London vs Dublin
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
London is ~6% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Dublin
Ireland
COL+Rent
77.5
Rent Index
74.2
Groceries
74.1
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | London | Dublin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,503 | $3,142 | $639 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,960 | $2,455 | $495 |
| Groceries | $422 | $420 | +$2 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $24 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $113 | $114 | $1 |
| Utilities | $258 | $225 | +$33 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | London | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,738/mo | $3,184/mo |
| Typical | $3,716/mo | $4,261/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,596/mo | $5,176/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in London | ≈ in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,595/mo | +$95 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,126/mo | +$126 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,189/mo | +$189 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: London vs Dublin for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows London is approximately 6% more affordable than Dublin when combining rent and daily living costs. London's COL+Rent Index of 72.9 vs Dublin's 77.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in London costs $2,503/month versus $3,142/month in Dublin — giving London a $639/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,668 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in London ($422/mo) vs Dublin ($420/mo) reflect London's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $24 show Dublin 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, London offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $3,716 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.