The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 28% more expensive than Birmingham.
If you move from Amsterdam to Birmingham, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Amsterdam, you would need to earn about £28,571 in Birmingham.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Amsterdam:
Why people love Birmingham:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Birmingham | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £1,000 | £-1,100 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £329 | +£21 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £195 | £-43 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £131 | £-16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £158 | £-40 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £1,814 | £-1,177 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,924/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (28% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Birmingham to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Birmingham | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £21,429 | £8,571 less |
| £40,000 | £28,571 | £11,429 less |
| £50,000 | £35,714 | £14,286 less |
| £60,000 | £42,857 | £17,143 less |
| £80,000 | £57,143 | £22,857 less |
| £100,000 | £71,429 | £28,571 less |
Amsterdam vs Birmingham: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 28%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Birmingham has 50.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs Birmingham: £2,400/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 1, while Birmingham wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.