Amsterdam vs Vancouver: cost of living for digital nomads

Amsterdam, Netherlands and Vancouver, Canada, 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 4% cheaper than Vancouver for a month of nomad living ($3,290 vs $3,445).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $1,800 in Amsterdam against $1,900 in Vancouver.
  • Amsterdam scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
  • Internet is faster in Vancouver: 250 Mbps typical against 200 Mbps.
  • Both have a temperate climate.

Amsterdam wins 5 of the measured lines; Vancouver wins 2.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Vancouver?

Amsterdam is cheaper: about $3,290/month against $3,445/month in Vancouver, roughly 4% less for a typical remote worker's budget.

Which city is safer, Amsterdam or Vancouver?

Amsterdam scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Vancouver.

Which has faster internet, Amsterdam or Vancouver?

Vancouver has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 200 Mbps in Amsterdam.

LineAmsterdamVancouver
Monthly total (USD)$3,290$3,445
Rent$1,800$1,900
Food$620$660
Transport$80$100
Coworking$230$215
Safety (out of 10)8/107/10
Internet (Mbps)200250
Climatetemperatetemperate
City sizemetrometro
Settinginlandcoast
Nomad score (out of 10)7/107/10

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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, Vancouver September 11, 2026.