Cost Comparison 2025

DublinvsIstanbul

Ireland
Turkey

Overall

💰

-41.5%

Dublin is 41.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-64.1%

Housing is 64.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-43.8%

Restaurants 43.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-44.0%

Food shopping 44.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Dublin, Ireland and Istanbul, Turkey reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Dublin is more affordable than Istanbul by approximately 41.5%. 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 Istanbul by 179%. A one-bedroom apartment in Dublin's city center costs around €2,000, while the same in Istanbul is approximately TRY 25,000.

Dining out in Dublin is notably more expensive compared to Istanbul. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Dublin versus TRY 150 in Istanbul.

Public transportation in Dublin is more affordable, with monthly passes at €120 compared to TRY 1,100 in Istanbul.

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

Grocery shopping in Dublin is more expensive by approximately 79%. 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 Istanbul, the same lifestyle would cost around TRY 7,060. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,078 monthly in Dublin versus TRY 24,710 in Istanbul. 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
Istanbul, Turkey

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€2,000
TRY 25,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,700
TRY 15,000
3BR City Center
€3,800
TRY 50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
TRY 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
TRY 700
Cappuccino
€4
TRY 80
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€6
TRY 100

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
TRY 35
Bread (500g)
€2
TRY 10
Eggs (12)
€4
TRY 50
Cheese (1kg)
€12
TRY 200

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
TRY 18
Monthly Pass
€120
TRY 1,100
Taxi Start
€5
TRY 30
Gasoline (1L)
€2
TRY 40

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€160
TRY 2,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€50
TRY 300
Mobile Minute
€0
TRY 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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

Istanbul

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dublin more expensive than Istanbul?

No, Dublin is approximately 41.5% cheaper than Istanbul. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 71% of your Istanbul salary when living in Dublin. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Istanbul, you'd need about $35,345 in Dublin for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Dublin and Istanbul?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 179%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. 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 Istanbul for affordability.

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

In Dublin, a single person needs approximately €2,294 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,978. In Istanbul, these figures are TRY 22,060 for singles and TRY 54,710 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Dublin and Istanbul 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 Istanbul to maintain your lifestyle from Dublin

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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