🇩🇪 Cologne vs 🇮🇪 Dublin
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇩🇪
Cologne
Germany
$2,215–$3,508/mo
€2,051 – €3,248 / month (local)
🇮🇪
Dublin
Ireland
$2,646–$4,190/mo
€2,450 – €3,880 / month (local)
Dublin is 19% more expensive
Cologne wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Cologne (USD) | Dublin (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,662–$2,585 | $1,985–$3,087 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $877–$1,385 | $1,047–$1,654 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Utilities | $69–$134 | $83–$160 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Groceries | $351–$526 | $419–$628 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $46–$83 | $55–$99 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Public transport (monthly) | $88–$106 | $105–$127 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$46 | $33–$55 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Gym membership | $32–$60 | $39–$72 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $15–$20 | 🟢 Cologne |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,215–$3,508 | $2,646–$4,190 | 🟢 Cologne |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.6 / 10 · 3.8 / 10
Cologne▲ better
Dublin
Safety8.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Cologne
Dublin▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Cologne
Dublin▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Cologne
Dublin▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Cologne
Dublin▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Cologne
Dublin▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Cologne
Dublin▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Cologne
Dublin▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Cologne if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Dublin
- ✓Cathedral
- ✓Carnival
- ✓Rhine
- ✓Media
Choose Dublin if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Dublin offers vs Cologne
- ✓EU English hub
- ✓Tech HQs
- ✓Pub culture
- ✓FAANG EU
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Full Cologne guide
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Explore Cologne →📊
Full Dublin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Dublin →