Singapore vs Dublin
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Dublin
Ireland
COL+Rent
77.5
Rent Index
74.2
Groceries
74.1
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Singapore | Dublin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,120 | $3,142 | $22 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,280 | $2,455 | $175 |
| Groceries | $410 | $420 | $10 |
| Restaurant Meal | $11 | $24 | $13 |
| Transit Pass | $86 | $114 | $28 |
| Utilities | $166 | $225 | $59 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Singapore | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,863/mo | $3,184/mo |
| Typical | $3,947/mo | $4,261/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,662/mo | $5,176/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Singapore | ≈ in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,502/mo | +$2 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,003/mo | +$3 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,004/mo | +$4 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Singapore vs Dublin for Expats & Remote Workers
Singapore and Dublin are remarkably close in overall cost, with less than 2% difference in their combined COL+Rent indices. Singapore's COL+Rent Index of 77.4 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 Singapore costs $3,120/month versus $3,142/month in Dublin — giving Singapore a $22/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Singapore ($410/mo) vs Dublin ($420/mo) reflect Dublin's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $11 vs $24 show Singapore is the better value for dining out. 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, Singapore offers similar value to its counterpart, so your choice should weigh factors like climate, visa accessibility, internet speed, and community. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.