🇮🇪 Dublin vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon

Ireland vs Portugal — relocation comparison

68
Livability Score
🇮🇪 Dublin
Ireland
Full profile →
79
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Lisbon
Portugal
Full profile →
Dublin and Lisbon are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin.
Dublin
Metric
Lisbon
$2200/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1547/mo
0.7 homicides/100k
🔒
Safety
0.7 homicides/100k
19°C
☀️
Summer high
27°C
3°C
❄️
Winter low
9°C
126 Mbps
Internet speed
238 Mbps
9.1 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
7.8 / 10
Very High (96/100)
🗣️
English ease
Very High (86/100)
$106k
💼
GDP per capita
$52k
1.7%
📈
Inflation
2.4%
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
79 / 100
91/100 — Reliable
Grid reliability
78/100 — Decent
97/100
🗽
Freedom House
96/100
5 years
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

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

Dublin vs Lisbon: The Short Version

  • Rent is 42% cheaper in Lisbon ($1547/mo vs $2200/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are dramatically warmer in Lisbon (27°C vs 19°C).
  • Dublin scores higher on democracy (9.1 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).
  • English is easier to get by in Dublin (96/100 vs 86/100 English proficiency).

Dublin vs Lisbon — Common Questions

Is Dublin cheaper than Lisbon?

Lisbon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1547/month in Lisbon vs $2200/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Dublin or Lisbon?

Lisbon is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Dublin has a rate of 0.74 per 100,000 and Lisbon has 0.69 per 100,000.

Should I move to Dublin or Lisbon?

Dublin and Lisbon 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 Lisbon?

Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then IRP card)). Lisbon: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Dublin or Lisbon?

Lisbon is warmer in summer (27°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 Dublin or Lisbon without speaking the local language?

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

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