City comparison
🇳🇱 Amsterdam vs 🇩🇪 Berlin
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, and quality of life for expats.
Quick verdict
More affordable
Berlin
17% cheaper overall
Higher quality of life
Amsterdam
8.5/10 vs 8/10
Cost of living comparison
| Category | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 🇩🇪 Berlin |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, center) | €2,280 | €1,200 |
| Rent (1-bed, suburb) | €1,710 | €850 |
| Groceries (single) | €350 | €260 |
| Transport pass | €100 | €58 |
| Restaurant (2 people) | €80 | €70 |
| Monthly budget (moderate) | €3,600 | €2,300 |
Quality of life
| Metric | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 🇩🇪 Berlin |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Safety | 8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Healthcare | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Education | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Expat Community | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| English Proficiency | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Tax & practical info
🇳🇱
Amsterdam
NetherlandsTax regime35.75–49.5% (30% ruling for expats)
ClimateOceanic
Nomad visa–
Effective tax rate30–38% (22–27%)
Avg. salary€45,000–€75,000
🇩🇪
Berlin
GermanyTax regimeProgressive 14–42% (45% top); national rate
ClimateTemperate
Nomad visa–
Effective tax rate37–40%
Avg. salary€45,000–€75,000
Crunch the numbers
Use our calculators to compare your actual take-home pay and monthly budget.
These figures are indicative and based on public datasets. They are not tax advice. Consult a licensed tax advisor or financial professional before making relocation or employment decisions.
EXPATRIATION.IO
Going further with your move?
Explore expatriation.io for the guides, tools and resources to plan your expatriation, all in one place.