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Berlin vs Amsterdam

Berlin runs about 14% cheaper than Amsterdam for this household, a difference of 433 USD a month.

Exterior of Fotografiska Berlin on Oranienburger Straße showing the front facade of the building. ©PionStudio
Berlin
$3,008/month · Germany
Shaysd · CC BY-SA 4.0
View from the Metz & Co. Metz & Co. Department Store Rooftop Cafe of the Keizersgracht / Leidsestraat, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam
$3,440/month · Netherlands
Jorge Royan · CC BY-SA 3.0
Berlin monthly
$3,008
Index 47 (NYC = 100)
Amsterdam monthly
$3,440
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+14%
Amsterdam relative to Berlin
Rent gap
$650
Amsterdam costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

BerlinAmsterdam
  • Housing
    Housing: Berlin $1,450, Amsterdam $2,100. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Food
    Food: Berlin $558, Amsterdam $581. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Transport
    Transport: Berlin $195, Amsterdam $127. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Berlin $242, Amsterdam $236. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Berlin $327, Amsterdam $173. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Berlin $120, Amsterdam $124. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Other
    Other: Berlin $115, Amsterdam $99. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricBerlinAmsterdam
Cost
Total monthly cost3,008 USD✓3,440 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)47✓54
Housing1,450 USD✓2,100 USD
Utilities242 USD236 USD✓
Food558 USD✓581 USD
Transport195 USD127 USD✓
Healthcare327 USD173 USD✓
Lifestyle120 USD✓124 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr4,965 USD5,523 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate40.4%33.7%✓
Left over each month1,958 USD2,082 USD✓
Average local net salary2,700 USD3,500 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,450 USD✓2,100 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,700 USD✓3,800 USD
Buy price per m², centre7,800 USD✓9,500 USD
Quality of life
Safety68/10076/100✓
Healthcare84/10086/100✓
Air quality70/100✓68/100
Public transport90/100✓88/100
Walkability88/10094/100✓
English proficiency78/10096/100✓
Nightlife94/100✓88/100
Family friendliness78/10080/100✓
Median broadband140 Mbps180 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature11°C11°C
Summer high25°C22°C✓
Winter low-1°C2°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,630 h1,660 h✓
Annual rainfall570 mm✓840 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYes✓No
Beach accessNone nearby35 min✓
CurrencyEUREUR
Time zoneEurope/BerlinEurope/Amsterdam

Berlin runs about 14% cheaper than Amsterdam for this household, a difference of 433 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Berlin or Amsterdam cheaper?

Berlin runs about 14% cheaper than Amsterdam for this household, a difference of 433 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Amsterdam compared with Berlin?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $4,965 a month in Berlin and $5,523 in Amsterdam, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Berlin or Amsterdam?

Berlin scores 68/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Amsterdam scores 76 and 86. Berlin averages 11°C against 11°C in Amsterdam.