterdam?

At $100K/year in Amsterdam, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,000. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 45% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $100K a good salary in New York?

At $100K/year in New York, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,746. With 1BR rent around $3,500/month, rent takes up 61% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Amsterdam leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,520/month vs $1,422/month in New York.

Can I afford to live alone in Amsterdam on $100K?

It's tight. Rent in Amsterdam would take 45% of your $100K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Amsterdam vs New York

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only