London vs Dublin: What 15 Honest People Say About Living & Visiting the Capitals
Two big European capitals, two very different cities. What’s better: living in Dublin vs London? What’s the best holiday, visiting London vs Dublin?
I love both cities, but I live in London so I’m obviously biased. I looked at what real Dubliners and Londoners – and especially people who have lived in both cities – have to say about which city is better.
Let’s look at the major points of comparison in both cities to see which one is right for you, and hear from people who have lived in both.
Here’s the rundown of London vs Dublin: size, cost, attractions, weather, and more.
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🏠 Living in Dublin vs London: Which is Better? 🏠
First let’s look at which is the best place to live: London or Dublin? We’ll compare all the major factors of life in each city.
1. Size of London vs Dublin
“It’s big but not too big. 1.5 million people isn’t a tiny city. It’s the largest in Ireland and only London, Birmingham and perhaps Glasgow (just barely) are bigger than Dublin in the UK.” –
-Shane, Dublin Resident
“London is a megacity, Dublin is a modest sized town.”
-David, Londoner and Dubliner.
🇬🇧 Size of London
London is expansive, covering an area of about 1,572 square kilometers. It’s divided into 32 boroughs, each with its unique character and charm. The vastness of London means that it offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, from bustling urban centers to serene suburban areas.
🇮🇪 Size of Dublin
Dublin is more compact, spanning an area of approximately 115 square kilometers. Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate, and most of the city’s main attractions are centrally located. Despite its size, Dublin boasts tons history and culture, just like London.
2. Location: London or Dublin?
“From a traveling perspective, you can’t beat London as a European hub for flights. Dirt cheap to go anywhere, any time of the year.”
– Josh, London and Dublin Resident
🇬🇧 Location of London
An international air hub, flights from London to all over the world are cheap(ish) and direct flights are available to pretty much anywhere. By train you can reach Wales, Scotland, France, Belgium, and more.
🇮🇪 Location of Dublin
Although also located on an island, there’s no international train connections from Ireland (except to Northern Ireland), so you have to fly anywhere you want to go. International flights from Dublin are also cheap, but there are less direct flights and they cost a bit more.
3. Cost of Living: Is London or Dublin Cheaper?
“Price wise, both have a similar living cost.”
-James, London and Dublin Resident
🇬🇧 Cost of Living in London
Often cited as one of the most expensive cities in the world, London’s cost of living can be steep. From rent to groceries, expenses tend to be higher here. However, the city also offers higher average salaries, which can help offset the costs for many residents.
🇮🇪 Cost of Living in Dublin
While Dublin is the most expensive city in Ireland, it’s generally cheaper than London. Rent, especially, can be more affordable, though prices have been rising in recent years.
4. Weather in London vs Dublin
“The weather isn’t great.”
– Chris, Dubliner on Dublin weather.
“The weather isn’t great.”
-Me, a Londoner on London weather.
🇬🇧 Weather in London
London experiences a maritime temperate climate. Summers are generally warm with temperatures averaging around 25°C (higher recently, and feel hotter without Air con), while winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping to 2°C. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with October usually being the wettest month.
🇮🇪 Weather in Dublin
Dublin also has a maritime temperate climate, but it’s slightly cooler and wetter than London. Summers see average temperatures of around 20°C, while winters hover around 4°C. Dublin experiences frequent light rain, contributing to its lush green landscapes.
5. Transport: Is London or Dublin Better Connected?
“Dublin has truly awful urban planning…public transport is serving massive areas and is slow, like really slow and expensive.”
–Christian, Dubliner on transport services
🇬🇧 Transport in London
London is famous for its intricate transport system. You can get anywhere you need to go quickly with the tube, buses, trams, overground & DLR, river services, bicycles, and walking.
🇮🇪 Transport in Dublin
Dublin has 3 major public transport networks: The Dublin Bus, the Luas tram system, and the DART and commuter rail. Although not as extensive as London’s transport system, you can still get where you need to go fairly quickly and cheaply in Dublin.
6. Average Rent Prices: Is Living in Dublin vs London more expensive?
“If money was no object, London.”
– Pat, European resident on whether he would live in London or Dublin.
Average rents in both cities are astronomical, but London is slightly more expensive, especially if you want to live in Central London. Here are the average rents:
- London Average Rents: 🇬🇧
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £2,200 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £1,600 per month
- Dublin Average Rents: 🇮🇪
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,900 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,600 per month
7. Things to Do: London vs Dublin
“Really there is not much to do after a while.”
–Konrad, a Dubliner on Dublin activities.
“London is simply on another level.”
-Pat, on London’s range of things to do.
🇬🇧 London Things to Do
The city is bustling with activities. From West End shows to countless museums, parks, and festivals, there’s always something happening. And we Londoners always find more affordable things to do, because existing in this city is expensive enough!
🇮🇪 Dublin Things to Do
Dublin offers a mix of historical sites like Dublin Castle, modern attractions, and a lively pub scene. The arts and music scenes are particularly vibrant.
8. Walkability: Living in Dublin vs London
🇬🇧 Walkability in London
With its extensive public transport system, including the Underground, buses, and trams, getting around London is relatively easy. Most neighborhoods are walkable, though the city’s vastness can be overwhelming.
🇮🇪 Walkability in Dublin
Dublin is compact and highly walkable. Most major attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the city’s layout is more manageable than London’s.
9. Vibe: What’s it Like Living in Dublin vs London?
“The pub is still plays the role of the living room.”
