🇮🇪 Dublin vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇮🇪
Dublin
Ireland
$2,646–$4,190/mo
€2,450 – €3,880 / month (local)
🇵🇹
Lisbon
Portugal
$1,785–$2,826/mo
€1,653 – €2,617 / month (local)
Dublin is 48% more expensive
Lisbon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Dublin (USD) | Lisbon (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,985–$3,087 | $1,338–$2,082 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,047–$1,654 | $706–$1,115 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Utilities | $83–$160 | $56–$108 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Groceries | $419–$628 | $283–$424 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $55–$99 | $37–$67 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $105–$127 | $71–$86 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Internet & Mobile | $33–$55 | $22–$37 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Gym membership | $39–$72 | $26–$48 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$20 | $10–$13 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,646–$4,190 | $1,785–$2,826 | 🟢 Lisbon |
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 · 6.6 / 10
Dublin
Lisbon▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Dublin
Lisbon▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Dublin
Lisbon▲ better
Education7.9 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Dublin
Lisbon▲ better
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Dublin▲ better
Lisbon
Economy7.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Dublin
Lisbon▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Dublin
Lisbon▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Dublin
Lisbon▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Dublin if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Dublin offers vs Lisbon
- ✓EU English hub
- ✓Tech HQs
- ✓Pub culture
- ✓FAANG EU
Choose Lisbon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Dublin
- ✓Value
- ✓Weather
- ✓Digital nomads
- ✓Remote work
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Full Dublin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Dublin →📊
Full Lisbon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lisbon →