Cost of Living: Dublin vs Gothenburg (2026)
Ireland vs Sweden — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €40k
- 4% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €7k
- 29% social
- €1000/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
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 · IEA · 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 18 weeks. Between 18-22 weeks requires board approval.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
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).
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 80 to Dublin's 67 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 Stamp 4)). Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
What's the cost of rent in Dublin vs Gothenburg?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1080/month in Gothenburg, $2522/month in Dublin (Numbeo). That's 57% cheaper rent in Gothenburg.
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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