Amsterdam vs New York
Cost of living comparison for expats and families · 2026
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Amsterdam
$3,281/mo solo
🇺🇸 United States
New York
$5,270/mo solo
How we calculate tax rates: Estimated effective rates assume a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, single filer, all long-term capital gains. US figures include federal LTCG + NIIT + state tax (so Boston shows MA, Miami shows FL, etc.). Your real rate depends on income mix and filing status — run the tax calculator for your numbers.
Amsterdam
vs
New York
Cost of Living
$2,400
Housing (1BR)
$4,350
$425/mo
Food
$600/mo
$254/mo
Utilities
$120/mo
$100/mo
Transport
$50/mo
$102/mo
Healthcare
$150/mo
$3,281/mo
Total
$5,270/mo
Taxes (International Investors)
effective at $200K/yr · single
0.0%
Capital Gains
16.1%
24.5%
Dividends
16.1%
0.0%
Crypto
16.1%
2.2%
Wealth Tax
None
Quality of Life
70/100
Safety
49/100
150 Mbps
Internet
350 Mbps
Visa
90 days
Tourist Visa
180 days
Yes
DN Visa
No
Is this move right for you?
City averages don't account for your income, savings, or timeline. Answer 4 quick questions and get a personalized read — free, 2 minutes.
Cost of Living
Amsterdam is the more affordable option at $3,281/month for a single person, compared to $5,270/month in New York — a savings of $1,989/month, or roughly 38%. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam averages $2,400/month vs $4,350/month in New York. For couples needing a 2-bedroom, expect $3,250 in Amsterdam and $7,250 in New York. Families with kids typically see costs scale by 2–2.5× vs single-person baseline.
Tax for Investors
Netherlands's tax system is worldwide (all income taxed regardless of source). At a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, Netherlands works out to roughly 0.0% effective on long-term gains. United States is worldwide (all income taxed regardless of source); New York works out to 16.1% (federal + NIIT + NY tax). Netherlands offers the 30% of salary tax-free for expat workers (5 years). For FIRE retirees living off portfolio income, territorial systems typically produce the cleanest outcome — see our territorial tax countries guide for the full list.
Climate & Lifestyle
Amsterdam has a cool temperate (avg 10°C) climate; New York is cool temperate (avg 13°C). New York is meaningfully warmer year-round (3°C difference on annual average). Amsterdam scores higher on safety (70/100) vs 49/100 for the other city. New York has faster internet at 350 Mbps vs 150 Mbps. Amsterdam has a large established expat community. New York has a medium established expat community.
Visa & Residency
For Amsterdam: digital-nomad visa available. For New York: investor visa available. Full visa pathways, income thresholds, and residency timelines are covered in the Retire in Netherlands and Retire in United States guides.
FIRE Number
At the standard 4% safe withdrawal rate, the portfolio needed to retire in Amsterdam is $984,300; New York needs $1,581,000. Geographic arbitrage is the single biggest lever in FIRE planning — relocating between these two cities changes your required portfolio by $596,700. Run your own scenarios in the "What your portfolio buys" section below.
What your portfolio buys in each city
At the 4% safe withdrawal rate, see exactly what Amsterdam vs New York costs at common FIRE milestones. Real math, honest verdicts — no marketing spin.
Go deeper
City guide
Living in Amsterdam
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
City guide
Living in New York
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
Tax guide
Retire in Netherlands
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
Tax guide
Retire in United States
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
Save your comparison. Track over time. Coaching across all 10 dimensions.
Create a free Enough account to save cities you're considering, run your own FIRE numbers with your actual portfolio, and get AI coaching on the non-money dimensions of the decision — place, purpose, relationships, health.