Dublin vs Brussels: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Dublin vs Brussels: Dublin runs about $3,220/mo all-in vs $2,110/mo in Brussels — Brussels is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate…
Brussels is the cheaper base — roughly $1,110/mo less all-in, Dublin scores higher for safety, and internet is comparable in both. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Brussels is about $1,110/mo cheaper — $2,110/mo all-in vs $3,220/mo in Dublin (one person).
- Rent: lower in Brussels ($1,200/mo vs $2,000/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Dublin rates higher (80/100 for Dublin vs 68/100 for Brussels).
- Internet: both solid for remote work (86/100 vs 90/100).
- Climate: comparable year-round (52/100 vs 50/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Families: closely matched on family safety (80/100 vs 78/100).
- Local salaries: higher in Dublin (~$3,500/mo vs ~$3,200/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Sunshine: Brussels logs about 165 sunny days a year vs 140 in Dublin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dublin or Brussels cheaper to live in?
Dublin costs about $3,220/month all-in for one person; Brussels costs about $2,110/month. That makes Brussels roughly $1,110/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Brussels than Dublin?
About $1,110/month for a single person — $2,110/mo in Brussels vs $3,220/mo in Dublin, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Dublin or Brussels?
Dublin scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (80/100 for Dublin vs 68/100 for Brussels). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Dublin or Brussels?
For connectivity, both are solid (86/100 vs 90/100). On climate, they're comparable (52/100 vs 50/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Dublin or Brussels?
Dublin's visa process is rated Moderate (about 10 weeks); Brussels's is rated Moderate (about 12 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Dublin and Brussels for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.