The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 4% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Amsterdam to Sydney, 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 £41,633 in Sydney.
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 Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £2,400 | +£300 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £333 | +£25 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £230 | £-8 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £144 | £-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £176 | £-22 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £3,283 | +£292 |
* 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 (4% 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 (£3,380/mo avg)
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 Sydney to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £31,224 | £1,224 more |
| £40,000 | £41,633 | £1,633 more |
| £50,000 | £52,041 | £2,041 more |
| £60,000 | £62,449 | £2,449 more |
| £80,000 | £83,265 | £3,265 more |
| £100,000 | £104,082 | £4,082 more |
Amsterdam vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 4%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs Sydney: £3,380/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 3, while Sydney wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.