The Verdict
Living in Dublin is 20% more expensive than Edinburgh.
If you move from Dublin to Edinburgh, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Dublin, you would need to earn about £31,837 in Edinburgh.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Dublin:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Dublin | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,300 | £1,300 | £-1,000 |
| Monthly groceries | £322 | £336 | +£14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £238 | £213 | £-25 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £141 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £171 | £166 | £-5 |
| Total Monthly | £3,171 | £2,155 | £-1,016 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£3,268/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Edinburgh to match a Dublin salary
| Salary in Dublin | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £23,878 | £6,122 less |
| £40,000 | £31,837 | £8,163 less |
| £50,000 | £39,796 | £10,204 less |
| £60,000 | £47,755 | £12,245 less |
| £80,000 | £63,673 | £16,327 less |
| £100,000 | £79,592 | £20,408 less |
Dublin vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Dublin has a rent index of 115, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Dublin: £3,268/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Dublin wins 1, while Edinburgh wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.