‘Don’t miss Zepto or Swiggy’: Techie shares how her life changed after moving from Bengaluru to Amsterdam

A Bengaluru-based techie who relocated to Amsterdam six months ago has shared how her life has transformed since the move. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Pratim Bhosale spoke candidly about her experiences, comparing various aspects of life in Amsterdam with Bengaluru.

Pratim said that the move has improved her overall well-being.

"I’m smiling more. I enjoy going to work and travelling. I get out of the house more. I’m physically and mentally more tired. I’ve become more disciplined. I feel closer to my culture now that I’m a minority here,” she wrote.

Bengaluru to Amsterdam

Rent and Housing
Commenting on housing, she described Amsterdam’s rental market as “Hunger Games level competitive.”

“Rent is approximately €2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area. Anything cheaper usually means no furniture or being in a newly developed locality. It’s extremely difficult to find a rental. Buying is easier.”

Groceries and Food
While groceries in Amsterdam are more expensive, she praised the quality.

“Amsterdam is almost 3x more expensive than Bengaluru when it comes to food. But the produce is better. Grocery shopping here is a joy—fresh, high-quality, organic. I don’t miss Zepto or Swiggy at all. Our monthly grocery bill is around €500 for two people, and we eat well.”

Public Transport
Pratim lauded the city’s public transport infrastructure, contrasting it with her experiences in India.

“If you're coming from India—where public transport is a struggle, with overcrowded buses and safety issues—Amsterdam is a blessing. Clean and reliable buses, trams, metros, and dedicated bike lanes. 98% of people follow traffic rules.”

Government Services and Civic Life
She observed that Amsterdam’s government employees were more courteous.

“They smile, sometimes even engage in small talk.”

The city also impressed her with its clean public spaces and better air quality.

“There are parks everywhere—clean, well-maintained, and respected by the public. The air quality is noticeably better.”

Healthcare and Insurance
However, when it comes to healthcare, Pratim said she still prefers India.

“I’ll go to India for all my treatments. You’ll only get help here if you’re dying or seriously injured. No concept of preventive checkups. Insurance is expensive and painfully slow. Indian private healthcare is 10x better—as long as you reach the hospital in time and don’t get stuck in traffic.”

Job Market and Pay
On the job front, she noted that Amsterdam doesn’t offer significantly better salaries compared to Bengaluru.

“Tech salaries are okay-ish. Rare to go above €100k. Layoffs are often not performance-based—sometimes companies cut roles just to meet diversity targets.”

While many appreciated Pratim’s honest take, her post also drew criticism from some users who accused her of unfairly comparing India to the West.

One user wrote: “Something’s seriously wrong if you think the EU is far better than India, especially a city like Bengaluru. If you’re safe and happy, great—but don’t demean the country that raised you.”

Another added: “There’s more life in life, in India. My classmate in the US told me this. But it’s all about personal priorities.”

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