City guide

🇮🇪 Living in Dublin

English-speaking EU tech capital — Google, Meta, Apple HQs and US pre-clearance at the airport

At a glance

Population
1.4 million (metro)
Currency
EUR
Avg. salary
€45,000–€75,000
Effective tax
30–40%
Climate
Oceanic mild
Tax regime
20–40% progressive + USC + PRSI
Nomad visa
—

Net salary calculator

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Cost of living

Rent (1-bed, center) €2,000/mo
Rent (1-bed, suburb) €1,600/mo
Groceries (single) €400/mo
Groceries (family) €900/mo
Transport pass €120/mo
Restaurant (2 people, mid-range) €70
Coffee €3.50
Gym membership €50/mo
Healthcare Public system free at point of use, private insurance €100-200/month optional
Frugal
€2,400
/month
Moderate
€3,400
/month
Comfortable
€4,800
/month

Budget calculator

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Why choose Dublin?

English-speaking — native English, zero language barrier

European tech capital: Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Salesforce HQs

EU membership — full EU market access post-Brexit

US pre-clearance at Dublin Airport — land in the US as a domestic passenger

12.5% corporate tax attracts global companies = strong job market

Vibrant social scene — pubs, live music, festivals, friendly people

Quality of life

Overall
8
Safety
8.5
Healthcare
8
Education
9
Air Quality
8.5
Expat Community
9
English Proficiency
10

Moving to Dublin : checklist

  1. 1 Research visa (EU: register with GNIB, non-EU: work permit via employer)
  2. 2 Calculate net salary (income tax + USC + PRSI)
  3. 3 Find accommodation (Daft.ie — start searching early, market is tight)
  4. 4 Get PPS number (Personal Public Service Number)
  5. 5 Open bank account (AIB, Bank of Ireland, Revolut)
  6. 6 Register with GP (family doctor) for public healthcare
  7. 7 Join expat communities (InterNations Dublin, Meetup groups)

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Dublin? +
Dublin is expensive, especially for housing. A single person needs €2,400–3,400/month. Rent for a 1-bed in the center averages €2,000. The housing market is very competitive — start searching early and be prepared to move quickly.
How much tax will I pay in Dublin? +
Ireland has a 20% rate on the first €42,000 and 40% above, plus USC (0.5–8% graduated) and PRSI (4%). Effective tax rate on €65,000 is approximately 32-35%. The single person tax credit (€1,775) reduces your tax bill.
Is Dublin good for expats? +
Very good — Dublin is English-speaking, has a massive tech job market, and Irish people are famously friendly and welcoming. The main challenge is the housing market, which is tight and expensive.
What is the average salary in Dublin? +
Average gross salary is €50,000–60,000/year. Tech roles (software engineer) average €65,000–90,000. Finance: €55,000–80,000. Big tech companies (Google, Meta) pay €80,000–130,000 for experienced roles.
How do I get a work visa for Ireland? +
EU/EEA citizens can work freely. Non-EU citizens need a Critical Skills Employment Permit (for in-demand roles, salary >€38,000) or General Employment Permit (salary >€34,000). Your employer typically sponsors the application.

Compare Dublin with

🇮🇪 vs 🇬🇧
Dublin vs London
+7% cost
🇮🇪 vs 🇳🇱
Dublin vs Amsterdam
+1% cost
🇮🇪 vs 🇧🇪
Dublin vs Brussels
−14% cost

Move to Dublin from

🇫🇷 → 🇮🇪
Paris → Dublin
🇬🇧 → 🇮🇪
London → Dublin
🇧🇪 → 🇮🇪
Brussels → Dublin
🇨🇭 → 🇮🇪
Geneva → Dublin

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