City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Netherlands
COL index 78.4
Netherlands
COL index 66.8
Amsterdam vs Rotterdam — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Rotterdam is 14.8% cheaper than Amsterdam for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Amsterdam | Metric | Rotterdam | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | -14.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €31,898 | Net at €50,000 gross | €31,898 | 0.0% |
| €2,100 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,620 | -22.9% |
| €2,836 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,299 | -18.9% |
| €40,686 | PPP — net / COL | €47,752 | +17.4% |
| 36.2% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 36.2% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Netherlands = €2,658 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Rotterdam, you would need roughly €42,450 gross in Netherlands (≈ €2,265 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 (€1,620)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (60.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Rotterdam carries a lower cost-of-living index; Rotterdam wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Rotterdam edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Amsterdam cheaper than Rotterdam?+
Rotterdam is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Amsterdam 78.4, Rotterdam 66.8 — a 14.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Amsterdam and Rotterdam?+
Amsterdam sits at 78.4 on our COL index, Rotterdam at 66.8. That works out to roughly 14.8% — Rotterdam being the cheaper of the two.
Is Amsterdam a good place to live compared to Rotterdam?+
It depends on priorities. Amsterdam delivers €31,898 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 36.2% effective tax rate. Rotterdam delivers €31,898 at 36.2%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,100 vs €1,620.
How do salaries compare in Amsterdam vs Rotterdam?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €31,898/year (€2,658/month) in Amsterdam and €31,898/year (€2,658/month) in Rotterdam.
Which city has lower taxes, Amsterdam or Rotterdam?+
Netherlands has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Netherlands 36.2%, Netherlands 36.2%.