Cost of Living Comparison

Amsterdam vs Bali

Bali is 67% more affordable
🌍
Amsterdam

Netherlands Europe

$6,600/mo

Standard lifestyle City center

Housing
$5,100/mo
Food
$1,050/mo
Transport
$100/mo
Coworking
$350/mo
85
Nomad score
80
Safety
200
Mbps
Nomad visa
Full guide for Amsterdam ->
VS
67%
difference
🌍
Bali

Indonesia Asia

$2,150/mo

Standard lifestyle City center

Housing
$1,500/mo
Food
$450/mo
Transport
$50/mo
Coworking
$150/mo
63
Nomad score
75
Safety
80
Mbps
Nomad visa
Full guide for Bali ->

Amsterdam vs Bali: the verdict

Bali works out about 67% cheaper than Amsterdam for a standard lifestyle -- roughly $4,450 less every month, driven mainly by rent, food and public transport. Amsterdam still comes out ahead on safety index, internet speed and healthcare, so the cheaper city is not automatically the better fit.

Head-to-head breakdown

CategoryAmsterdamBaliWinner
Monthly cost (standard) $6,600 $2,150 Bali
Rent, city centre $5,100 $1,500 Bali
Food (standard) $1,050 $450 Bali
Public transport $100 $50 Bali
Coworking $350 $150 Bali
Safety index 80/100 75/100 Amsterdam
Internet speed 200 Mbps 80 Mbps Amsterdam
Healthcare 92/100 65/100 Amsterdam
English proficiency 95/100 60/100 Amsterdam
Nomad visa Yes Yes Tie

Monthly budget: lean to premium

Amsterdam
$3,850 budget to $8,250 premium
Bali
$1,100 budget to $3,200 premium

Which should you choose?

On a tight budget
Bali
Lowest monthly total, 67% less.
Digital nomads
Amsterdam
Higher nomad score and WiFi, plus a nomad visa.
Families
Amsterdam
Stronger safety and healthcare.
Long-term expats
Amsterdam
Better English and day-to-day ease.

Amsterdam vs Bali: FAQ

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Bali?

Bali is cheaper: a standard month costs about $2,150 there versus $6,600 in Amsterdam, a 67% difference.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam vs Bali?

Budget to premium, expect about $3,850-$8,250/month in Amsterdam and $1,100-$3,200/month in Bali, covering rent, food, transport and coworking.

Which is safer, Amsterdam or Bali?

Amsterdam scores higher on safety (80/100 vs 75/100).

Does Amsterdam or Bali have a digital nomad visa?

Both do. Amsterdam offers the DAFT / Self-Employment Visa; Bali offers the Indonesia Remote Worker Visa.

Which is better for digital nomads, Amsterdam or Bali?

Amsterdam rates better for remote work overall (nomad score 85/100, 200 Mbps) and it has a digital nomad visa.

Want a deeper comparison?

Use the full calculator -- add your income, choose your lifestyle and see purchasing power side by side.