Townleap

Cost of Living: Bologna vs Dublin (2026)

Italy vs Ireland — relocation comparison

TL;DRBologna is 55% cheaper on rent ($1130/mo vs $2522/mo). Dublin scores 9.2 vs 7.6 on democracy. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
68
Livability Score
🇮🇹 Bologna
Italy
Full profile
64
Livability Score
🇮🇪 Dublin
Ireland
Full profile
Too close to call — 68 vs 64. Bologna has a slight edge, but Dublin might suit you better depending on your priorities.
💰
Cost of Living
Bologna
$1393/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Bologna
0.6 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Dublin
9.2/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
31°C vs 18°C summers
🗣️
English
Dublin
higher proficiency score
Bologna
Metric
Dublin
$1130/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$2522/mo
$724/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$857/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$7,392
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.9 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
54 / 100
31°C
☀️
Summer high
18°C
2°C
❄️
Winter low
4°C
Internet speed
91 Mbps
15 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
6.3 μg/m³
7.6 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.2 / 10
29/100
🗣️
Street English
81/100
$62k
💼
GDP per capita
$133k
1.0% · Practically frozen
📈
Inflation
2.1% · Boringly steady
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
64 / 100
Grid reliability
91/100 — Reliable
🗽
Freedom House
97/100
📋
Time to PR
2 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Industries
techfintechpharmafinance
Startup ecosystem
hub
Grid reliability
91/100
Time to PR
2 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Easy
Impatriati Regime, Regime Forfettario, New Residents Flat Tax, 7% Retiree Flat Tax
Tax breaks

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 55% cheaper in Bologna ($1130/mo vs $2522/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are dramatically warmer in Bologna (31°C vs 18°C).
  • Dublin scores higher on democracy (9.2 vs 7.6 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Dublin (81/100 vs 29/100).

Bologna vs Dublin — Common Questions

Is Bologna cheaper than Dublin?

Bologna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1130/month in Bologna vs $2522/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Bologna or Dublin?

Bologna is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bologna has a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 and Dublin has 0.88 per 100,000.

Should I move to Bologna or Dublin?

Too close to call — 68 vs 64. Bologna has a slight edge, but Dublin might suit you better depending on your priorities. 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 Bologna or Dublin?

Bologna: no specific remote work visa. 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, Bologna or Dublin?

Bologna is warmer in summer (31°C vs 18°C). Dublin has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Bologna or Dublin without speaking the local language?

Dublin is easier for street-level English (81/100) than Bologna (29/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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