Cost of Living: Dublin vs Faro (2026)
Ireland vs Portugal — relocation comparison
1BR centre
At each city's local median pay
Open incentive regimes for newcomers
- VAT-free under €40k
- 4% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €15k
- 21.4% social
- €900/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Verdict delivered. Your move.
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · Gallup · 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 12 weeks since 2018 referendum. Mandatory 3-day waiting period.
On request up to 10 weeks since 2007 referendum. Mandatory 3-day reflection period.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Dublin vs Faro — Common Questions
Is Dublin cheaper than Faro?▾
Faro is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1077/month there vs $2522/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Dublin or Faro?▾
Faro is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Dublin has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Faro has 0.69 per 100,000.
Should I move to Dublin or Faro?▾
Faro edges ahead 74 to 67. Dublin isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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 Dublin or Faro?▾
Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then Stamp 4)). Faro: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 2 years (renewable for 3-year periods)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Dublin or Faro?▾
Faro is warmer in summer (82°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.
Can I live in Dublin or Faro without speaking the local language?▾
Dublin is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Faro (72/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.
What's the cost of rent in Dublin vs Faro?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1077/month in Faro, $2522/month in Dublin (Numbeo). That's 57% cheaper rent in Faro.
Is Dublin or Faro better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Dublin scores 9.2/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 8.1/10 for Faro. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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