Dublin vs Edinburgh: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Dublin vs Edinburgh: Dublin runs about $3,220/mo all-in vs $2,220/mo in Edinburgh — Edinburgh is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and…
Edinburgh is the cheaper base — roughly $1,000/mo less all-in, both feel similarly safe, 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: Edinburgh is about $1,000/mo cheaper — $2,220/mo all-in vs $3,220/mo in Dublin (one person).
- Rent: lower in Edinburgh ($1,300/mo vs $2,000/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: closely matched (80/100 vs 82/100).
- Internet: both solid for remote work (86/100 vs 85/100).
- Climate: comparable year-round (52/100 vs 48/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Expat community: larger and more established in Dublin (90/100 vs 72/100).
- Families: closely matched on family safety (80/100 vs 80/100).
- Local salaries: higher in Dublin (~$3,500/mo vs ~$3,200/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dublin or Edinburgh cheaper to live in?
Dublin costs about $3,220/month all-in for one person; Edinburgh costs about $2,220/month. That makes Edinburgh roughly $1,000/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Edinburgh than Dublin?
About $1,000/month for a single person — $2,220/mo in Edinburgh vs $3,220/mo in Dublin, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Dublin or Edinburgh?
They're closely matched — 80/100 for Dublin and 82/100 for Edinburgh. Neighbourhood choice matters more than the city here.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Dublin or Edinburgh?
For connectivity, both are solid (86/100 vs 85/100). On climate, they're comparable (52/100 vs 48/100). 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 Edinburgh?
Dublin's visa process is rated Moderate (about 10 weeks); Edinburgh's is rated Moderate (about 8 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Dublin and Edinburgh 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.