🇮🇪 Dublin vs 🇬🇧 Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇮🇪

Dublin

Ireland

$2,646–$4,190/mo

€2,450 – €3,880 / month (local)

🇬🇧

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

$2,338–$3,703/mo

£1,841 – £2,916 / month (local)

Dublin is 13% more expensive

Edinburgh wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryDublin (USD)Edinburgh (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,985–$3,087$1,754–$2,728🟢 Edinburgh
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,047–$1,654$926–$1,462🟢 Edinburgh
Utilities$83–$160$73–$141🟢 Edinburgh
Groceries$419–$628$370–$555🟢 Edinburgh
Eating out (mid-range meal)$55–$99$49–$88🟢 Edinburgh
Public transport (monthly)$105–$127$93–$112🟢 Edinburgh
Internet & Mobile$33–$55$29–$49🟢 Edinburgh
Gym membership$39–$72$34–$63🟢 Edinburgh
Cinema ticket$15–$20$14–$18🟢 Edinburgh
Monthly total (single)$2,646–$4,190$2,338–$3,703🟢 Edinburgh

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

Housing3.8 / 10 · 4.9 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better
Education7.9 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better
Environment8.7 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better
Economy7.0 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Dublin
Edinburgh▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Dublin if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Dublin offers vs Edinburgh
  • ✓EU English hub
  • ✓Tech HQs
  • ✓Pub culture
  • ✓FAANG EU

Choose Edinburgh if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Dublin
  • ✓Festivals
  • ✓Universities
  • ✓Scenery
  • ✓Fintech

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Full Dublin guide

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📊

Full Edinburgh guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Edinburgh →