Cost of Living: Dublin vs Gothenburg (2026)
Ireland vs Sweden — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 57% cheaper in Gothenburg ($1080/mo vs $2522/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Gothenburg (19°C vs 18°C).
- •English is easier to get by in Dublin (96/100 vs 86/100 English proficiency).
Dublin vs Gothenburg — Common Questions
Is Dublin cheaper than Gothenburg?▾
Gothenburg is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1080/month in Gothenburg vs $2522/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Dublin or Gothenburg?▾
Dublin is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Dublin has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Gothenburg has 1.10 per 100,000.
Should I move to Dublin or Gothenburg?▾
Gothenburg scores 78 to Dublin's 64 on livability — the gap is real. Dublin has its charms, but the numbers favor Gothenburg. 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 Gothenburg?▾
Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then IRP card)). Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Dublin or Gothenburg without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Dublin (EF EPI score: 96/100) than in Gothenburg (86/100). In Dublin, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Gothenburg, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
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