The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 30% cheaper than Dublin.
If you move from Chicago to Dublin, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Chicago, you would need to earn about $108,088 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 Chicago:
Why people love Dublin:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Dublin | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $4,025 | +$2,100 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $414 | +$31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $333 | +$53 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $114 | $-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $190 | — |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $5,076 | +$2,181 |
* 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 (30% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,200/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 83/100)
- 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 Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $72,059 | $22,059 more |
| $75,000 | $108,088 | $33,088 more |
| $100,000 | $144,118 | $44,118 more |
| $125,000 | $180,147 | $55,147 more |
| $150,000 | $216,176 | $66,176 more |
| $200,000 | $288,235 | $88,235 more |
Chicago vs Dublin: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 30%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Dublin has 115.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Dublin: $3,268/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 4, while Dublin wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.