Dublin vs Tokyo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dublin
Tokyo
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 26.8%, with Tokyo being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dublin has equivalent purchasing power to $59,135 in Tokyo.
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 $59,135 in Tokyo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tokyo equals $95,122 in Dublin.
Living in Dublin vs Tokyo
Housing Costs
Dublin's housing index of 128 is higher Tokyo's 98, translating to median home prices of $470,000 vs $450,000. The $20,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,296 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,125/mo in Dublin compared to $1,225/mo in Tokyo, a monthly difference of $900.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 95 in Dublin and 88 in Tokyo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $451/month in Dublin vs $418/month in Tokyo. Tokyo offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 110 in Dublin and 85 in Tokyo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $440 in Dublin vs $340 in Tokyo. 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 62 in Tokyo. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 20-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 $42,000 in Tokyo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $53,846 and $51,220 respectively. Dublin residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,307/month to housing in Dublin vs $980/month in Tokyo. In Dublin, median rent of $2,125/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Tokyo, median rent of $1,225/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 30 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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