@WhereinDublinDeciding where to live or even just comparing two cities for affordability can feel overwhelming. Dublin and Preston are very different places, each with its own vibe, costs, and lifestyle options. If the budget is a big factor, knowing where every euro or pound goes can make a huge difference. Based on my overall experience and research, let’s break this down in a way that’s easy to follow, so it feels like I’m sitting down and talking to you over coffee.
Cost of Living: Breaking It Down
When talking about affordability, the cost of living is the first thing that comes to mind. This includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. Dublin is known to be one of the more expensive cities in Europe, while Preston in the UK is generally considered more budget-friendly. But let’s dig deeper.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest monthly expense in most cities. In Dublin, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can easily cost around €1,800–€2,200 per month. If you move a little outside the city center, prices drop slightly to about €1,400–€1,700, but that still isn’t cheap. Buying property in Dublin is also pricey. A small flat in the city center might set you back €350,000 or more.
Preston, on the other hand, is significantly more affordable. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs £600–£750, and outside the city, it drops to around £450–£550. Purchasing property is also cheaper. You can find a decent three-bedroom house for around £200,000. From my own personal experience, moving to a city like Preston can free up a lot of budget for other things, like travel or hobbies.
Grocery and Food Prices
Groceries are another major factor. In Dublin, expect to pay more for everyday items. A liter of milk costs about €1.30, a loaf of bread around €1.90, and a dozen eggs about €3.50. Eating out is also more expensive. A basic lunch in the city center might cost €15–€20, and a mid-range three-course dinner for two could be €70–€90.
Preston is much more affordable in this area. Milk is around £0.95 per liter, bread costs £1.20, and eggs about £2.50 per dozen. Dining out is easier on the wallet as well, with lunch around £8–£12 and a three-course dinner for two around £40–£50. This can really add up if you eat out frequently.
Transportation Costs
Transportation is another area where Dublin and Preston differ. Dublin has a good public transport system, but it comes at a price. A monthly transport pass costs about €140, and taxis are relatively expensive. If you drive, petrol prices are high, around €1.75 per liter.
Preston has a smaller public transport network, but monthly passes cost around £60–£70. Petrol is cheaper at roughly £1.50 per liter. Parking is also easier and less expensive in Preston, which is a nice bonus if driving is part of the daily routine.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities in Dublin can be surprisingly high. Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an average apartment can cost €150–€200 per month. Internet is around €50 per month. In Preston, utilities for a similar apartment are about £120–£150, and internet costs roughly £35–£40 per month.
It might seem small, but over a year, these costs really add up. From my own personal experience, paying for utilities in Dublin requires more careful budgeting, especially if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
Cost of living isn’t just about essentials. Lifestyle and entertainment also matter when comparing affordability.
Eating Out and Nightlife
Dublin is known for its lively pubs and restaurants, but that comes at a price. A pint of beer in a city center pub is about €6–€7, cocktails are €10–€14, and movie tickets cost around €12–€15. Preston is cheaper: pints are £4–£5, cocktails £7–£10, and movies around £10.
Fitness and Hobbies
Gym memberships in Dublin are about €40–€60 per month, while in Preston, you can find options for £20–£35. Hobbies like sports, classes, or cultural events are also cheaper in Preston, making it easier to enjoy life without stretching the budget.
Taxes and Healthcare
Taxes and healthcare costs affect overall affordability too.
Income Tax
Ireland has a progressive tax system, with income tax rates around 20% for lower income and 40% for higher income. National insurance and social charges also apply. In the UK, income tax ranges from 20% to 45%, but the overall cost of living tends to balance this out, thanks to cheaper housing and groceries in cities like Preston.
Healthcare
Ireland has a public healthcare system, but private insurance is common to avoid long waits. Private plans can cost €1,200–€1,800 per year for basic coverage. In the UK, the NHS provides most healthcare services for free, though some people choose private coverage for faster service. This is a major point in Preston’s favor for affordability.
Education and Family Costs
For families or students, education costs are important. Dublin’s private schools and international schools can cost €10,000–€25,000 per year. University fees for non-EU students are even higher. Preston, while still offering private options, is more affordable. Tuition at UK universities varies, but local students benefit from government support.
Childcare is another consideration. Dublin’s childcare costs are some of the highest in Europe, around €1,200 per month for a full-time place. In Preston, a full-time nursery might cost £600–£800 per month. This can be a huge deciding factor for families thinking long-term.
Overall Affordability – Comparing the Numbers
When you combine housing, groceries, transport, utilities, and lifestyle, Preston comes out as significantly more affordable than Dublin. For example, a single person renting a city-center apartment, eating out occasionally, and commuting might spend around €2,500–€3,000 per month in Dublin. In Preston, similar living standards cost closer to £1,200–£1,500 per month.
Even though Dublin offers higher salaries in certain industries, the higher costs of living often offset these benefits. Based on my overall experience, someone moving from Dublin to Preston could save a substantial portion of their income without sacrificing comfort.
Quality of Life Considerations
Affordability isn’t the only factor when comparing cities. Lifestyle, culture, and personal preferences matter too. Dublin offers a vibrant cultural scene, historical landmarks, and more international career opportunities. Preston is quieter, with a strong sense of community and more green spaces. Choosing between the two often depends on whether the lifestyle benefits in Dublin outweigh the financial advantages of Preston.
Summary – Dublin vs Preston
Let’s sum it up in simple terms:
Housing: Preston is far cheaper.
Groceries & Food: Preston is more affordable.
Transport: Preston wins on cost.
Utilities & Internet: Preston is cheaper.
Entertainment & Hobbies: Preston offers lower prices.
Healthcare: UK system gives Preston an advantage.
Family & Education: Preston is generally less expensive.
Lifestyle & Culture: Dublin offers more variety and international opportunities.
In short, if the goal is strict affordability, Preston is the clear winner. Dublin offers more opportunities and a bustling lifestyle, but it comes with a high price tag. From my own personal experience, weighing both costs and lifestyle factors is the smartest way to make the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Comparing Dublin and Preston isn’t just about numbers. It’s about what fits your life, your work, and your financial goals. Preston provides affordability without sacrificing comfort, making it ideal for those looking to stretch their budget. Dublin is exciting, cosmopolitan, and full of energy—but that energy comes with a premium. Deciding ultimately comes down to priorities: whether budget or lifestyle weighs more in your daily life.
Either way, having a clear understanding of costs makes the choice much easier. And hopefully, this breakdown feels like a friend explaining all the details honestly and plainly, so there are no surprises after moving or choosing a place to live.
