Cost Comparison 2025

AmsterdamvsMoscow

Netherlands
Russia

Overall

💰

-37.5%

Amsterdam is 37.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-53.3%

Housing is 53.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

-31.3%

Restaurants 31.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-35.7%

Food shopping 35.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Moscow, Russia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Amsterdam is more affordable than Moscow by approximately 37.5%. 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 Moscow by 114%. A one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam's city center costs around €1,900, while the same in Moscow is approximately RUB 80,000.

Dining out in Amsterdam is notably more expensive compared to Moscow. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Amsterdam versus RUB 600 in Moscow.

Public transportation in Amsterdam is more affordable, with monthly passes at €100 compared to RUB 2,700 in Moscow.

Purchasing power in Amsterdam is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Moscow.

Grocery shopping in Amsterdam is more expensive by approximately 56%. 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 Moscow, the same lifestyle would cost around RUB 23,560. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,050 monthly in Amsterdam versus RUB 82,460 in Moscow. 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
Moscow, Russia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,900
RUB 80,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,500
RUB 45,000
3BR City Center
€3,500
RUB 150,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
RUB 600
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
RUB 3,000
Cappuccino
€4
RUB 200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
RUB 200

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
RUB 90
Bread (500g)
€2
RUB 45
Eggs (12)
€3
RUB 120
Cheese (1kg)
€13
RUB 700

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
RUB 60
Monthly Pass
€100
RUB 2,700
Taxi Start
€4
RUB 150
Gasoline (1L)
€2
RUB 55

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€180
RUB 8,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€40
RUB 600
Mobile Minute
€0
RUB 3

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Moscow 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 Moscow 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

Moscow

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam more expensive than Moscow?

No, Amsterdam is approximately 37.5% cheaper than Moscow. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 73% of your Moscow salary when living in Amsterdam. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Moscow, you'd need about $36,364 in Amsterdam for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Amsterdam and Moscow?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 114%, 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?

Amsterdam 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 earning potential, or Moscow for affordability.

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

In Amsterdam, a single person needs approximately €2,086 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,550. In Moscow, these figures are RUB 68,560 for singles and RUB 167,460 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Amsterdam and Moscow in 2025 shows significant 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 Moscow to maintain your lifestyle from Amsterdam

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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