Amsterdam vs San Diego: cost of living for digital nomads
Amsterdam, Netherlands and San Diego, United States, 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
- Amsterdam is about 13% cheaper than San Diego for a month of nomad living ($3,290 vs $3,790).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,800 in Amsterdam against $2,100 in San Diego.
- Amsterdam scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in San Diego: 250 Mbps typical against 200 Mbps.
- Amsterdam is temperate; San Diego is mediterranean.
Amsterdam wins 6 of the measured lines; San Diego wins 1.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or San Diego?
Amsterdam is cheaper: about $3,290/month against $3,790/month in San Diego, roughly 13% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Amsterdam or San Diego?
Amsterdam scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for San Diego.
Which has faster internet, Amsterdam or San Diego?
San Diego has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 200 Mbps in Amsterdam.
| Line | Amsterdam | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,290 | $3,790 |
| Rent | $1,800 | $2,100 |
| Food | $620 | $720 |
| Transport | $80 | $100 |
| Coworking | $230 | $240 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 250 |
| Climate | temperate | mediterranean |
| 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, San Diego September 11, 2026.