Cost Comparison 2025

AmsterdamvsEdmonton

Netherlands
Canada

Overall

💰

-15.0%

Amsterdam is 15.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-40.0%

Housing is 40.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-12.5%

Restaurants 12.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+11.4%

Food shopping 11.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Edmonton, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Amsterdam is more affordable than Edmonton by approximately 15.0%. 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 Edmonton by 67%. A one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam's city center costs around €1,900, while the same in Edmonton is approximately CA$1,400.

Dining out in Amsterdam is notably more expensive compared to Edmonton. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Amsterdam versus CA$18 in Edmonton.

Public transportation in Amsterdam costs similarly, with monthly passes at €100 compared to CA$100 in Edmonton.

Grocery shopping in Amsterdam is more affordable by approximately 10%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower 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 Edmonton, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$695. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,050 monthly in Amsterdam versus CA$2,431 in Edmonton. 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
Edmonton, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,900
CA$1,400
1BR Outside Center
€1,500
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
€3,500
CA$2,400

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
CA$80
Cappuccino
€4
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
CA$2
Bread (500g)
€2
CA$3
Eggs (12)
€3
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
€13
CA$14

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
CA$4
Monthly Pass
€100
CA$100
Taxi Start
€4
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
€2
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€180
CA$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
€40
CA$75
Mobile Minute
€0
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Edmonton 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 Edmonton 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

Edmonton

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam more expensive than Edmonton?

No, Amsterdam is approximately 15.0% cheaper than Edmonton. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 87% of your Edmonton salary when living in Amsterdam. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Edmonton, you'd need about $43,478 in Amsterdam for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Amsterdam and Edmonton?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 67%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Edmonton 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 Edmonton for better value.

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

In Amsterdam, a single person needs approximately €2,086 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,550. In Edmonton, these figures are CA$1,795 for singles and CA$4,331 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Amsterdam and Edmonton 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 Edmonton to maintain your lifestyle from Amsterdam

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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