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Cost of Living: Amsterdam vs Ljubljana (2026)

Netherlands vs Slovenia — relocation comparison

66
Livability Score
🇳🇱 Amsterdam
Netherlands
Full profile
80
Livability Score
🇸🇮 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Full profile
Amsterdam
Ljubljana
$2602/mo
Rent
$1118/mo
66/100
Livability
80/100
87/100
Safety
86/100
75/100
Healthcare
5 yr
PR path
122 Mbps
Internet
130 Mbps
ZZP'er
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

TL;DRLjubljana is 57% cheaper on rent ($1118/mo vs $2602/mo). Amsterdam scores 9.0 vs 7.8 on democracy. You can get by in English in both — your Duolingo streak can wait.
Ljubljana scores 80 to Amsterdam's 66 on livability — the gap is real. Amsterdam has its charms, but the numbers favor Ljubljana.
Amsterdam
Metric
Ljubljana
$2602/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1118/mo
$937/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$701/mo
$10,705
🧳
Cost to land
0.7 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.6 / 100k
26 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
22 / 100
20°C
☀️
Summer high
27°C
1°C
❄️
Winter low
-1°C
122 Mbps
Internet speed
130 Mbps
11.2 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
9.0 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
7.8 / 10
76/100
🗣️
Street English
72/100
$86k
💼
GDP per capita
$57k
3.3% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.0% · Boringly steady
66 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
80 / 100
94/100 — Reliable
Grid reliability
97/100
🗽
Freedom House
5 years
📋
Time to PR
💰
Cost of Living
Ljubljana
$1484/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Amsterdam
9.0/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
20°C vs 27°C summers
🗣️
English
Amsterdam
higher proficiency score

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
improving
Inflation trend
fintechlogisticssemiconductorsagri-food-tech
Industries
hub
Startup ecosystem
94/100
Grid reliability
5 yrs
Time to PR
Easy
EU visa
Complex
RU visa
Easy
UA visa
Partner can work immediately
Spouse works

Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 57% cheaper in Ljubljana ($1118/mo vs $2602/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Ljubljana (27°C vs 20°C).
  • Amsterdam scores higher on democracy (9.0 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).

Amsterdam vs Ljubljana — Common Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1118/month in Ljubljana vs $2602/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Amsterdam has a rate of 0.73 per 100,000 and Ljubljana has 0.57 per 100,000.

Should I move to Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana scores 80 to Amsterdam's 66 on livability — the gap is real. Amsterdam has its charms, but the numbers favor Ljubljana. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Amsterdam: Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (complex process, Up to 5 years). Ljubljana: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is warmer in summer (27°C vs 20°C). Amsterdam has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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