Berlin vs Amsterdam: Cost of Living Comparison
Updated 4 June 2026
Berlin beats Amsterdam at every salary level. At €70,000, Berlin leaves you with approximately €717 more per month — primarily because rent is €600 cheaper and living costs are broadly similar.
Berlin vs Amsterdam: Berlin wins on disposable income
Berlin consistently outperforms Amsterdam on monthly surplus, and the reason is straightforward: rent. A city-centre 1-bedroom in Berlin averages €1,200 per month versus Amsterdam's €1,800 — a €600 monthly difference. Germany's effective tax rate (35%) is slightly lower than the Netherlands' (37%), adding a further €117 per month in Berlin's favour at €70,000. Combined, Berlin leaves you roughly €717 ahead each month on the same salary. The margin holds at every salary level, since both factors are largely fixed regardless of income.
For Amsterdam to overcome this gap, you'd need either substantially higher gross salaries in Amsterdam (which does happen in some sectors) or to qualify for the Dutch 30% ruling, which significantly reduces the tax burden for eligible international workers.
Taxes: Germany vs the Netherlands
Both countries have progressive income tax systems, but the Netherlands is known for its steep marginal rates. However, the Dutch "30% ruling" can significantly reduce the tax burden for qualifying international workers for up to five years — something worth researching if you're relocating to Amsterdam from abroad.
Germany's tax system is similarly progressive. Effective rates depend on your specific income, filing status, and deductions. The figures in this calculator use simplified effective rates and should be treated as a rough guide.
Which city gives you more money left over?
For most salary ranges, Berlin comes out ahead of Amsterdam on monthly leftover income. The lower rent is the primary driver — even though the Dutch tax system can be offset by the 30% ruling, the base rent difference is significant. For a €60,000 salary, Berlin typically leaves you with several hundred euros more per month than Amsterdam.
Of course, salary levels differ between the two cities too. Amsterdam, particularly in finance and enterprise tech, often pays higher gross salaries, which can change the equation. Always compare the full picture: gross salary, effective tax, rent, and living costs together.
Living costs beyond rent
Day-to-day living costs — groceries, dining out, transport, leisure — are broadly similar in Berlin and Amsterdam, though Amsterdam tends to be slightly more expensive overall. Both cities have excellent public transport that makes car ownership unnecessary for most residents, keeping transport costs relatively low compared to cities in the US or Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Berlin cheaper than Amsterdam to live in?
Yes, significantly. The main driver is rent: a 1-bedroom apartment in central Berlin averages around €1,200 per month, compared to €1,800 or more in Amsterdam. Combined with broadly similar effective income tax rates, this rent difference means Berlin consistently offers more monthly disposable income for most salary levels.
What is the Dutch 30% ruling and who qualifies?
The Dutch 30% ruling is a tax benefit that allows qualifying international workers to receive 30% of their salary tax-free for up to five years after relocating to the Netherlands. To qualify, you generally need to have lived outside the Netherlands for at least 16 months before your start date and meet a minimum salary threshold (approximately €46,000 gross per year as of 2024). It significantly reduces the tax burden in Amsterdam for those who qualify.
Is Germany or the Netherlands better for income tax?
For most middle earners without the Dutch 30% ruling, Germany and the Netherlands have broadly similar effective tax rates in the mid-30s. With the 30% ruling, Amsterdam becomes significantly more tax-efficient than Berlin. However, Amsterdam's higher rents still mean Berlin often wins on disposable income unless your salary is high enough for the tax saving to fully offset the rent difference.
Which city is better for a tech worker: Berlin or Amsterdam?
Both cities have strong tech ecosystems. Amsterdam tends to offer higher gross salaries for international tech roles, particularly at larger companies and scale-ups. Berlin's tech scene is broad and vibrant but salaries can be lower, especially at startups and early-stage companies. For pure financial optimisation, lower Berlin rents often tip the balance — but use the calculator to compare your specific offer.