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Cost of Living: Ljubljana vs Rotterdam (2026)

Slovenia vs Netherlands — relocation comparison

80
Livability Score
🇸🇮 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Full profile
74
Livability Score
🇳🇱 Rotterdam
Netherlands
Full profile
Ljubljana
Rotterdam
$1118/mo
Rent
$1805/mo
80/100
Livability
74/100
86/100
Safety
87/100
Healthcare
79/100
PR path
5 yr
130 Mbps
Internet
141 Mbps
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

ZZP'er
TL;DRLjubljana is 38% cheaper on rent ($1118/mo vs $1805/mo). Rotterdam scores 9.0 vs 7.8 on democracy. You can get by in English in both — your Duolingo streak can wait.
Ljubljana edges ahead 80 to 74. Rotterdam isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Ljubljana
Metric
Rotterdam
$1118/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1805/mo
$701/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$888/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$7,746
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
22 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
26 / 100
27°C
☀️
Summer high
21°C
-1°C
❄️
Winter low
1°C
130 Mbps
Internet speed
141 Mbps
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
11.4 μg/m³
7.8 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.0 / 10
72/100
🗣️
Street English
76/100
$57k
💼
GDP per capita
$86k
2.0% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
3.3% · Boringly steady
80 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
74 / 100
Grid reliability
94/100 — Reliable
🗽
Freedom House
97/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years
💰
Cost of Living
Ljubljana
$686/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Rotterdam
9.0/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
27°C vs 21°C summers
🗣️
English
Rotterdam
higher proficiency score

Settler Essentials

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

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 38% cheaper in Ljubljana ($1118/mo vs $1805/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Ljubljana (27°C vs 21°C).
  • Rotterdam scores higher on democracy (9.0 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).

Ljubljana vs Rotterdam — Common Questions

Is Ljubljana cheaper than Rotterdam?

Ljubljana is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1118/month in Ljubljana vs $1805/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Ljubljana or Rotterdam?

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

Should I move to Ljubljana or Rotterdam?

Ljubljana edges ahead 80 to 74. Rotterdam 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.

Is it easier to get residency in Ljubljana or Rotterdam?

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

Which has better weather, Ljubljana or Rotterdam?

Ljubljana is warmer in summer (27°C vs 21°C). Rotterdam 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.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.