The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 28% cheaper than Dublin.
If you move from Birmingham to Dublin, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £56,000 in Dublin.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Dublin:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Dublin | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,300 | +£1,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £322 | £-7 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £238 | +£43 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £141 | +£10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £171 | +£13 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £3,171 | +£1,357 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (28% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 83/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,268/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Dublin to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £42,000 | £12,000 more |
| £40,000 | £56,000 | £16,000 more |
| £50,000 | £70,000 | £20,000 more |
| £60,000 | £84,000 | £24,000 more |
| £80,000 | £112,000 | £32,000 more |
| £100,000 | £140,000 | £40,000 more |
Birmingham vs Dublin: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 28%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Dublin has 115.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Dublin: £3,268/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 5, while Dublin wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.