The Verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 47% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from Amsterdam to Zurich, 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 £59,184 in Zurich.
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 Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Amsterdam | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,100 | £3,300 | +£1,200 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £473 | +£165 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £375 | +£137 |
| Public transport pass | £147 | £208 | +£61 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £216 | +£18 |
| Total Monthly | £2,991 | £4,572 | +£1,581 |
* 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 (47% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/mo avg)
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 Zurich to match a Amsterdam salary
| Salary in Amsterdam | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £44,388 | £14,388 more |
| £40,000 | £59,184 | £19,184 more |
| £50,000 | £73,980 | £23,980 more |
| £60,000 | £88,776 | £28,776 more |
| £80,000 | £118,367 | £38,367 more |
| £100,000 | £147,959 | £47,959 more |
Amsterdam vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 47%. Amsterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: Amsterdam has a rent index of 105, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: Amsterdam: £2,924/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Amsterdam wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.