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Cost of Living: Dublin vs Graz (2026)

Ireland vs Austria — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 69% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $2522/mo). Graz summers average 25°C vs 18°C. Both countries will let you complain about the government in public — and mean it.
64
Livability Score
🇮🇪 Dublin
Ireland
Full profile
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
Graz scores 77 to Dublin's 64 on livability — the gap is real. Dublin has its charms, but the numbers favor Graz.
Dublin
Graz
$2522/mo
Rent
$772/mo
9.2/10
Democracy
8.3/10
0.9/100k
Safety
0.9/100k
81/100
English
74/100
2 yr
Time to PR
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$1751/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Dublin
9.2/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
18°C vs 25°C summers
🗣️
English
Dublin
higher proficiency score
Dublin
Metric
Graz
$2522/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$772/mo
$857/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$909/mo
$7,392
🧳
Cost to land
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.9 / 100k
54 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
18°C
☀️
Summer high
25°C
4°C
❄️
Winter low
-3°C
91 Mbps
Internet speed
6.3 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
15.1 μg/m³
9.2 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.3 / 10
81/100
🗣️
Street English
74/100
$133k
💼
GDP per capita
$74k
2.1% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.9% · Boringly steady
64 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
77 / 100
91/100 — Reliable
Grid reliability
97/100
🗽
Freedom House
2 years
📋
Time to PR

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
techfintechpharmafinance
Industries
hub
Startup ecosystem
91/100
Grid reliability
2 yrs
Time to PR
Easy
EU visa
Complex
RU visa
Easy
UA visa

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

The Short Version

  • Rent is 69% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $2522/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Graz (25°C vs 18°C).
  • Dublin scores higher on democracy (9.2 vs 8.3 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Dublin (81/100 vs 74/100).

Dublin vs Graz — Common Questions

Is Dublin cheaper than Graz?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $2522/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Dublin or Graz?

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

Should I move to Dublin or Graz?

Graz scores 77 to Dublin's 64 on livability — the gap is real. Dublin has its charms, but the numbers favor Graz. 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 Graz?

Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then Stamp 4)). Graz: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Dublin or Graz?

Graz is warmer in summer (25°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 Dublin or Graz without speaking the local language?

Dublin is easier for street-level English (81/100) than Graz (74/100). 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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