City Comparison
Dublin vs Galway
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Galway is ~39% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Dublin
Ireland
COL+Rent
77.5
Rent Index
74.2
Groceries
74.1
Restaurant
78.9
Galway
Ireland
COL+Rent
47.1
Rent Index
36.5
Groceries
52.8
Restaurant
50.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Dublin | Galway | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,142 | $1,547 | +$1,595 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,455 | $1,209 | +$1,246 |
| Groceries | $420 | $299 | +$121 |
| Restaurant Meal | $24 | $17 | +$7 |
| Transit Pass | $114 | $81 | +$33 |
| Utilities | $225 | $160 | +$65 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Dublin | Galway |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,184/mo | $1,727/mo |
| Typical | $4,261/mo | $2,342/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,176/mo | $2,889/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Dublin | ≈ in Galway | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $912/mo | -$588 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,215/mo | -$785 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,823/mo | -$1,177 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dublin or Galway cheaper to live in?
Galway is approximately 39% cheaper overall. Dublin's COL+Rent Index is 77.5 vs Galway's 47.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Dublin vs Galway?
A 1BR in Dublin city center costs ~$3,142/mo vs $1,547/mo in Galway. Outside the center: $2,455 vs $1,209.
What is $2,000/month in Dublin worth in Galway?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Dublin has the purchasing power of approximately $1,215/month in Galway.
Are groceries cheaper in Dublin or Galway?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $420 in Dublin vs $299 in Galway. Groceries Index: 74.1 vs 52.8 (NYC = 100).