Dublin vs Cork vs Limerick: 2025 Cost-of-Living Smackdown
Rent, transport, groceries and salary data so you can pick the right Irish city. Complete comparison with disposable income analysis.
Ultimate Salary Calculator Team
Our content is written and reviewed by finance and tax enthusiasts to ensure accuracy.
Thinking of swapping the capital's high rents for Rebel or Treaty county vibes? Here's the hard data to help you decide.
Rent Round-One
Dublin 1-bed city-centre: €2,540/month
Cork: €2,213/month
Limerick: €1,375/month
Limerick is 46% cheaper than Dublin for city center accommodation!
Overall Monthly Budget (Single Person, including rent)
| City | Low Budget | High Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | €3,100 | €3,600 |
| Cork | €2,550 | €3,100 |
| Limerick | €1,900 | €2,400 |
Salary Reality Check
Dublin
€3,339
Average net salary
€799 after rent
Cork
€3,000
Average net salary
€787 after rent
Limerick
€2,720
Average net salary
€1,345 after rent
After rent, Limerick leaves 68% more disposable income than Dublin!
Quality-of-Life Insights
🚗 Commute Times
- Cork: 28 minutes average
- Limerick: 25 minutes average
- Dublin: 46 minutes average
🎯 Lifestyle Factors
- Dublin: Best for jobs & culture
- Cork: Balanced lifestyle
- Limerick: Best value & sports
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