Amsterdam vs Dublin: Amsterdam is cheaper on average ($3,200/mo vs $4,000/mo) in 2026.
Compare cost of living, visa pathways, housing, and relocation scores between amsterdam and dublin — updated for 2026 on SetTern.io.
Quick verdict: Amsterdam leads on overall relocation score; Amsterdam is cheaper on average monthly budget.
Amsterdam averages $3,200/mo vs $4,000/mo for Dublin. Visa friction: Amsterdam 5/10, Dublin 4.5/10 — lower is easier. Choose Amsterdam if Tech workers; choose Dublin if Tech workers. Not immigration advice — confirm rules with official sources.
Side-by-side
| Metric | Amsterdam | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Relocation score | 6.9/10 | 6.6/10 |
| Avg monthly budget | $3,200 | $4,000 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| Visa route | Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) | Critical Skills Employment Permit |
| Visa timeline | 2–4 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Visa friction | 5/10 | 4.5/10 |
| English-friendly | 95% | 99% |
| Safety score | 80/100 | 80/100 |
| Housing score | 40/100 | 30/100 |
Recommendation
Overall index: Amsterdam. Budget: Amsterdam. Visa friction: Dublin. Your personal visa and family situation may override these defaults.
Frequently asked
- Is Amsterdam or Dublin cheaper to live in?
- Dublin is typically more expensive: ~$4,000/mo avg vs ~$3,200/mo in Amsterdam (SetTern estimates).
- Which has easier visas — Amsterdam or Dublin?
- Amsterdam: Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) (2–4 weeks). Dublin: Critical Skills Employment Permit (6–8 weeks). Always confirm with official government sources.
- Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?
- Amsterdam leads on our 10-point index (6.9 vs 6.6). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.
- What is 1BR rent in Amsterdam vs Dublin?
- Amsterdam ~$1,600/mo; Dublin ~$2,200/mo (indicative).
- Who should choose Amsterdam over Dublin?
- Amsterdam suits: Tech workers, EU citizens. Dublin suits: Tech workers, EU citizens.
- What are main risks in Amsterdam and Dublin?
- Amsterdam: 30% ruling capped at Balkenende norm (~€233K). Social housing queue: 15+ years. Many landlords require 3–6 months deposi… Dublin: Rental vacancy < 0.5% — many new arrivals in hotels for months at €150–200/night. IRP card queues start at 5am. HSE spec…
Related pages
- Amsterdam guide(child)
- Dublin guide(child)
- Netherlands hub(parent)
- Amsterdam visa(child)
- Ireland hub(parent)
- All comparisons(hub)
- Relocation budget tool(hub)
- Study abroad hub(hub)
- Berlin vs Amsterdam for EU Tech(sibling)
- Dublin vs London for English-Speaking EU(sibling)
- Amsterdam vs Vienna for EU Quality of Life(sibling)
- Barcelona vs Amsterdam for EU Lifestyle(sibling)