Dublin vs Malmö
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Malmö is ~55% 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
Malmö
Sweden
COL+Rent
35.1
Rent Index
17.1
Groceries
45.6
Restaurant
42.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Dublin | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,142 | $756 | +$2,386 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,455 | $594 | +$1,861 |
| Groceries | $420 | $260 | +$160 |
| Restaurant Meal | $24 | $13 | +$11 |
| Transit Pass | $114 | $71 | +$43 |
| Utilities | $225 | $79 | +$146 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Dublin | Malmö |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,184/mo | $978/mo |
| Typical | $4,261/mo | $1,361/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,176/mo | $1,721/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Dublin | ≈ in Malmö | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $679/mo | -$821 |
| $2,000/mo | $906/mo | -$1,094 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,359/mo | -$1,641 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Dublin vs Malmö for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Malmö is approximately 55% more affordable than Dublin when combining rent and daily living costs. Dublin's COL+Rent Index of 77.5 vs Malmö's 35.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Dublin costs $3,142/month versus $756/month in Malmö — giving Malmö a $2,386/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $28,632 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Dublin ($420/mo) vs Malmö ($260/mo) reflect Malmö's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $24 vs $13 show Malmö offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Malmö offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,361 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.