Cost of living in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is 37% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 255 prices entered by 62 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | + 22% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is 22% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Amsterdam | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €20 | €17 | + 18% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €12 | €9 | + 35% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €6 | €4.54 | + 35% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.50 | €1.38 | + 9% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €4.67 | €4.18 | + 12% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €3.09 | €3.67 | - 16% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €7 | €6 | + 9% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.23 | €2.47 | - 10% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.74 | €1.89 | - 8% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €1.51 | €1.06 | + 42% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €7 | €7 | - 3% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €3.36 | €2.10 | + 60% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €2.16 | €1.19 | + 81% | |
| Housing | + 64% | |||
| Housing in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is 64% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Amsterdam | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €3,218 | €1,929 | + 67% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €2,524 | €1,540 | + 64% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €294 | €188 | + 56% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,969 | €1,167 | + 69% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €1,618 | €897 | + 80% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €176 | €134 | + 31% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €46 | €27 | + 71% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €354 | €480 | - 26% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €186 | €91 | + 104% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €13 | €5.59 | + 131% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €20 | €16 | + 27% | |
| Clothes | - 12% | |||
| Clothes in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is 12% cheaper than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Amsterdam | Cologne | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €93 | €86 | + 8% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €34 | €48 | - 29% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €100 | €90 | + 10% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €107 | €115 | - 7% | |
| Transportation | + 27% | |||
| Transportation in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is 27% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Amsterdam | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €35,829 | €28,416 | + 26% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €2.13 | €1.85 | + 15% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €83 | €63 | + 31% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €25 | €20 | + 24% | |
| Personal Care | + 39% | |||
| Personal Care in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is 39% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Amsterdam | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €4.74 | €6 | - 24% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €13 | €10 | + 31% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €38 | €46 | - 19% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €4.87 | €3.18 | + 53% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €5.13 | €2.06 | + 149% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €4.48 | €2.09 | + 115% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €2.01 | €1.66 | + 21% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €3.21 | €1.43 | + 124% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €32 | €22 | + 43% | |
| Entertainment | + 34% | |||
| Entertainment in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is 34% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Amsterdam | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €51 | €36 | + 42% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €30 | €20 | + 46% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €124 | €195 | - 36% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €94 | €69 | + 36% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €15 | €8 | + 84% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €4.05 | €2.89 | + 40% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €6 | €4.37 | + 45% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €613 | €498 | + 23% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.08 | €0.08 | - 3% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €58 | €33 | + 78% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €10 | €7 | + 50% | |
 |
TOTAL | + 37% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 255 prices entered by 62 different people.
These prices were last updated on December 06, 2024.
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For example, you would need at least €7,518 in Amsterdam to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with €5,500 in Cologne.
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