Cost of Living: Amsterdam vs Dublin (2026)
Netherlands vs Ireland — relocation comparison
1BR centre
At each city's local median pay
Open incentive regimes for newcomers
- VAT-free under €20k
- 5.3% social
- €1200/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €40k
- 4% social
- €1000/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Verdict delivered. Your move.
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 24 weeks. 5-day reflection period removed in 2023.
On request up to 12 weeks since 2018 referendum. Mandatory 3-day waiting period.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Amsterdam vs Dublin — Common Questions
Is Amsterdam cheaper than Dublin?▾
Dublin is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $2522/month there vs $2602/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Amsterdam or Dublin?▾
Amsterdam is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Amsterdam has a rate of 0.73 per 100,000 and Dublin has 0.88 per 100,000.
Should I move to Amsterdam or Dublin?▾
Amsterdam and Dublin are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Amsterdam or Dublin?▾
Amsterdam: Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (complex process, Up to 5 years). Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then Stamp 4)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Amsterdam or Dublin?▾
Amsterdam is warmer in summer (68°F vs 64°F). Dublin has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Amsterdam vs Dublin?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $2522/month in Dublin, $2602/month in Amsterdam (Numbeo). That's 3% cheaper rent in Dublin.
Is healthcare better in Amsterdam or Dublin?▾
Amsterdam scores higher on our composite healthcare index (86/100 vs 80/100 for Dublin). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Amsterdam
Amsterdam vs Rotterdam
Compare Amsterdam
Amsterdam vs The Hague
Compare Dublin
London vs Dublin
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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