Cost Comparison 2025

DublinvsCalgary

Ireland
Canada

Overall

💰

-12.2%

Dublin is 12.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-35.9%

Housing is 35.9% lower

Dining

🍽️

-6.3%

Restaurants 6.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+6.7%

Food shopping 6.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Dublin, Ireland and Calgary, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dublin is more affordable than Calgary by approximately 12.2%. 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 Calgary by 56%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dublin's city center costs around €2,000, while the same in Calgary is approximately CA$1,600.

Dining out in Dublin costs about the same compared to Calgary. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Dublin versus CA$20 in Calgary.

Public transportation in Dublin is more expensive, with monthly passes at €120 compared to CA$112 in Calgary.

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

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 Calgary, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$730. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,078 monthly in Dublin versus CA$2,555 in Calgary. 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
Calgary, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€2,000
CA$1,600
1BR Outside Center
€1,700
CA$1,300
3BR City Center
€3,800
CA$2,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
CA$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
CA$90
Cappuccino
€4
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€6
CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
CA$3
Bread (500g)
€2
CA$3
Eggs (12)
€4
CA$5
Cheese (1kg)
€12
CA$15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
CA$4
Monthly Pass
€120
CA$112
Taxi Start
€5
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
€2
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€160
CA$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
€50
CA$80
Mobile Minute
€0
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Calgary 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 Calgary 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

Calgary

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dublin more expensive than Calgary?

No, Dublin is approximately 12.2% cheaper than Calgary. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 89% of your Calgary salary when living in Dublin. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Calgary, you'd need about $44,565 in Dublin for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dublin and Calgary?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 56%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Calgary 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 cultural experiences, or Calgary for better value.

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

In Dublin, a single person needs approximately €2,294 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,978. In Calgary, these figures are CA$2,030 for singles and CA$4,755 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Dublin and Calgary in 2025 shows notable 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 Calgary to maintain your lifestyle from Dublin

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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