Amsterdam vs Istanbul: cost of living for digital nomads
Amsterdam, Netherlands and Istanbul, Turkey, 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
- Istanbul is about 57% cheaper than Amsterdam for a month of nomad living ($1,400 vs $3,290).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $650 in Istanbul against $1,800 in Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Amsterdam: 200 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
- Amsterdam is temperate; Istanbul is mediterranean.
Amsterdam wins 2 of the measured lines; Istanbul wins 6.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Istanbul?
Istanbul is cheaper: about $1,400/month against $3,290/month in Amsterdam, roughly 57% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Amsterdam or Istanbul?
Amsterdam scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Istanbul.
Which has faster internet, Amsterdam or Istanbul?
Amsterdam has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Istanbul.
| Line | Amsterdam | Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,290 | $1,400 |
| Rent | $1,800 | $650 |
| Food | $620 | $380 |
| Transport | $80 | $45 |
| Coworking | $230 | $110 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 60 |
| Climate | temperate | mediterranean |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Compare Istanbul with
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, Istanbul November 1, 2026.