Dublin vs London: Which One to Choose?

Dublin vs London

In this article

Considering that both London and Dublin are the capitals and largest cities in their countries, it should come as no surprise that they are often compared. They both come from among the area's most livable cities and offer stunning places and opulent lifestyles, but if you had the choice between the two, which would you choose?

London is a global and diverse city with a rich history. Many tourists are drawn to the enormous metropolis since it has so many attractions and things to do. Its beauty is also one of this place's key magnets for travelers. The theater, museums, and nightlife are also worth checking out. It is no wonder that it gets compared to New York, too, and similar world-renowned destinations.

On the flip side, Dublin is a relaxed, warm, and welcoming city with a lot of natural beauty. It's also popular for its shopping, historic sites, and nightlife.

Keep reading to discover which of these two cities suits you better. You will find out the difference in the cost of living, which has better weather conditions, all about their public transport, cultural activities and much more.

London vs Dublin: Pros and Cons

Both London and Dublin have pros and cons, below we’ve listed some of the most important ones

Pros

London Pros
Dublin Pros
Famous historical sites and museums
Great music scene
Excellent music scene
Suitable for budget travellers
Great for romance and couples
Family-friendly
Family-friendly
Acceptable for students
Numerous city activities
Reliable public transport

Cons

London Cons
Dublin Cons
High living expenses
Less historical sites and museums
Could be dangerous for lone travelers
Less preferred by the couples
Some areas of the city are unclean
Less popular among students

Living in Dublin vs London: What's the Difference?

Compared to London, Dublin offers a better quality of life. This is based on a global survey. In Mercer's Quality of Life survey, Dublin came in at number 34. This makes Dublin the highest-ranking city in both Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Additionally, it has a more laid-back vibe.

The capital city of England is significantly more expensive to live in than Dublin, but it undoubtedly offers much better business opportunities. It is bigger, has more people, and has higher average wages. There are also more universities. Many people had the desire to live here because of its lively and royal atmosphere. Also, it has a classy vibe, double-decker buses, and red phone booths.

The differences are covered in more detail below.

Dublin vs London Size

Although the largest city in Ireland, Dublin is much smaller compared to London. It has an area of 45.4 square miles (117.8 km2), while the area of London, which is a huge city, is 606.9 square miles (1,572 km2).

London has 9.78 million inhabitants, with a population density of 5518 people/km². Dublin has less number of people - 1.36 million, with a population density of 4590 people/km².

Crime Rate Dublin vs London: Which City Is Safer?

Dublin compared to London has a lower crime rate.

In London, there are 730 assault cases per 100,000 residents. Only 90 assault cases occur in Dublin for every 100,000 residents. However, there is an uncomfortable explanation behind it. Crimes that go unreported or uncharged are the reason Dublin has a lower crime rate. The majority of the cases that are recorded involve heinous crimes like murder or homicide.

When it comes to robbery cases, there is a huge disparity - In London, there are about 137 robberies per 100,000 people, while in Dublin that number is 56.

In both cities, especially in touristy areas, pickpocketing is a common offense.

Dublin vs London: Cost of Living Compared

  • Dublin has a lower cost of living than London. Dublin placed 265th on the list of cities with the highest living costs in the world, while London ranked 65th;
  • In Dublin, the cost of living for a single person is €2,294, which includes expenses for food, housing, and personal entertainment. In London, that amount is higher and amounts to £2,440. The cost of living for families is of course significantly higher. In Dublin, it is £4,429., and in London, it is £5,804;
  • Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin costs £1,305. It is more expensive in London - £1,492.
  • A three-bedroom apartment in the Dublin city center would be approximately £2,656. A similar apartment in the same area in London goes for about £3,267.
  • In Dublin, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant would cost you about £13. The same meal would cost approximately £15 in London. In mid-range restaurants, a three-course meal costs £60 in Dublin. The price is almost the same in London, at £61.
  • Utility costs (electricity, heaters, garbage disposal and water) are £137 in Dublin and £180 in London;
  • Compared to London, where transportation costs are £413, in Dublin, they are much cheaper at around £363.

Getting Around: Which City Has Better Public Transportation?

Dublin has easy access to public transport like trams, buses, and trains. It is known as the DART. Through this, getting from point A to point B is simple. They're also inexpensive. Monthly bus tickets cost roughly £117, while the cost of train tickets depends on the traveler's desired location.

London's public transport system includes a well-connected underground train system, an overground system, a DLR system, and over 700 bus routes and river bus routes. Tram tickets are affordable and determined by the destination; however, a monthly Oyster card will cost the customer between €150 and €500, depending on the zone in which they live.

