Dublin vs London: Cost of Living Comparison
Two of Europe's most popular cities for English-speaking professionals — but which one actually lets you keep more of your salary?
Dublin vs London: the financial reality
Dublin and London are both high-demand, high-salary cities that attract professionals from across the globe. Both cities offer competitive salaries in tech, finance, and professional services. But the cost of living in each is quite different, and the gap between gross and net pay can be surprisingly large in both places.
Dublin has one of the highest effective income tax burdens in Europe for middle earners. The Irish tax system applies a 40% marginal rate above a relatively low threshold, meaning a €70,000 salary in Dublin leaves significantly less in your pocket than you might expect. On the other hand, London's income tax system (in GBP) has lower marginal rates for many salary bands, though National Insurance contributions add to the burden.
Rent: Dublin catches up with London
Historically, London was seen as the more expensive city for rent. That gap has narrowed considerably in recent years. Dublin's rental market has been under intense pressure, with average 1-bedroom apartments in the city centre regularly exceeding €2,000 per month. This makes Dublin one of the most expensive cities in the Eurozone for renters.
London rents vary enormously by neighbourhood. Central London can cost far more than the averages used in this calculator, while outer boroughs remain more affordable. For a fair comparison, the figures here represent a typical 1-bedroom in a reasonably central location in each city.
Which city is better for your salary?
For many salary ranges, Berlin or Lisbon will outperform both Dublin and London in terms of leftover income. Between the two English-speaking cities, London often edges ahead on take-home pay due to lower effective tax rates, but this depends heavily on your specific salary and location. Use the calculator above to run the numbers for your situation.
Beyond the numbers, lifestyle, career opportunities, and personal preferences matter too. But if maximising your monthly surplus is the goal, running the comparison before accepting a job offer is always a smart move.