Software Engineer salary: Amsterdam vs Stockholm (2026)

Stockholm pays Software Engineers 757% more than Amsterdam at the mid-level band — a median of kr 673k vs €79k.

Estimates based on public benchmarks and modelled data. How we calculate →

Median salary gap
757%
Stockholm wins by kr 595k/yr at mid-level
2026 · Gross annual base

Amsterdam

Median (mid-level)
€79k
Typical range (p25–p75)
€62k€100k
Senior median
€122k
Junior median
€45k

Stockholm

Higher pay
Median (mid-level)
kr 673k
Typical range (p25–p75)
kr 551kkr 836k
Senior median
kr 1.0M
Junior median
kr 397k

Amsterdam vs Stockholm — the verdict

Stockholm pays Software Engineers a median of kr 673k per year, around 757% more than Amsterdam's €79k. That's roughly kr 595k of additional gross base pay every year for the same role at the mid-level band.

The premium narrows once you factor in cost of living, tax, and housing. Amsterdam often delivers stronger real purchasing power, especially for early-career professionals — and the local market is typically less competitive.

Use the CompVerdict offer checker below to test a specific offer against either city's market. A strong offer sits above the p75; a fair offer lands near the median; below p25 there's a clear case to negotiate.

Software Engineer salary by experience band

BandAmsterdamStockholmGap
Junior€45kkr 397k792%
Mid-level€79kkr 673k757%
Senior€122kkr 1.0M736%

Medians shown. Gap is computed against the lower-paying city at each band.

Got an offer in either city?

Knowing the gap is step one. The real question is where your specific offer sits within Amsterdam's or Stockholm's range. If your offer is in the bottom 30% for the role and city, there's a strong case to push back.

Use the CompVerdict tool to get your verdict instantly. No signup. You'll also get a ready-to-send negotiation script based on the local market.

Check an offer →

Frequently asked questions

Which city pays more for Software Engineers — Amsterdam or Stockholm?

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Stockholm pays more. The median Software Engineer salary in Stockholm is kr 673k vs €79k in Amsterdam — a 757% gap at the mid-level band. Amsterdam median is €79k; Stockholm median is kr 673k.

What's the salary gap between Amsterdam and Stockholm for Software Engineers?

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At the mid-level (3–5 years experience) band, Stockholm pays 757% more than Amsterdam for Software Engineers. The absolute difference is roughly kr 595k per year on the median. Junior and senior bands shift the gap slightly, but the direction is consistent.

Which is better for senior Software Engineers — Amsterdam or Stockholm?

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Senior Software Engineers earn kr 1.0M median in Stockholm vs €122k in Amsterdam. Stockholm maintains its lead at the senior band, often widening as total comp (equity, bonus) compounds with seniority. Amsterdam can still close the gap when you adjust for cost of living.

Are Amsterdam and Stockholm salaries cost-of-living adjusted?

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No — these are gross annual base salary figures. Stockholm typically has higher living costs alongside its higher pay. To see how either salary translates into rent affordability, use SpendVerdict; for savings potential, use PathVerdict. The headline gap of 757% narrows significantly once you adjust for housing, tax, and lifestyle costs.

Salary estimates are based on public benchmarks and modelled data. They represent gross annual base salary and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits. Read our methodology →