Amsterdam vs Melbourne: cost of living for digital nomads
Amsterdam, Netherlands and Melbourne, 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
- Melbourne is about 10% cheaper than Amsterdam for a month of nomad living ($2,950 vs $3,290).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,500 in Melbourne against $1,800 in Amsterdam.
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Melbourne: 220 Mbps typical against 200 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Amsterdam wins 1 of the measured lines; Melbourne wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Melbourne?
Melbourne is cheaper: about $2,950/month against $3,290/month in Amsterdam, roughly 10% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Amsterdam or Melbourne?
Amsterdam and Melbourne score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Amsterdam or Melbourne?
Melbourne has faster typical internet: 220 Mbps against 200 Mbps in Amsterdam.
| Line | Amsterdam | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,290 | $2,950 |
| Rent | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| Food | $620 | $620 |
| Transport | $80 | $90 |
| Coworking | $230 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 220 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| 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, Melbourne September 11, 2026.