🇨🇭 Zurich vs 🇮🇪 Dublin

Switzerland vs Ireland — relocation comparison

76
Livability Score
🇨🇭 Zurich
Switzerland
Full profile →
68
Livability Score
🇮🇪 Dublin
Ireland
Full profile →
Too close to call. Zurich has a slight edge, but Dublin might suit you better depending on your priorities.
Zurich
Metric
Dublin
$2500/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$2200/mo
0.5 homicides/100k
🔒
Safety
0.7 homicides/100k
25°C
☀️
Summer high
19°C
-2°C
❄️
Winter low
3°C
213 Mbps
Internet speed
126 Mbps
9.1 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.1 / 10
Very High (86/100)
🗣️
English ease
Very High (96/100)
$103k
💼
GDP per capita
$106k
1.1%
📈
Inflation
1.7%
76 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
68 / 100
99/100 — Reliable
Grid reliability
91/100 — Reliable
96/100
🗽
Freedom House
97/100
10 years
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
stable
active
Startup ecosystem
hub
Easy
EU visa
Easy

Zurich vs Dublin: The Short Version

  • Rent is 14% cheaper in Dublin ($2200/mo vs $2500/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Zurich (25°C vs 19°C).
  • English is easier to get by in Dublin (96/100 vs 86/100 English proficiency).

Zurich vs Dublin — Common Questions

Is Zurich cheaper than Dublin?

Dublin is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $2200/month in Dublin vs $2500/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Zurich or Dublin?

Zurich is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Zurich has a rate of 0.52 per 100,000 and Dublin has 0.74 per 100,000.

Should I move to Zurich or Dublin?

Too close to call. Zurich has a slight edge, but Dublin might suit you better depending on your priorities. 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 Zurich or Dublin?

Zurich: Switzerland Work Permit (L/B) (complex process, 1 year (B permit) or renewable). Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then IRP card)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Zurich or Dublin?

Zurich is warmer in summer (25°C vs 19°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 Zurich or Dublin without speaking the local language?

English is easier to get by in Dublin (EF EPI score: 96/100) than in Zurich (86/100). In Dublin, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Zurich, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.

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