🇮🇪 Dublin vs 🇬🇧 London
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇮🇪
Dublin
Ireland
$2,646–$4,190/mo
€2,450 – €3,880 / month (local)
🇬🇧
London
United Kingdom
$3,015–$4,774/mo
£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)
London is 14% more expensive
Dublin wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Dublin (USD) | London (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,985–$3,087 | $2,262–$3,518 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,047–$1,654 | $1,194–$1,885 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Utilities | $83–$160 | $94–$182 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Groceries | $419–$628 | $477–$716 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $55–$99 | $63–$113 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Public transport (monthly) | $105–$127 | $119–$144 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Internet & Mobile | $33–$55 | $38–$63 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Gym membership | $39–$72 | $44–$82 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$20 | $18–$23 | 🟢 Dublin |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,646–$4,190 | $3,015–$4,774 | 🟢 Dublin |
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 · 2.8 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Economy7.0 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Dublin▲ better
London
Who should choose which city?
Choose Dublin if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than London
- ✓EU English hub
- ✓Tech HQs
- ✓Pub culture
- ✓FAANG EU
Choose London if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what London offers vs Dublin
- ✓Global finance
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
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📊
Full Dublin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Dublin →📊
Full London guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore London →