Dublin's Rising Costs — How Does It Compare to Other Cities?
The capital city of Ireland might be known for its beauty, but how does its cost of living stack up against other major cities? We'll guide you through the most recent figures to see which cities could make your money go further.
In this new addition to our Cost of Living in Dublin series, we're diving into a cost of living database to see how Ireland's capital measures up to the world's most sought-after cities.
Spoiler alert: Living in Dublin is getting more and more expensive, and you will likely be able to stretch your budget further in many other European capitals.
Dublin vs. Cork
Located in the south of Ireland, Cork is the country's second-largest city and a hotspot for high achievers. It's no wonder why companies like Apple, Dell, and Amazon have opened up bases of operations there. As far as living costs go, Cork is more affordable than Dublin, with 32% lower rent costs despite locals having a slightly higher purchasing power. Overall, Cork is the right choice for people who want to experience city life while maximizing their savings.
Dublin vs. Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland boasts 16% lower consumer prices than Dublin. More than that, Belfast residents pay a striking 57% less for rent and have 11% more purchasing power. That means not only are major living costs cheaper in Belfast, but your salary will go a lot further there too.
Dublin vs. London
The story isn't quite as simple between Dublin and London. While rent prices are lower in Dublin, it's by a less compelling 3%, and consumer prices are just about a draw. The metric that really makes the difference is purchasing power — London residents have an impressive 20% more purchasing power than their Dublin counterparts, meaning the cost of living in Dublin is ultimately higher.
For a closer look at what it takes to live in England's most famous and bustling city, check out our Cost of Living in London guide.
Dublin vs. Edinburgh
Edinburgh boasts 18% lower consumer prices than Dublin, but what really moves the needle is Edinburgh's affordable housing. Rent in this Scottish capital is a striking 46% lower than in Dublin. More than that, Edinburgh residents have 23% more purchasing power, making this city significantly more cost-efficient than its Irish cousin.
Dublin vs. Paris
How do Dublin's living costs compare to the so-called City of Love's? If Dubliners want to move to Paris, they'll pay a whopping 28% less in rent and maintain just about the same purchasing power as back home. Though Parisians' groceries are around 23% higher, it's clear that this sought-after French city has a better cost of living than Dublin.
Dublin vs. Berlin
Life in Berlin is quite a bit more affordable than in Dublin. Not only is rent 37% lower than in Dublin, but Berlin residents enjoy 26% more purchasing power and 10% lower consumer prices. This makes Berlin a perfect choice if you're looking for cost-efficient city living.
Dublin vs. Amsterdam
While Dublin's restaurant and grocery prices are a little lower than they would be in Amsterdam, the cost of housing in the Dutch capital is about 21% lower. Your money will also go a lot further in Amsterdam, where you'll enjoy 18% more purchasing power than in Dublin.
Dublin vs. New York
New York is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, so just as you might expect, its cost of living is pretty high. Compared to Dublin, New Yorkers see 34% higher consumer prices, 71% higher grocery prices, and a stunning 72% higher rent. The only metric in New York's favor is purchasing power, which is about 30% higher than in Dublin.
Looking for more information about living in New York? Our Cost of Living in New York guide covers everything you need to know — from rent and salaries to childcare and food prices.
Dublin vs. Toronto
Toronto might be known as a pricey city, but compared to Dublin, its costs are reasonable. Dubliners will see about 2% higher consumer prices and 12% less purchasing power at home than their Canadian counterparts. Most strikingly, rent in Dublin is about 25% more than in Toronto. Dublin's 14% lower groceries bills aren't enough to offset these costs. It's clear that a Dubliner's money would go much further in Toronto.
Final Thoughts
While comparing data on the cost of living in Dublin can be instructive, it's important to remember just how much we can't capture in numbers. Whether it's a city's character, traditions, or the natural beauty around it, it's perfectly reasonable for these qualitative factors to justify a higher cost of living.
That said, understanding how far your money will go in a new city is important. Whether you're thinking about leaving or moving to Dublin, we hope this guide gave you a bit more information to make the right choice.
