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Zurich vs Amsterdam

Amsterdam runs about 27% cheaper than Zurich for this household, a difference of 1,281 USD a month.

Zürich, Switzerland
Zurich
$4,722/month · Switzerland
Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
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
Zurich monthly
$4,722
Index 74 (NYC = 100)
Amsterdam monthly
$3,440
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-27%
Amsterdam relative to Zurich
Rent gap
$500
Zurich costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

ZurichAmsterdam
  • Housing
    Housing: Zurich $2,600, Amsterdam $2,100. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Food
    Food: Zurich $903, Amsterdam $581. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Transport
    Transport: Zurich $166, Amsterdam $127. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Zurich $266, Amsterdam $236. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Zurich $441, Amsterdam $173. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Zurich $189, Amsterdam $124. Cheaper in Amsterdam.
  • Other
    Other: Zurich $157, 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

MetricZurichAmsterdam
Cost
Total monthly cost4,722 USD3,440 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)7454✓
Housing2,600 USD2,100 USD✓
Utilities266 USD236 USD✓
Food903 USD581 USD✓
Transport166 USD127 USD✓
Healthcare441 USD173 USD✓
Lifestyle189 USD124 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,933 USD✓5,523 USD
Effective tax + social rate16.8%✓33.7%
Left over each month2,212 USD✓2,082 USD
Average local net salary6,800 USD✓3,500 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD2,100 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre4,600 USD3,800 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre18,000 USD9,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety92/100✓76/100
Healthcare94/100✓86/100
Air quality86/100✓68/100
Public transport98/100✓88/100
Walkability88/10094/100✓
English proficiency80/10096/100✓
Nightlife66/10088/100✓
Family friendliness88/100✓80/100
Median broadband190 Mbps✓180 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature10°C✓11°C
Summer high25°C22°C✓
Winter low-1°C2°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,660 h1,660 h
Annual rainfall1050 mm840 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach accessNone nearby35 min✓
CurrencyCHFEUR
Time zoneEurope/ZurichEurope/Amsterdam

Amsterdam runs about 27% cheaper than Zurich for this household, a difference of 1,281 USD a month.

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Cost of living in ZurichCost of living in AmsterdamConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Zurich vs LondonZurich vs DublinZurich vs Copenhagen
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Zurich or Amsterdam cheaper?

Amsterdam runs about 27% cheaper than Zurich for this household, a difference of 1,281 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Amsterdam compared with Zurich?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,933 a month in Zurich and $5,523 in Amsterdam, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Zurich or Amsterdam?

Zurich scores 92/100 on safety and 94/100 on healthcare; Amsterdam scores 76 and 86. Zurich averages 10°C against 11°C in Amsterdam.