City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Netherlands
COL index 78.4
Germany
COL index 72.8
Amsterdam vs Berlin — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Berlin is 7.1% cheaper than Amsterdam for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Amsterdam | Metric | Berlin | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 72.8 | -7.1% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €31,898 | Net at €50,000 gross | €33,725 | +5.7% |
| €2,100 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,500 | -28.6% |
| €2,836 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,206 | -22.2% |
| €40,686 | PPP — net / COL | €46,326 | +13.9% |
| 36.2% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 32.5% | -10.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Netherlands = €2,658 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Berlin, you would need roughly €43,247 gross in Germany (≈ €2,468 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 78)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (79.0%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,500)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (53.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Berlin delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Berlin carries a lower cost-of-living index; Berlin has the lighter effective tax burden; Berlin wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Berlin edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Amsterdam cheaper than Berlin?+
Berlin is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Amsterdam 78.4, Berlin 72.8 — a 7.1% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Amsterdam and Berlin?+
Amsterdam sits at 78.4 on our COL index, Berlin at 72.8. That works out to roughly 7.1% — Berlin being the cheaper of the two.
Is Amsterdam a good place to live compared to Berlin?+
It depends on priorities. Amsterdam delivers €31,898 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 36.2% effective tax rate. Berlin delivers €33,725 at 32.5%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,100 vs €1,500.
How do salaries compare in Amsterdam vs Berlin?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €31,898/year (€2,658/month) in Amsterdam and €33,725/year (€2,810/month) in Berlin.
Which city has lower taxes, Amsterdam or Berlin?+
Germany has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Netherlands 36.2%, Germany 32.5%.