Cork
Dublin

Cork vs Dublin — Cost of Living Comparison

Cork
Ireland
VS
Dublin
Ireland
Estimated average living costs are ~21% lower in Cork

Cork

$2,800

avg. monthly cost

Population

210,000

Safety

68/100

Quality

74/100

Cost
72
Safety
68
Life
74

Dublin

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,228,000

Safety

56/100

Quality

72/100

Cost
82
Safety
56
Life
72

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~21% lower in Cork

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Cork

$2,800

estimated per month

Dublin

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+21.4%

Monthly savings

$600

Yearly savings

$7,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$91,071

+$16,071/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemCorkDublinDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,500.00$2,000.00
+33.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$1,500.00
+36.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,500.00$3,500.00
+40.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,800.00$2,500.00
+38.9%
ItemCorkDublinDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$16.00$17.00
+6.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$70.00$75.00
+7.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00$10.00
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.20
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.60$1.60
0.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$1.80
0.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$3.50$3.50
0.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$9.00$9.00
0.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.40$2.50
+4.2%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.60$1.60
0.0%
ItemCorkDublinDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$75.00$120.00
+60.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.20$2.80
+27.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$4.00$4.20
+5.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.50$1.40
-6.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.80$1.85
+2.8%
ItemCorkDublinDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$200.00$220.00
+10.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$20.00$22.00
+10.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$50.00$50.00
0.0%
ItemCorkDublinDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$60.00$60.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$70.00$75.00
+7.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$15.00$15.00
0.0%
ItemCorkDublinDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$45.00$50.00
+11.1%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$13.00$14.00
+7.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.80$4.00
+5.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$6.00$6.50
+8.3%
ItemCorkDublinDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$80.00$80.00
0.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$35.00$38.00
+8.6%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$90.00$95.00
+5.6%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Cork vs Dublin

Is Cork or Dublin more expensive?
Dublin is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 72 for Cork.
How much cheaper is Cork than Dublin?
Living in Cork is around 12% cheaper than Dublin, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Cork and Dublin?
Cork scores 72 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Dublin scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.