Cost Comparison 2025

DublinvsCopenhagen

Ireland
Denmark

Overall

💰

+7.3%

Dublin is 7.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-10.3%

Housing is 10.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

+18.8%

Restaurants 18.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+13.3%

Food shopping 13.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Dublin, Ireland and Copenhagen, Denmark reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dublin is more expensive than Copenhagen by approximately 7.3%. 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 Copenhagen by 11%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dublin's city center costs around €2,000, while the same in Copenhagen is approximately DKK 12,000.

Dining out in Dublin offers significant savings compared to Copenhagen. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Dublin versus DKK 120 in Copenhagen.

Public transportation in Dublin is more affordable, with monthly passes at €120 compared to DKK 750 in Copenhagen.

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

Grocery shopping in Dublin is more affordable by approximately 12%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower 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 Copenhagen, the same lifestyle would cost around DKK 4,448. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,078 monthly in Dublin versus DKK 15,568 in Copenhagen. 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
Copenhagen, Denmark

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€2,000
DKK 12,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,700
DKK 9,000
3BR City Center
€3,800
DKK 22,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
DKK 120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
DKK 700
Cappuccino
€4
DKK 45
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€6
DKK 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
DKK 12
Bread (500g)
€2
DKK 20
Eggs (12)
€4
DKK 25
Cheese (1kg)
€12
DKK 80

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
DKK 24
Monthly Pass
€120
DKK 750
Taxi Start
€5
DKK 50
Gasoline (1L)
€2
DKK 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€160
DKK 1,200
Internet (60 Mbps)
€50
DKK 300
Mobile Minute
€0
DKK 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Dublin to Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen to Dublin 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

Copenhagen

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dublin more expensive than Copenhagen?

Yes, Dublin is approximately 7.3% more expensive than Copenhagen overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Copenhagen salary when living in Dublin. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Copenhagen, you'd need about $53,659 in Dublin for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dublin and Copenhagen?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 16%, 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?

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

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

In Dublin, a single person needs approximately €2,294 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,978. In Copenhagen, these figures are DKK 13,448 for singles and DKK 31,568 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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