Amsterdam vs Berlin: Cost of Living & Salary Comparison
Amsterdam and Berlin are both popular destinations for professionals. Here's a data-driven comparison of what it actually costs to live and work in each city.
Amsterdam
Berlin
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Category | Amsterdam | Berlin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 72 | 62 | +16% (lower is better) |
| Median Salary | $52,000 | $50,000 | |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,800 | $1,400 | (/month) |
| Rent (2BR) | $2,500 | $2,000 | (/month) |
| Groceries Index | 72 | 65 | +11% (NYC=100) |
| Transport Monthly | $105 | $100 | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 37% | 35% | (at median income) |
| Purchasing Power | 74 | 76 | -3% (higher is better) |
Salary Comparison by Role
| Role | Amsterdam | Berlin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $72,000 | $70,000 | +3% |
| Product Manager | $72,000 | $68,000 | +6% |
| Data Scientist | $72,000 | $68,000 | +6% |
| DevOps Engineer | $75,000 | $72,000 | +4% |
| Frontend Developer | $62,000 | $60,000 | +3% |
| Engineering Manager | $98,000 | $95,000 | +3% |
Berlin Offers Better Purchasing Power
Berlin has a purchasing power index of 76 compared to 74 for Amsterdam. Berlin is also cheaper to live in, making it a stronger choice from a pure economic standpoint. It's also a top tech hub (score: 8/10).
Common Questions
Based on cost of living indices, Amsterdam (72) is more expensive compared to Berlin (62), where NYC = 100.
To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately $86,000 in Berlin to match $100,000 in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has a tech hub score of 8/10 while Berlin scores 8/10. Amsterdam generally offers more tech opportunities.
Based on purchasing power, Berlin offers better value. This accounts for both salary levels and cost of living.
Compare Your Own Salary
See exactly how your salary compares in Amsterdam vs Berlin with our free tool.
Check Your Salary →Related Salary Insights
Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.