Amsterdam vs Raleigh

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Amsterdam has the same purchasing power as $71,495 in Raleigh.

Conversely, $75,000 in Raleigh equals $78,676 in Amsterdam.

Living in Amsterdam vs Raleigh

Housing Costs

Amsterdam's housing index of 138 is higher Raleigh's 107, translating to median home prices of $595,000 vs $370,000. The $225,000 difference in home prices means roughly $14,628 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,100/mo in Amsterdam compared to $1,500/mo in Raleigh, a monthly difference of $600.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 95 in Amsterdam and 100 in Raleigh. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $451/month in Amsterdam vs $475/month in Raleigh. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 118 in Amsterdam and 94 in Raleigh. Monthly utility bills average approximately $472 in Amsterdam vs $376 in Raleigh. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 90 in Amsterdam and 108 in Raleigh. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $58,000 in Amsterdam and $67,266 in Raleigh. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,206 and $65,947 respectively. Raleigh residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,353/month to housing in Amsterdam vs $1,570/month in Raleigh. In Amsterdam, median rent of $2,100/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Raleigh, median rent of $1,500/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 31 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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