City comparison · Rent & affordability
London vs Dublin: rent and cost of living
You can't compare London and Dublin rent in the same currency — but you can compare what share of income renters actually spend. In London, the median renter spends 41% of income on rent; in Dublin, it's 38%. That 3-point gap is a cleaner measure of financial pressure than raw rent amounts.
London
Confidence: high
Dublin
Confidence: medium
What renters actually spend (% of income)
London
Dublin
These are what renters actually pay — not recommended targets.
Salary needed for median rent (30% rule)
Affordability verdict
Dublin is slightly easier on the wallet. The median renter spends 38% of income on rent there, versus 41% in London — a 3-point gap that compounds over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dublin cheaper than London to rent in?
Yes — Dublin is more affordable relative to local incomes. The median renter in Dublin spends 38% of gross income on rent, versus 41% in London.
What salary do you need to rent in London vs Dublin?
To comfortably afford median rent at the 30% rule, you need £92,000/year in London and €72,000/year in Dublin.
What is the average rent in London compared to Dublin?
Median 1-bedroom rent is £2,300/month in London and €1,800/month in Dublin. Budget options (bottom 10%) start at £1,600 and €1,200 respectively.
Explore London in detail
Explore Dublin in detail
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