Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Ireland is 15% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 29.8% to 26.8%. Quality of life drops by 1 points.

Ireland and Italy exhibit a remarkably close contest in overall Quality of Life, with Italy narrowly ahead at 63/100 compared to Ireland's 62/100. Taxation presents the most significant divergence, with Ireland's score of 53 far exceeding Italy's 26, indicating a much less favorable tax burden in Italy. Climate is another key differentiator; Italy scores 63 (14°C average), outperforming Ireland's 38 (10°C average), which suggests a more temperate and appealing environment in Southern Europe. Ireland compensates with higher safety (93 vs 85) and slightly better healthcare (55 vs 62). However, Italy offers a considerably lower price level (85 vs Ireland's 115), making it more accessible for everyday expenses.

This comparison is genuinely close, with Italy slightly ahead due to its more favorable climate and significantly lower cost of living, despite Ireland's better taxation and safety scores.

Moving to Ireland? NLV varies by city.

Tax Comparison

At $37,769 USD equivalent gross salary

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€6,813
Social-€3,531
Net€24,307
Effective Rate29.8%

🇮🇪 Ireland

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€3,180
Social-€6,119
Net€25,351
Effective Rate26.8%

Net difference: +$1,138/year in Ireland.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Italy = 89, Ireland = 102 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20$5.70
+10%

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.20$5.00
+19%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00$7.50
+25%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00$900.00
0%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99$14.00
+8%

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.90$1.80
-5%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.00$2.50
+25%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$85.00$115.00
+35%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €34,650 gross in Italy ($37,769USD), here's what you need in Ireland depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€33,063

You keep the same $26,494/yr net in both countries. Ireland taxes 3.4% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€37,892

Accounts for the fact that Ireland is 15% more expensive than Italy. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $38K

🇮🇹 Italy

51

-5

🇮🇪 Ireland

46

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Italy: 63/100 vs Ireland: 62/100

Cost of Living
66
57
-9
Climate
63
38
-25
Safety
85
93
+8
Healthcare
62
55
-7
Internet
73
70
-3
Taxation
26
53
+27

Moving to Ireland: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

17.6%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Italy to Ireland?
The effective tax rate changes from 29.8% in Italy to 26.8% in Ireland. You keep about $1,138.05 more per year in Ireland.
Is Ireland cheaper to live in than Italy?
No. Ireland is about 15% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in Ireland to match my lifestyle in Italy?
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Italy and Ireland. As a rule of thumb: you need a higher gross salary because Ireland is more expensive.
Is it worth moving from Italy to Ireland?
It depends on your priorities. The financial difference is small. Consider quality of life, climate, healthcare, and personal factors.