City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Netherlands
COL index 78.4
United Kingdom
COL index 87.6
Amsterdam vs London — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Amsterdam is 10.5% cheaper than London for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Amsterdam | Metric | London | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 87.6 | +11.7% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €31,898 | Net at €50,000 gross | €37,714 | +18.2% |
| €2,100 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,450 | +16.7% |
| €2,836 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,333 | +17.5% |
| €40,686 | PPP — net / COL | €43,053 | +5.8% |
| 36.2% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 24.6% | -32.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Netherlands = €2,658 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in London, you would need roughly €47,055 gross in United Kingdom (≈ €2,970 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€2,100 vs €2,450)
- −High cost of living (index 78)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (79.0%)
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (78.0%)
The verdict
Across the data, London delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Amsterdam carries a lower cost-of-living index; London has the lighter effective tax burden; London wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, London edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Amsterdam cheaper than London?+
Amsterdam is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Amsterdam 78.4, London 87.6 — a 10.5% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Amsterdam and London?+
Amsterdam sits at 78.4 on our COL index, London at 87.6. That works out to roughly 10.5% — Amsterdam being the cheaper of the two.
Is Amsterdam a good place to live compared to London?+
It depends on priorities. Amsterdam delivers €31,898 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 36.2% effective tax rate. London delivers €37,714 at 24.6%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,100 vs €2,450.
How do salaries compare in Amsterdam vs London?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €31,898/year (€2,658/month) in Amsterdam and €37,714/year (€3,143/month) in London.
Which city has lower taxes, Amsterdam or London?+
United Kingdom has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Netherlands 36.2%, United Kingdom 24.6%.