Cost Comparison 2025

AmsterdamvsDoha

Netherlands
Qatar

Overall

💰

-18.8%

Amsterdam is 18.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-26.7%

Housing is 26.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-18.8%

Restaurants 18.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-14.3%

Food shopping 14.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Doha, Qatar reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Amsterdam is more affordable than Doha by approximately 18.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Amsterdam are higher than in Doha by 36%. A one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam's city center costs around €1,900, while the same in Doha is approximately QAR 7,000.

Dining out in Amsterdam is notably more expensive compared to Doha. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Amsterdam versus QAR 35 in Doha.

Public transportation in Amsterdam is more affordable, with monthly passes at €100 compared to QAR 200 in Doha.

Grocery shopping in Amsterdam is more expensive by approximately 17%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Amsterdam can expect to spend approximately €586 per month (excluding rent), while in Doha, the same lifestyle would cost around QAR 1,876. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,050 monthly in Amsterdam versus QAR 6,566 in Doha. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Doha, Qatar

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,900
QAR 7,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,500
QAR 4,500
3BR City Center
€3,500
QAR 14,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
QAR 35
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
QAR 200
Cappuccino
€4
QAR 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
QAR 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
QAR 6
Bread (500g)
€2
QAR 4
Eggs (12)
€3
QAR 10
Cheese (1kg)
€13
QAR 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
QAR 8
Monthly Pass
€100
QAR 200
Taxi Start
€4
QAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
€2
QAR 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€180
QAR 300
Internet (60 Mbps)
€40
QAR 350
Mobile Minute
€0
QAR 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha to Amsterdam, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Amsterdam to Doha requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Amsterdam

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index90

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam more expensive than Doha?

No, Amsterdam is approximately 18.8% cheaper than Doha. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Amsterdam compared to Doha?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 84% of your Doha salary when living in Amsterdam. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Doha, you'd need about $42,105 in Amsterdam for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Amsterdam and Doha?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 36%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Doha offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Amsterdam provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Amsterdam if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Doha for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Amsterdam vs Doha?

In Amsterdam, a single person needs approximately €2,086 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,550. In Doha, these figures are QAR 6,376 for singles and QAR 15,566 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Amsterdam and Doha in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Doha to maintain your lifestyle from Amsterdam

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers