Community Events
#4
of 124 cities
26 events on luma
Current value
#87 of 124
Europe
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Salary & Cost of Living
How do salaries and expenses in Amsterdam compare to San Francisco?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Amsterdam is 54% worse off vs in San Francisco
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Amsterdam compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$65,330
-$107K (-62%) vs San Francisco
Tax Rate: 41%
Community Insights
NewAmsterdam offers a premier European lifestyle for software engineers, blending a robust tech scene with an emphasis on work-life balance rather than the "hustle culture" of US hubs. The city is a haven for those who value cyclability, safety (ranked #21 globally), and travel connectivity. However, the experience is heavily gatekept by the housing market, which is ranked poorly for affordability (#85). Financially, it is attractive primarily for senior talent qualifying for the 30% tax ruling, which offsets the otherwise high cost of living and tax rates. While the salary ceiling is lower than in the US or Switzerland, the quality of life is consistently rated high by those who can secure a home.
Resident Sentiment
Most software engineers express high satisfaction with the day-to-day lifestyle, praising the freedom from cars and the relaxed work culture. However, a significant portion expresses anxiety and frustration regarding the housing market, with some considering leaving solely because they cannot buy a home. Long-term retention is often tied to the 30% ruling; many residents plan to re-evaluate their stay once their tax advantage expires. While the social scene is vibrant, it is predominantly expat-focused, with many residents resigning themselves to having few close Dutch friends.
Rankings
Top 3%
Pollution Score
#8
of 124 cities
22.7/100
Current value (lower is better)
Safety Index
#20
of 124 cities
74.3/100
Current value
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Amsterdam compared to San Francisco?
Salary Converter
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Amsterdam to maintain the same standard of living.
$
