The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 32% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Amsterdam to San Francisco, you will pay more 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 £53,061 in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £3,900 | +£1,800 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £378 | +£70 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £275 | +£37 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £144 | £-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £189 | £-9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £4,886 | +£1,895 |
* 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
- Want lower overall living costs (32% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential (£5,530/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in San Francisco to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £39,796 | £9,796 more |
| £40,000 | £53,061 | £13,061 more |
| £50,000 | £66,327 | £16,327 more |
| £60,000 | £79,592 | £19,592 more |
| £80,000 | £106,122 | £26,122 more |
| £100,000 | £132,653 | £32,653 more |
Amsterdam vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 32%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while San Francisco has 195.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs San Francisco: £5,530/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 4, while San Francisco wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.