Amsterdam vs Brisbane: cost of living for digital nomads
Amsterdam, Netherlands and Brisbane, Australia, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Brisbane is about 17% cheaper than Amsterdam for a month of nomad living ($2,715 vs $3,290).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,350 in Brisbane against $1,800 in Amsterdam.
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Brisbane: 220 Mbps typical against 200 Mbps.
- Amsterdam is temperate; Brisbane is tropical.
Amsterdam wins 1 of the measured lines; Brisbane wins 5.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Brisbane?
Brisbane is cheaper: about $2,715/month against $3,290/month in Amsterdam, roughly 17% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Amsterdam or Brisbane?
Amsterdam and Brisbane score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Amsterdam or Brisbane?
Brisbane has faster typical internet: 220 Mbps against 200 Mbps in Amsterdam.
| Line | Amsterdam | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,290 | $2,715 |
| Rent | $1,800 | $1,350 |
| Food | $620 | $590 |
| Transport | $80 | $85 |
| Coworking | $230 | $180 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 220 |
| Climate | temperate | tropical |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Amsterdam September 10, 2026, Brisbane September 11, 2026.