Dublin vs London: London is cheaper on average ($3,800/mo vs $4,000/mo) in 2026.
Compare cost of living, visa pathways, housing, and relocation scores between dublin and london — updated for 2026 on SetTern.io.
Quick verdict: Dublin leads on overall relocation score; London is cheaper on average monthly budget.
Dublin averages $4,000/mo vs $3,800/mo for London. Visa friction: Dublin 4.5/10, London 6.5/10 — lower is easier. Choose Dublin if Tech workers; choose London if Career acceleration. Not immigration advice — confirm rules with official sources.
Side-by-side
| Metric | Dublin | London |
|---|---|---|
| Relocation score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Avg monthly budget | $4,000 | $3,800 |
| 1BR rent | $2,200 | $1,900 |
| Visa route | Critical Skills Employment Permit | Skilled Worker Visa |
| Visa timeline | 6–8 weeks | 45–90 days |
| Visa friction | 4.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| English-friendly | 99% | 99% |
| Safety score | 80/100 | 70/100 |
| Housing score | 30/100 | 30/100 |
Recommendation
Overall index: Dublin. Budget: London. Visa friction: Dublin. Your personal visa and family situation may override these defaults.
Frequently asked
- Is Dublin or London cheaper to live in?
- Dublin is typically more expensive: ~$4,000/mo avg vs ~$3,800/mo in London (SetTern estimates).
- Which has easier visas — Dublin or London?
- Dublin: Critical Skills Employment Permit (6–8 weeks). London: Skilled Worker Visa (45–90 days). Always confirm with official government sources.
- Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?
- Dublin leads on our 10-point index (6.6 vs 6.3). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.
- What is 1BR rent in Dublin vs London?
- Dublin ~$2,200/mo; London ~$1,900/mo (indicative).
- Who should choose Dublin over London?
- Dublin suits: Tech workers, EU citizens. London suits: Career acceleration, Finance & tech.
- What are main risks in Dublin and London?
- Dublin: Rental vacancy < 0.5% — many new arrivals in hotels for months at €150–200/night. IRP card queues start at 5am. HSE spec… London: NHS waiting times average 18 weeks for non-emergency. Estate agent referencing causes 3–6 week housing delays. Post-Brex…
Related pages
- Dublin guide(child)
- London guide(child)
- Ireland hub(parent)
- Dublin visa(child)
- United Kingdom hub(parent)
- All comparisons(hub)
- Relocation budget tool(hub)
- Study abroad hub(hub)
- London vs Dubai for Relocation(sibling)
- Amsterdam vs Dublin for Tech Workers(sibling)
- London vs Berlin for EU Relocation(sibling)
- London vs Toronto for Commonwealth Movers(sibling)
- Imperial College London vs UCL(sibling)
- Cost Comparison(hub)
- Visas(hub)
- Guides(hub)
- Immigration(hub)
- Cities(hub)