[![Image]() Meet Jobicy Copilot — free AI autofill for job applications + remote job alerts ›](#) Side-by-side city decision # Amsterdam vs Surabaya. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link AmsterdamNetherlands5 VS SurabayaIndonesia1 $3,465Amsterdam monthly budget $585Surabaya monthly budget 187 MbpsAmsterdam internet 55 MbpsSurabaya internet Decision summary Amsterdam Amsterdam leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Surabaya Speed Fastest internet Amsterdam Vibe Best nomad vibe Amsterdam Safety Highest safety Amsterdam Air Cleanest air Amsterdam Walk Most walkable Amsterdam Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Amsterdam](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/netherlands/amsterdam.md) Netherlands 5/6 Budget$3,465 Internet187 Mbps Vibe9/10 [Surabaya](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/surabaya.md) Indonesia 1/6 Budget$585 Internet55 Mbps Vibe6/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $3,465 $585 1-bed center rent $2,350 $260 Coworking desk $390 $95 Local meal $22 $1.8 Cappuccino $4.3 $2.2 Gym membership $55 $28 Transport budget $115 $45 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 187 Mbps 55 Mbps Nomad vibe 9/10 6/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 74/100 62/100 Air quality 77/100 58/100 Walkability 10/10 4/10 Female safety 8/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 10/10 4/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Excellent Good English proficiency Excellent Basic Climate type Temperate oceanic Tropical monsoon Best time to visit May - Sep May - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Amsterdam](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/netherlands/amsterdam.md) Netherlands → ### Strengths * Exceptional cycling, walking, and public transport infrastructure * Very high English proficiency for daily life and work * Fast, reliable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * Large international creative, startup, and remote-work community * Progressive, LGBTQ+-friendly, and generally safe environment * Easy rail connections to Schiphol and major European cities ### Trade-offs * One-bedroom rents and deposits are exceptionally expensive * Long-term housing supply is tight and competitive * Rain, wind, and gray winter days can affect mood * Restaurants, nightlife, and groceries cost more than in much of Europe * Tourist crowds are intense in the central canal belt * Dutch health insurance rules can be complex for residents and workers ### Common visa routes * Schengen short-stay visa or visa-free entry for up to 90 days in any 180-day period * Dutch self-employed residence permit for qualifying entrepreneurs * EU/EEA/Swiss freedom of movement or a partner-sponsored residence permit [Surabaya](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/surabaya.md) Indonesia → ### Strengths * Very affordable everyday costs * Excellent East Javanese food scene * Reliable mobile data and growing fiber coverage * Major hospitals and modern shopping centers * Convenient base for exploring East Java * Less tourist-saturated than Bali ### Trade-offs * Heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure * Hot, humid weather year-round * English is not widely spoken outside modern districts * Air quality can worsen during the dry season * Smaller international nomad community than Bali or Jakarta * Tap water is not safe to drink ### Common visa routes * Visa on Arrival * B211A Visit Visa * E33G Remote Worker Visa Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.