✦ Cost of living
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
US = 100
In plain terms: Amsterdam is about 27% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $2,100/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing165+65%
- Food & groceries112+12%
- Transport95−5%
- Utilities122+22%
- Healthcare100−0%
- Goods & services116+16%
About
“Venice of the North”
Compact, bike-first and very English-friendly — a favourite expat landing pad, if you can win the tight housing lottery.
- Currency
- Euro · EUR
- Languages
- Dutch
- Coordinates
- 52.37, 4.90
- Emergency
- 112
What things cost
Taxes
49.5%
Income tax
progressive
21%
VAT / sales
25.8%
Corporate
$3,100
Avg net salary
per month
Visas & residency
Highly Skilled Migrant scheme; DAFT treaty route for US entrepreneurs.
✈ Schengen 90/180 for many passports.
Recognised sponsor + salary threshold.
Permanent residence after ~5 yrs. Citizenship after ~5 yrs.
Quality of life
Safety
68/100
Healthcare
80/100
Pollution
40/100
Internet
160 Mbps
Jan avg
+4 °C
Jul avg
+18 °C
Sunny days
60/yr
Walkability
90/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam, NL?
Amsterdam, NL's cost-of-living index is 127 (US average = 100) — about 27% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $2,100 per month.
What is the average rent in Amsterdam, NL?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $2,100 per month, and around $1,500 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in Netherlands?
Netherlands has a top income-tax rate of 49.5% and a VAT or sales tax of 21%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Amsterdam, NL?
Amsterdam, NL averages around +4 °C in January and +18 °C in July, with roughly 60 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare Amsterdam with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.