Where Will You Find More Attractions?

For lovers of museums and attractions, visiting London has more advantages.

London is home to many well-known landmarks, tourist destinations, and museums. The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the British Museum, and the London eye are some of the most famous sights in the city. Having afternoon tea is another attraction that is recommended to tourists and for which Londoners and the English, in general, are famous.

Although to a lesser extent than London, Dublin also has a lot to offer lovers of tourist attractions. In and around the city center are several museums, such as the National Museum of Ireland, Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, the National Gallery of Ireland, and Dublin Castle.

Culinary Scene: Where Will Foodies Enjoy More?

Both Dublin and London have amazing food scenes. However, when compared to Dublin, London provides more variety.

In London, there are numerous well-known restaurants and eating places. It's crucial to emphasize that the restaurant scene in London has developed significantly over the past few years, making it easy to find a wide range of food around the city

Dublin offers a number of fantastic local restaurants to select from (especially in central Dublin). Although seafood has gained popularity in the area, visitors can also try more conventional dishes like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Fast food restaurants are available in both cities, and interestingly, they are cheaper in London.

Dublin vs London: Salary and Employment Opportunities

The majority of the in-demand positions in Dublin and London are in the digital and IT sectors.

Dublin's most in-demand industry for 2022 was the tech industry. The most sought-for jobs in the city include those for network architects, IT administrators, and product managers.

The food and customer service sectors are the most in-demand jobs in London. With more than 4,000 unfilled positions, delivery drivers top the list of in-demand professions.

Positions in the technology sector are also in high demand in London. Salary ranges of up to £36,882 per month are available for positions including software engineer, product manager, and operations manager.

The average salary in London is £3,799.29, while in Dublin it is £3,079.01.

Dublin has a low unemployment rate of 4.8%. compared to London whose rate is 8.1% (A low unemployment rate indicates better career opportunities).

Entertainment and Nightlife: Which City Has More to Offer?

For nightlife, Dublin is a place that everyone must visit at least once. The largest concentration of bars and nightlife is at Temple Bar. Live entertainment is available. Even in the atmosphere of the city at night, it is clear that this is one of the warmest and most welcoming cities.

However, there are more options in London (a lot of bars, clubs, and pubs). There are numerous live performances, shows, and other events available. Camden, Westend, Soho, and Shoreditch are a few of the best areas for nightlife.

London vs Dublin Weather

Dublin's weather is colder due to dense cloud formations and frequent rains. Its temperature is two to three degrees lower than London's typical temperature. The average temperature in London is 12.17°C (53.91°F), which is somewhat higher than Dublin's 9.98°C (49.96°F).

July is the warmest month in Dublin and London. The average temperature is then roughly 16°C (60°F) in Dublin and 18°C (64°F) in London. In the summer, London often receives more sunlight than Dublin. Dublin has 166 hours of full sun at this time of year, compared to London's 195 hours. Dublin often has more rain in July than London. At this time of year, Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain and London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain.

In January, which is the month in both cities, Dublin typically reaches 6°C (42°F), whereas London averages around 4°C (40°F). London frequently experiences less sunlight than Dublin during the winter. Dublin has 56 hours of full sun during this time of year, compared to 52 hours in London. Dublin often has more rain in January than London - It gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, compared to 52 mm (2.0 in) in London.

The Verdict: Is One Better Than the Other?

In the end, the conclusion emerges that these two cities are incredible. It is not easy to say which one is better because both have their advantages

The advantages of Dublin are that it has lower living expenses, a more relaxed atmosphere, and a lower crime rate.

London has more to offer lovers of museums and other attractions, a better culinary scene, and public transportation that functions a little bit better than Dublin's and is also more sophisticated.

It is up to you to decide which city best suits you and your needs, but one thing is for sure: if you are a tourist, you will have a fantastic time in either of these two cities!

Written by Abisola Fikayomi

Abisola is an accomplished writer interested in US Travel, immigration, passports and visas. She’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures and willing to share her experiences, expertize and findings with others. That is her primary drive for specialising in this industry.

FAQ

London is a more popular city than Dublin - in some areas, it is better, but there are certainly segments in which Dublin ranks better.
No, it's not. Dublin is a less expensive city than London.
No, it's not. London is a bigger city than Dublin.
For individuals who prefer modern conveniences, job and educational opportunities, and culture, the UK is the preferable choice. For those seeking a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle, Ireland is a better option.


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