– Chris, on Dublin’s social scene. From personal experience I can say this is very true in London too!
🇬🇧 London’s Vibe
London is fast-paced, go-go-go, rush all the time. The streets are crowded, people are always in a hurry, and there’s not much friendliness going on. Friends mostly catch up at the pub after work, and strangers don’t generally talk to one another. But London has that certain something that makes it magical!
🇮🇪 Dublin’s Vibe
Dublin exudes a more laid-back vibe. It’s a city where history meets modernity, and residents pride themselves on their warm hospitality. If London is watching the football match at the stadium, Dublin is watching the match at a cozy pub.
10. Salaries in London vs Dublin
Both London and Dublin offer comparable salaries for the size of the city – they’re more than salaries in small cities, but less than what you generally need to live there.
🇬🇧 Average Salaries in London
London, being one of the world’s major financial hubs, offers competitive salaries across various sectors. On average, professionals in London tend to earn higher salaries compared to many other cities in Europe. The tech, finance, and legal sectors, in particular, can offer lucrative packages.
🇮🇪 Average Salaries in Dublin
Dublin, often referred to as the “Silicon Docks” due to the presence of numerous tech giants, offers attractive salaries, especially in the IT sector. While the average salary might be slightly lower than in London, the difference in the cost of living can make Dublin an appealing choice for many professionals.
✈️ Visiting London vs. Dublin ✈️
Considering a European holiday and don’t know which city to choose? Let’s look at whether you’d have a better vacation in London or Dublin.
Keep in mind you can always do both – these two places are a short flight away from one another.
1. Cost of Visiting London vs Dublin
“Don’t come here though if you want to save money! London is very expensive.”
–Richard, Londoner
🇬🇧 Cost of Visiting London
Tourists might find London on the pricier side. Accommodations, dining, and attractions can add up, though there are plenty of free museums and parks to explore.
🇮🇪 Cost of Visiting Dublin
Dublin can be more budget-friendly for travelers, though some attractions have entrance fees. Dining and entertainment are reasonably priced.
2. Average Hotel Prices London vs Dublin
🇬🇧 London Average Hotel Prices
- Average Hotel Price for Budget Hotels: £158
- Average Hotel Price for Mid-Range Hotels: £281
- Average Hotel Price for Luxury Hotels: £1021
➡️See my FULL GUIDE ON LONDON HOTEL PRICES & Airbnb options HERE ⬅️
🇮🇪 Dublin Average Hotel Prices
- Average hotel price for all hotels: $131 (approx. €118) per night
- Average price for budget hotels: $93 (approx. €84) per night
- Average price for luxury hotels: $213 (approx. €192) per night
3. Things to Do While Visiting London vs Dublin
“There are plenty of things to do in both cities. 4 days of London might not be enough if you want to see all of the city. 4 days of Dublin and you have time to escape the city for a day trip to the beautiful Wicklow Mountains too. The latter is the more relaxed option.”
-Diana, Dublin resident
🇬🇧 London Things to Do for Tourists
From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, the city is packed with iconic landmarks. The Thames River offers scenic cruises, and neighborhoods like Soho and Covent Garden are perfect for shopping and dining.
🇮🇪 Dublin Things to do for Tourists
Visitors can explore the Book of Kells at Trinity College, take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, or enjoy live music in the Temple Bar district.
4. Walkability & Transport:
“London has an infinitely better public transport system. Tube, trains and buses are more reliable and frequent and serve much more of the city in London. Dublin city center is small enough to be within reasonable walking distance of most locations.“
–Stephen, Londoner and Dubliner
🇬🇧 London: Getting Around for Tourists
Tourists can easily navigate London using the Underground. Many attractions are also within walking distance of each other, especially in central areas. London is huge, but it’s all easily accessible once you learn how to use the tube and bus system!
🇮🇪 Dublin: Getting Around for Tourists
Dublin’s compact nature makes it a dream for tourists. Most attractions are centrally located, reducing the need for public transport. Dublin is just a lot smaller than London, so it’s easier to see more in less time.
5. Visiting London vs Dublin: What’s the Vibe?
“They are both good places but Dublin is much more welcoming and relaxed.”
–Jason, European traveler
“London’s size, diversity and history make it a more exciting place to visit.”
–Andrew, European traveler
🇬🇧 London Vibe
London offers a cosmopolitan experience, with its mix of history, culture, and modernity. Each neighborhood has its unique charm and vibe. Londoners are notoriously cold and don’t talk to strangers, but you can always ask (politely) for directions and help when you need it. We’re not all doom and gloom!
🇮🇪 Dublin Vibe
Dublin provides a friendlier, more personal experience. The Irish are notoriously welcoming and friendly, making it a really charming destination (just don’t go on and on about how much Irish heritage you have – they’ve heard it all before.) The city’s rich history, combined with its friendly locals, makes it a welcoming destination.
What’s the Verdict? London or Dublin?
Both London and Dublin have their unique charms and offerings. Whether you’re considering a new place to call home or planning your next vacation, these cities promise enriching experiences.
While London dazzles with its grandeur and pace, Dublin woos with its warmth and history. The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences, but one thing’s for sure: both cities are worth experiencing.
- London 🇬🇧: The city offers a diverse culinary scene, world-class educational institutions, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Dublin 🇮🇪: Dublin is known for its literary history, friendly locals, and a more relaxed pace of life. It’s also a tech hub, with many international companies setting up European headquarters here.
What’s your favorite city: London or Dublin?
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