Cost of Living: Dublin vs Split (2026)
Ireland vs Croatia — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €40k
- 4% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €40k
- 37% social
- €450/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 10 weeks. Access limited in practice due to widespread conscientious objection.
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 Split ($1077/mo vs $2522/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are dramatically warmer in Split (30°C vs 18°C).
- •Dublin scores higher on democracy (9.2 vs 6.5 / 10 EIU).
Dublin vs Split — Common Questions
Is Dublin cheaper than Split?▾
Split is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1077/month in Split vs $2522/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Dublin or Split?▾
Split is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Dublin has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Split has 0.77 per 100,000.
Should I move to Dublin or Split?▾
Dublin and Split are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. 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 Split?▾
Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then Stamp 4)). Split: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Dublin or Split?▾
Split is warmer in summer (30°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.
What's the cost of rent in Dublin vs Split?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1077/month in Split, $2522/month in Dublin (Numbeo). That's 57% cheaper rent in Split.
Is Dublin or Split better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Dublin scores 9.2/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 6.5/10 for Split. 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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