COST OF LIVING · 2026
London vs Dublin: cost of living compared
Dublin is the closest of the popular expat cities to London — same language, a short flight, and no visa hurdle for many. It's also cheaper: overall living costs run about 14% below London once rent is included. But Irish income tax bites harder than the UK's on middle and higher salaries, so the take-home picture is more nuanced. Here's the 2026 comparison.
Is Dublin cheaper than London?
Yes, moderately. Consumer prices excluding rent are about 13% lower than London, and roughly 14% lower once rent is included. In practical terms, cost-of-living data suggests you'd need around £5,965 a month in Dublin to match the lifestyle £6,900 buys in London, assuming you rent in both. Groceries are almost identical (about 2% higher in Dublin), and restaurants are a touch cheaper.
Rent and housing
Rent is the main saving, though not a huge one. A one-bedroom city-centre apartment averages about £1,851 a month in Dublin versus £2,233 in London. The bigger challenge in Dublin isn't the headline price but supply — the rental market is notoriously tight, and finding a place can take longer and involve more competition than you'd expect for the money.
Groceries and eating out
Your weekly shop will feel much the same as London — grocery prices are within a couple of percent. Eating out is marginally cheaper, though a pint in central Dublin won't feel like a bargain. On everyday spending, the two cities are close enough that housing and tax do most of the work in any comparison.
Transport
Public transport is a clear win: a monthly pass is around £82 in Dublin against £200 in London. Dublin is compact and walkable, and recent fare caps have kept costs down, so many residents get by without a car.
Tax and take-home
Here's the catch that surprises people. Ireland taxes income at 20% up to €44,000 and 40% above that, and then adds the Universal Social Charge (USC) and PRSI on top. Tax credits soften the lower end, but for middle and higher earners the effective rate tends to sit above the UK's — so a Dublin salary can leave you with less take-home than the same figure in London, even though living costs are lower. This is exactly why you should compare take-home, not headline salary. Our Global Salary Comparator does that conversion for you.
Bottom line
Dublin offers a gentle saving on living costs, excellent transport value, and an easy cultural move from the UK — but higher income tax can claw back some of that advantage on a good salary. The proximity and lifestyle are the real draws; treat the money as roughly a wash unless your figures say otherwise. Run your salary through the comparator before deciding.
Compare your UK salary with Ireland →
Important
Figures are indicative 2026 estimates drawn from public cost-of-living data (Numbeo) and are not financial advice. Prices vary by area, lifestyle and exchange rates.