Cost of Living: Amsterdam vs London (2026)

Amsterdam is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $2602/month in Amsterdam vs $3000/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 London has 1.07 per 100,000.

Amsterdam edges ahead 66 to 58. London isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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). London: UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process, Up to 5 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

London is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Amsterdam (76/100). 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: $2602/month in Amsterdam, $3000/month in London (Numbeo). That's 13% cheaper rent in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam scores 9.0/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 8.3/10 for London. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.

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