Cost Comparison 2025

VancouvervsDublin

Canada
Ireland

Overall

💰

+2.5%

Vancouver is 2.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-2.5%

Housing is 2.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

+6.7%

Restaurants 6.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-6.3%

Food shopping 6.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Vancouver, Canada and Dublin, Ireland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vancouver is more expensive than Dublin by approximately 2.5%. 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 Vancouver are higher than in Dublin. A one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver's city center costs around CA$2,600, while the same in Dublin is approximately €2,000.

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

Public transportation in Vancouver is more expensive, with monthly passes at CA$131 compared to €120 in Dublin.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Vancouver can expect to spend approximately CA$698 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 CA$2,443 monthly in Vancouver 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
Vancouver, Canada
Dublin, Ireland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,600
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
CA$2,100
€1,700
3BR City Center
CA$4,500
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
€80
Cappuccino
CA$6
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
€6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
€1
Bread (500g)
CA$4
€2
Eggs (12)
CA$5
€4
Cheese (1kg)
CA$18
€12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
€3
Monthly Pass
CA$131
€120
Taxi Start
CA$4
€5
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$120
€160
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$85
€50
Mobile Minute
CA$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index90

Dublin

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index78
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver more expensive than Dublin?

The cost of living in Vancouver and Dublin is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.0x of your Dublin salary when living in Vancouver. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dublin, you'd need about $51,250 in Vancouver for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vancouver and Dublin?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 7%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver if you prioritize earning potential, or Dublin for affordability.

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

In Vancouver, a single person needs approximately CA$2,798 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$5,943. 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 Vancouver and Dublin 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 Dublin to maintain your lifestyle from Vancouver

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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