Cost Comparison 2025

DublinvsBeijing

Ireland
China

Overall

💰

-24.4%

Dublin is 24.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-35.9%

Housing is 35.9% lower

Dining

🍽️

-47.5%

Restaurants 47.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-13.3%

Food shopping 13.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Dublin, Ireland and Beijing, China reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dublin is more affordable than Beijing by approximately 24.4%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Dublin are higher than in Beijing by 56%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dublin's city center costs around €2,000, while the same in Beijing is approximately CN¥7,500.

Dining out in Dublin is notably more expensive compared to Beijing. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Dublin versus CN¥30 in Beijing.

Public transportation in Dublin is more affordable, with monthly passes at €120 compared to CN¥200 in Beijing.

Purchasing power in Dublin is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Beijing.

Grocery shopping in Dublin is more expensive by approximately 15%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Dublin can expect to spend approximately €594 per month (excluding rent), while in Beijing, the same lifestyle would cost around CN¥1,746. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,078 monthly in Dublin versus CN¥6,111 in Beijing. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Dublin, Ireland
Beijing, China

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€2,000
CN¥7,500
1BR Outside Center
€1,700
CN¥4,000
3BR City Center
€3,800
CN¥17,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
CN¥30
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
CN¥200
Cappuccino
€4
CN¥25
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€6
CN¥8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
CN¥13
Bread (500g)
€2
CN¥10
Eggs (12)
€4
CN¥12
Cheese (1kg)
€12
CN¥90

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
CN¥3
Monthly Pass
€120
CN¥200
Taxi Start
€5
CN¥13
Gasoline (1L)
€2
CN¥8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€160
CN¥350
Internet (60 Mbps)
€50
CN¥100
Mobile Minute
€0
CN¥0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Beijing to Dublin, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Dublin to Beijing requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Dublin

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index78
Purchasing Power Index85

Beijing

Cost of Living Index62
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dublin more expensive than Beijing?

No, Dublin is approximately 24.4% cheaper than Beijing. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Dublin compared to Beijing?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 80% of your Beijing salary when living in Dublin. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Beijing, you'd need about $40,196 in Dublin for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dublin and Beijing?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 90%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Dublin offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Dublin provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Dublin if you prioritize earning potential, or Beijing for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Dublin vs Beijing?

In Dublin, a single person needs approximately €2,294 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,978. In Beijing, these figures are CN¥5,746 for singles and CN¥15,111 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Dublin and Beijing in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Beijing to maintain your lifestyle from Dublin

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers