Cost Comparison 2025

São PaulovsDublin

Brazil
Ireland

Overall

💰

+70.8%

São Paulo is 70.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+160.0%

Housing is 160.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+100.0%

Restaurants 100.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+66.7%

Food shopping 66.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between São Paulo, Brazil and Dublin, Ireland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that São Paulo is more expensive than Dublin by approximately 70.8%. 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 São Paulo are lower than in Dublin by 62%. A one-bedroom apartment in São Paulo's city center costs around R$2,800, while the same in Dublin is approximately €2,000.

Dining out in São Paulo offers significant savings compared to Dublin. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs R$30 in São Paulo versus €15 in Dublin.

Public transportation in São Paulo is more expensive, with monthly passes at R$230 compared to €120 in Dublin.

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

Grocery shopping in São Paulo is more affordable by approximately 40%. 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 São Paulo can expect to spend approximately R$1,250 per month (excluding rent), while in Dublin, the same lifestyle would cost around €594. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about R$4,375 monthly in São Paulo versus €2,078 in Dublin. 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
São Paulo, Brazil
Dublin, Ireland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
R$2,800
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
R$1,800
€1,700
3BR City Center
R$5,500
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
R$30
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
R$150
€80
Cappuccino
R$8
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
R$10
€6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
R$5
€1
Bread (500g)
R$7
€2
Eggs (12)
R$10
€4
Cheese (1kg)
R$40
€12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
R$4
€3
Monthly Pass
R$230
€120
Taxi Start
R$5
€5
Gasoline (1L)
R$6
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
R$300
€160
Internet (60 Mbps)
R$100
€50
Mobile Minute
R$1
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from São Paulo 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 São Paulo 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

São Paulo

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index35

Dublin

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index78
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is São Paulo more expensive than Dublin?

Yes, São Paulo is approximately 70.8% more expensive than Dublin overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in São Paulo compared to Dublin?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.7x of your Dublin salary when living in São Paulo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dublin, you'd need about $85,417 in São Paulo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between São Paulo and Dublin?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 62%, 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 São Paulo if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Dublin for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for São Paulo vs Dublin?

In São Paulo, a single person needs approximately R$3,050 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about R$7,875. In Dublin, these figures are €2,294 for singles and €4,978 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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