Moving from New York to Amsterdam (2026)
Amsterdam has a COL index of 85 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). You'd pay about 55% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Amsterdam to match your New York lifestyle
Based on the 55% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in New York | Equivalent in Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| $40K | $18,075 |
| $50K | $22,594 |
| $60K | $27,112 |
| $75K | $33,890 |
| $80K | $36,150 |
| $100K | $45,187 |
| $120K | $54,225 |
| $150K | $67,781 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — New York vs Amsterdam
| Expense | New York | Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $3,000 |
| 1BR rent | $3,500 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $437 | $380 |
| Transport | $132 | $150 |
| Utilities | $180 | $110 |
| Internet | $75 | $40 |
| Left after essentials | $-15 | $520 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,844 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in New York — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amsterdam cheaper than New York?
Yes. Amsterdam has a cost of living index of 85 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). That's about 55% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from New York to Amsterdam?
On a $75K salary, moving from New York to Amsterdam saves roughly $194/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,328/year.
What salary do I need in Amsterdam to match my New York lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in New York, you'd need roughly $33,890/year in Amsterdam. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only