Dublin vs Raleigh

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Dublin has the same purchasing power as $73,558 in Raleigh.

Conversely, $75,000 in Raleigh equals $76,471 in Dublin.

Living in Dublin vs Raleigh

Housing Costs

Dublin's housing index of 128 is higher Raleigh's 107, translating to median home prices of $470,000 vs $370,000. The $100,000 difference in home prices means roughly $6,504 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,125/mo in Dublin compared to $1,500/mo in Raleigh, a monthly difference of $625.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 95 in Dublin and 100 in Raleigh. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $451/month in Dublin vs $475/month in Raleigh. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 110 in Dublin and 94 in Raleigh. Monthly utility bills average approximately $440 in Dublin vs $376 in Raleigh. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 82 in Dublin and 108 in Raleigh. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $56,000 in Dublin and $67,266 in Raleigh. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $53,846 and $65,947 respectively. Raleigh residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,307/month to housing in Dublin vs $1,570/month in Raleigh. In Dublin, median rent of $2,125/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Raleigh, median rent of $1,500/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 26 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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