Dublin vs Tempe
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dublin
Tempe
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 1.9%, with Dublin being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dublin has equivalent purchasing power to $76,442 in Tempe.
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 $76,442 in Tempe.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tempe equals $73,585 in Dublin.
Living in Dublin vs Tempe
Housing Costs
Dublin's housing index of 128 is higher Tempe's 114, translating to median home prices of $470,000 vs $400,000. The $70,000 difference in home prices means roughly $4,548 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,125/mo in Dublin compared to $1,600/mo in Tempe, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 95 in Dublin and 100 in Tempe. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $451/month in Dublin vs $475/month in Tempe. 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 96 in Tempe. Monthly utility bills average approximately $440 in Dublin vs $384 in Tempe. 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 95 in Tempe. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 13-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 $56,068 in Tempe. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $53,846 and $52,894 respectively. Dublin residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,307/month to housing in Dublin vs $1,308/month in Tempe. In Dublin, median rent of $2,125/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Tempe, median rent of $1,600/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 14 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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