Is Dublin or Galway cheaper to live in?

Galway is 10% cheaper than Dublin. The average monthly cost in Galway is $2,894, while Dublin costs $3,200 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Dublin or Galway?

For digital nomads, Dublin offers faster internet at 200 Mbps. Galway is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Dublin has a NomadIQ score of 4.5/10 while Galway scores 5.5/10.

What is the rent difference between Dublin and Galway?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $2,435/month in Dublin and $2,170/month in Galway. Galway has 11% lower rent.

Is Dublin or Galway safer?

Galway has a higher safety score of 6.9/10. Dublin scores 4.6/10 for safety while Galway scores 6.9/10.

Should I move to Dublin or Galway as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Galway if budget is important ($2,894/month). Choose Galway for better safety. Dublin is better for remote work with 200 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Dublin vs Galway

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Dublin

Ireland

$3,200/mo4.5/10

Galway

Ireland

$2,894/mo5.5/10

Dublin

Ireland

$3,200/moNomadIQ 4.5/10

Galway

Ireland

$2,894/moNomadIQ 5.5/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Dublin

Galway

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$3,200

$2,894

Galway

Rent (1BR)

$2,435

$2,170

Galway

Groceries

$358

$354

Galway

Transport

$133

$128

Galway

Healthcare

$220

$190

Galway

Safety Score

4.6/10

6.9/10

Galway

Internet Speed

200 Mbps

150 Mbps

Dublin

NomadIQ Score

4.5/10

5.5/10

Galway

Overall Winner: Galway

Based on our comparison, Galway wins 7 out of 8 categories.Dublin wins 1 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Dublin and Galway, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Galway

$2,894/mo

Best Internet

Dublin

200 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Galway

5.5/10

Our Recommendation: Galway is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Dublin vs Galway

When comparing Dublin and Galway for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Galway is the more budget-friendly option at $2,894/month versus Dublin's $3,200/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Dublin leads with 200 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Galway offers 150 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.9/10, Galway offers better security than Dublin (4.6/10).

Overall: Galway's NomadIQ score of 5.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Galway is 10% cheaper than Dublin.

• Dublin rent: $2,435/mo
• Galway rent: $2,170/mo
• Difference: $266/mo

Safety Comparison

Galway has a higher safety score (6.9/10) compared to Dublin (4.6/10).

4.6/10

Dublin

6.9/10

Galway

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Dublin offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps.

200 Mbps

Dublin

150 Mbps

Galway

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Galway edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.

Dublin: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Galway: Best for budget-conscious expats

Dublin vs Galway

Dublin

Galway

Dublin

Galway

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Galway

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Dublin vs Galway

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

More City Comparisons

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions: Dublin vs Galway