Amsterdam vs Seoul: cost of living for digital nomads
Amsterdam, Netherlands and Seoul, South Korea, 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
- Seoul is about 33% cheaper than Amsterdam for a month of nomad living ($2,200 vs $3,290).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,000 in Seoul against $1,800 in Amsterdam.
- Seoul scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Seoul: 250 Mbps typical against 200 Mbps.
- Amsterdam is temperate; Seoul is continental.
Amsterdam wins 0 of the measured lines; Seoul wins 6.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Seoul?
Seoul is cheaper: about $2,200/month against $3,290/month in Amsterdam, roughly 33% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Amsterdam or Seoul?
Seoul scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Amsterdam.
Which has faster internet, Amsterdam or Seoul?
Seoul has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 200 Mbps in Amsterdam.
| Line | Amsterdam | Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,290 | $2,200 |
| Rent | $1,800 | $1,000 |
| Food | $620 | $550 |
| Transport | $80 | $80 |
| Coworking | $230 | $170 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 250 |
| Climate | temperate | continental |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | inland |
| 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, Seoul November 10, 2026.