Amsterdam vs Vienna: Vienna is cheaper on average ($2,900/mo vs $3,200/mo) in 2026.
Compare cost of living, visa pathways, housing, and relocation scores between amsterdam and vienna — updated for 2026 on SetTern.io.
Quick verdict: Vienna leads on overall relocation score; Vienna is cheaper on average monthly budget.
Amsterdam averages $3,200/mo vs $2,900/mo for Vienna. Visa friction: Amsterdam 5/10, Vienna 6/10 — lower is easier. Choose Amsterdam if Tech workers; choose Vienna if Quality-of-life seekers. Not immigration advice — confirm rules with official sources.
Side-by-side
| Metric | Amsterdam | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| Relocation score | 6.9/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Avg monthly budget | $3,200 | $2,900 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,200 |
| Visa route | Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) | Red-White-Red Card (Points) |
| Visa timeline | 2–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Visa friction | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| English-friendly | 95% | 65% |
| Safety score | 80/100 | 90/100 |
| Housing score | 40/100 | 60/100 |
Recommendation
Overall index: Vienna. Budget: Vienna. Visa friction: Amsterdam. Your personal visa and family situation may override these defaults.
Frequently asked
- Is Amsterdam or Vienna cheaper to live in?
- Amsterdam is typically more expensive: ~$3,200/mo avg vs ~$2,900/mo in Vienna (SetTern estimates).
- Which has easier visas — Amsterdam or Vienna?
- Amsterdam: Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) (2–4 weeks). Vienna: Red-White-Red Card (Points) (4–8 weeks). Always confirm with official government sources.
- Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?
- Vienna leads on our 10-point index (7.1 vs 6.9). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.
- What is 1BR rent in Amsterdam vs Vienna?
- Amsterdam ~$1,600/mo; Vienna ~$1,200/mo (indicative).
- Who should choose Amsterdam over Vienna?
- Amsterdam suits: Tech workers, EU citizens. Vienna suits: Quality-of-life seekers, EU citizens.
- What are main risks in Amsterdam and Vienna?
- Amsterdam: 30% ruling capped at Balkenende norm (~€233K). Social housing queue: 15+ years. Many landlords require 3–6 months deposi… Vienna: Non-EU immigration pathways are Europe's most restrictive. German B1 required for integration milestones. Housing in 1st…
Related pages
- Amsterdam guide(child)
- Vienna guide(child)
- Netherlands hub(parent)
- Amsterdam visa(child)
- Austria hub(parent)
- All comparisons(hub)
- Relocation budget tool(hub)
- Study abroad hub(hub)
- Amsterdam vs Dublin for Tech Workers(sibling)
- Berlin vs Amsterdam for EU Tech(sibling)
- Vienna vs Berlin for Central Europe(sibling)
- Barcelona vs Amsterdam for EU Lifestyle(sibling)
- Germany Chancenkarte vs Austria Red-White-Red Card(sibling)