Cost Comparison 2025

AmsterdamvsTel Aviv

Netherlands
Israel

Overall

💰

+12.5%

Amsterdam is 12.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-6.7%

Housing is 6.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

+18.8%

Restaurants 18.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+21.4%

Food shopping 21.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Tel Aviv, Israel reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Amsterdam is more expensive than Tel Aviv by approximately 12.5%. 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 Tel Aviv by 7%. A one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam's city center costs around €1,900, while the same in Tel Aviv is approximately ₪6,000.

Dining out in Amsterdam offers significant savings compared to Tel Aviv. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Amsterdam versus ₪60 in Tel Aviv.

Public transportation in Amsterdam is more affordable, with monthly passes at €100 compared to ₪213 in Tel Aviv.

Grocery shopping in Amsterdam is more affordable by approximately 18%. 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 Tel Aviv, the same lifestyle would cost around ₪2,001. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,050 monthly in Amsterdam versus ₪7,004 in Tel Aviv. 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
Tel Aviv, Israel

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,900
₪6,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,500
₪4,500
3BR City Center
€3,500
₪10,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
₪60
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
₪300
Cappuccino
€4
₪15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
₪30

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
₪6
Bread (500g)
€2
₪8
Eggs (12)
€3
₪15
Cheese (1kg)
€13
₪50

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
₪6
Monthly Pass
€100
₪213
Taxi Start
€4
₪12
Gasoline (1L)
€2
₪8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€180
₪550
Internet (60 Mbps)
€40
₪100
Mobile Minute
€0
₪0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv, 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 Tel Aviv to Amsterdam 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

Tel Aviv

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam more expensive than Tel Aviv?

Yes, Amsterdam is approximately 12.5% more expensive than Tel Aviv overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Amsterdam compared to Tel Aviv?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Tel Aviv salary when living in Amsterdam. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tel Aviv, you'd need about $56,250 in Amsterdam for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 18%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. 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, Tel Aviv provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Amsterdam if you prioritize earning potential, or Tel Aviv for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Amsterdam vs Tel Aviv?

In Amsterdam, a single person needs approximately €2,086 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,550. In Tel Aviv, these figures are ₪6,501 for singles and ₪14,504 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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