The Verdict
Living in Boston is 10% cheaper than Dublin.
If you move from Boston to Dublin, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Boston, you would need to earn about $83,523 in Dublin.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Boston:
Why people love Dublin:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Boston | Dublin | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,150 | $4,025 | +$875 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $414 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $333 | — |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $114 | +$3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $190 | $-30 |
| Total Monthly | $4,227 | $5,076 | +$849 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (10% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($5,200/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 83/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Dublin to match a Boston salary
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,682 | $5,682 more |
| $75,000 | $83,523 | $8,523 more |
| $100,000 | $111,364 | $11,364 more |
| $125,000 | $139,205 | $14,205 more |
| $150,000 | $167,045 | $17,045 more |
| $200,000 | $222,727 | $22,727 more |
Boston vs Dublin: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Boston is the more affordable option.
Rent: Boston has a rent index of 90, while Dublin has 115.
Average Salaries: Boston: $5,200/month vs Dublin: $3,268/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Boston wins 3, while Dublin wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.