🇮🇪 Dublin vs 🇩🇪 Frankfurt

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇮🇪

Dublin

Ireland

$2,646–$4,190/mo

€2,450 – €3,880 / month (local)

🇩🇪

Frankfurt

Germany

$2,523–$3,995/mo

€2,336 – €3,699 / month (local)

Dublin is 5% more expensive

Frankfurt wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryDublin (USD)Frankfurt (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,985–$3,087$1,892–$2,944🟢 Frankfurt
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,047–$1,654$999–$1,577🟢 Frankfurt
Utilities$83–$160$79–$152🟢 Frankfurt
Groceries$419–$628$399–$599🟢 Frankfurt
Eating out (mid-range meal)$55–$99$53–$95🟢 Frankfurt
Public transport (monthly)$105–$127$100–$121🟢 Frankfurt
Internet & Mobile$33–$55$32–$53🟢 Frankfurt
Gym membership$39–$72$37–$68🟢 Frankfurt
Cinema ticket$15–$20$15–$19🟢 Frankfurt
Monthly total (single)$2,646–$4,190$2,523–$3,995🟢 Frankfurt

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 · 5.3 / 10
Dublin
Frankfurt▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Dublin
Frankfurt▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Dublin▲ better
Frankfurt
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Dublin▲ better
Frankfurt
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Dublin▲ better
Frankfurt
Economy7.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Dublin
Frankfurt▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Dublin
Frankfurt▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Dublin▲ better
Frankfurt

Who should choose which city?

Choose Dublin if…

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

Choose Frankfurt if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Dublin
  • ✓ECB
  • ✓Airport hub
  • ✓Salaries
  • ✓Finance

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Full Dublin guide

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Full Frankfurt guide

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Explore Frankfurt →