Amsterdam VS Krakow

Cost of Living & Salary Comparison 2026

Amsterdam
Netherlands
82.6
COLI Index
#8
Global Rank
EUR
Currency
Krakow
Poland
23.8
COLI Index
#101
Global Rank
PLN
Currency

Key Differences

Cost of Living
82.6
23.8
1BR Rent (USD/mo)
$1,800
$550
Total Deductions
37.0%
20.6%
Exchange Rate
1 EUR = 4.6181 PLN

Key Takeaways: Amsterdam vs Krakow

Overall, Krakow is approximately 71% cheaper than Amsterdam based on our cost of living index. Amsterdam has a COLI of 82.6 (ranked #8 of 113 cities), while Krakow has a COLI of 23.8 (ranked #101).

When it comes to housing, one-bedroom apartment rent in Amsterdam averages $1,800/month compared to $550/month in Krakow. That makes Krakow approximately 69% cheaper for rent alone.

Krakow has lower total deductions (20.6%) compared to Amsterdam (37.0%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Krakow. When evaluating a relocation, remember that total deductions directly impact your take-home pay and should be weighed alongside cost of living differences.

Tax & Deductions Comparison

Full breakdown of mandatory payroll deductions for a mid-range salary as a local employee in each city.

Amsterdam

Income Tax
17%
Social Premiums
20.1%
Total: 37.0%Take-Home: €33,108/yr

Krakow

Income Tax
7%
ZUS Contributions
13.7%
Total: 20.6%Take-Home: zł 55,525/yr

Rates shown for local employees. Expat deductions may differ — use the main converter for personalized calculations.

Salary Equivalent

If you earn €63,592 in Amsterdam, you would need approximately zł 84,618 in Krakow to maintain the same purchasing power. That is 71% less thanks to lower cost of living.

Lifestyle Equivalent by Job Title

COLI-scaled lifestyle equivalents of New York mid-range salaries — not local market pay. For verified/OECD local-market figures see salary pages.

Job Title Amsterdam (EUR) Krakow (PLN)
Doctor (General) €126,065 zł 167,747
Software Engineer €59,530 zł 79,214
Product Manager €70,036 zł 93,193
Lawyer €70,036 zł 93,193
Data Scientist €66,534 zł 88,533
Marketing Manager €50,426 zł 67,099
Teacher €33,617 zł 44,733
Nurse €40,621 zł 54,052

These are COLI lifestyle equivalents of the New York mid baseline, not typical local market pay. See methodology and profession×city salary pages for market figures with source badges.

Neighborhoods

Amsterdam (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
Canal Ring (Centrum)1.30x (+30%)
Oud-Zuid1.28x (+28%)
Jordaan1.25x (+25%)
Zuidas1.20x (+20%)
Oud-West1.15x (+15%)

Krakow (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
Old Town (Stare Miasto)1.28x (+28%)
Kazimierz1.18x (+18%)
Zwierzyniec1.10x (+10%)
Zabłocie1.08x (+8%)
Podgórze1.05x (+5%)

Get Your Exact Number

Use our converter with 2,400+ neighborhood adjustments for a precise salary comparison

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam or Krakow more expensive?

Amsterdam is more expensive overall. Amsterdam has a COLI of 82.6 while Krakow has a COLI of 23.8, making Krakow approximately 71% cheaper.

What salary in Krakow equals €63,592 in Amsterdam?

To maintain the same standard of living as €63,592 in Amsterdam, you would need approximately zł 84,618 in Krakow.

Is rent cheaper in Amsterdam or Krakow?

Average one-bedroom rent in Amsterdam is $1,800/month compared to $550/month in Krakow. Krakow has lower rent by approximately 69%.

Which city has lower taxes, Amsterdam or Krakow?

Krakow has lower total deductions (20.6%) compared to Amsterdam (37.0%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Krakow.

Explore Each City

Data Sources & Methodology

Cost of living indices (COLI) are benchmarked to New York City = 100 and derived from Numbeo and Expatistan crowd-sourced price surveys, cross-referenced with national statistics agencies. Rent data from Numbeo Property Prices.

Salary ranges are compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES), Glassdoor, and PayScale. Tax rates are approximate effective rates for mid-range earners based on OECD Taxing Wages and national tax authorities. Exchange rates from the European Central Bank. Neighborhood multipliers are estimated from local rental indices and property data.

Last updated: 2026-08-31. Data is refreshed periodically. All figures are estimates for informational purposes only.