Cost of Living: Dublin vs Stockholm (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 28% cheaper in Stockholm ($1816/mo vs $2522/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Stockholm (20°C vs 18°C).
Dublin vs Stockholm — Common Questions
Is Dublin cheaper than Stockholm?▾
Stockholm is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1816/month in Stockholm vs $2522/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Dublin or Stockholm?▾
Dublin is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Dublin has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Stockholm has 1.10 per 100,000.
Should I move to Dublin or Stockholm?▾
Stockholm scores 77 to Dublin's 67 on livability — the gap is real. Dublin has its charms, but the numbers favor Stockholm. 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 Stockholm?▾
Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then Stamp 4)). Stockholm: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Dublin or Stockholm?▾
Stockholm is warmer in summer (20°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 Stockholm?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1816/month in Stockholm, $2522/month in Dublin (Numbeo). That's 28% cheaper rent in Stockholm.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Dublin
London vs Dublin
Compare Dublin
Dublin vs Graz
Compare Stockholm
Stockholm vs Gothenburg
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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