City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Netherlands
COL index 78.4
Denmark
COL index 88.4
Amsterdam vs Copenhagen — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 11.3% cheaper than Copenhagen for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Amsterdam | Metric | Copenhagen | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 88.4 | +12.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €31,898 | Net at €50,000 gross | €46,000 | +44.2% |
| €2,100 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,080 | -1.0% |
| €2,836 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,994 | +5.6% |
| €40,686 | PPP — net / COL | €52,036 | +27.9% |
| 36.2% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 8.0% | -77.9% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Netherlands = €2,658 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Copenhagen, you would need roughly €39,095 gross in Denmark (≈ €2,997 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%)
- +Lower rent (€2,080 vs €2,100)
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (8.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.3%)
The verdict
Across the data, Copenhagen delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Amsterdam carries a lower cost-of-living index; Copenhagen has the lighter effective tax burden; Copenhagen wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Copenhagen edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Amsterdam cheaper than Copenhagen?+
Amsterdam is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Amsterdam 78.4, Copenhagen 88.4 — a 11.3% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Amsterdam and Copenhagen?+
Amsterdam sits at 78.4 on our COL index, Copenhagen at 88.4. That works out to roughly 11.3% — Amsterdam being the cheaper of the two.
Is Amsterdam a good place to live compared to Copenhagen?+
It depends on priorities. Amsterdam delivers €31,898 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 36.2% effective tax rate. Copenhagen delivers €46,000 at 8.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,100 vs €2,080.
How do salaries compare in Amsterdam vs Copenhagen?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €31,898/year (€2,658/month) in Amsterdam and €46,000/year (€3,833/month) in Copenhagen.
Which city has lower taxes, Amsterdam or Copenhagen?+
Denmark has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Netherlands 36.2%, Denmark 8.0%.