Sad but very true (I live in Amsterdam). For London, you should add the appalling air quality. Living there not only robs you of your savings but weeks off your life itself. They should pay you for your visit. :)

Fortunately, there are many gems still left. Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn, Berlin etc, and many of the non-capitals like Antwerp, I have a soft spot for Lille, Montpellier, Girona, etc.