City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Ireland
COL index 78.4
United Kingdom
COL index 87.6
Dublin vs London — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Dublin is 10.5% cheaper than London for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Dublin | Metric | London | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 87.6 | +11.7% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €37,200 | Net at €50,000 gross | €37,714 | +1.4% |
| €2,280 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,450 | +7.5% |
| €3,107 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,333 | +7.3% |
| €47,449 | PPP — net / COL | €43,053 | -9.3% |
| 25.6% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 24.6% | -4.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Ireland = €3,100 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in London, you would need roughly €55,470 gross in United Kingdom (≈ €3,464 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€2,280 vs €2,450)
- −High cost of living (index 78)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (73.5%)
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (78.0%)
The verdict
Across the data, London delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Dublin carries a lower cost-of-living index; London has the lighter effective tax burden; Dublin wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Dublin edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Dublin cheaper than London?+
Dublin is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Dublin 78.4, London 87.6 — a 10.5% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Dublin and London?+
Dublin sits at 78.4 on our COL index, London at 87.6. That works out to roughly 10.5% — Dublin being the cheaper of the two.
Is Dublin a good place to live compared to London?+
It depends on priorities. Dublin delivers €37,200 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 25.6% effective tax rate. London delivers €37,714 at 24.6%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,280 vs €2,450.
How do salaries compare in Dublin vs London?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €37,200/year (€3,100/month) in Dublin and €37,714/year (€3,143/month) in London.
Which city has lower taxes, Dublin or London?+
United Kingdom has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Ireland 25.6%, United Kingdom 24.6%.