Cost of Living: Amsterdam vs Gothenburg (2026)

Gothenburg is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1080/month in Gothenburg vs $2602/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Amsterdam is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Amsterdam has a rate of 0.73 per 100,000 and Gothenburg has 1.10 per 100,000.

Gothenburg scores 78 to Amsterdam's 66 on livability — the gap is real. Amsterdam has its charms, but the numbers favor Gothenburg. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Amsterdam: Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (complex process, Up to 5 years). Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Amsterdam is easier for street-level English (76/100) than Gothenburg (71/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1080/month in Gothenburg, $2602/month in Amsterdam (Numbeo). That's 58% cheaper rent in Gothenburg.

Amsterdam scores higher on Numbeo's Healthcare Index (75/100 vs 70/100 for Gothenburg). That index reflects resident perception of quality, cost, and access — not just whether hospitals exist but whether people trust them.