Moving from
to

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

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 17.6% to 27.9%. Quality of life improves by 1 points.

Ireland and the United Kingdom present a remarkably close contest in Quality of Life, with Ireland slightly ahead at 62/100 compared to the UK's 61/100. The primary differentiator lies in taxation, where Ireland scores 53 against the UK's 35, an 18-point gap indicating a more attractive tax environment for residents in Ireland. Internet quality also sees Ireland lagging, with a score of 70 compared to the UK's 81, an 11-point difference impacting digital connectivity. Both nations share similar climates, with the UK's 46 (10.5°C) slightly warmer than Ireland's 38 (10°C). Safety is notably higher in Ireland at 93, surpassing the UK's 86. The UK offers a marginally lower cost of living, with a price level index of 103 versus Ireland's 115.

Ireland marginally wins this comparison due to its more favorable taxation policies and higher safety rating, outweighing the UK's slightly better internet and lower cost of living.

Moving to Ireland? NLV varies by city.

Tax Comparison

At $42,835 USD equivalent gross salary

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Gross£33,728
Income Tax-£4,232
Social-£1,693
Net£27,804
Effective Rate17.6%

🇮🇪 Ireland

Gross€39,298
Income Tax-€4,110
Social-€6,863
Net€28,325
Effective Rate27.9%

Net difference: $4,436/year in Ireland.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: United Kingdom = 97, Ireland = 102 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20$5.70
+10%

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.90$5.00
+2%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.50$7.50
+15%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$870.00$900.00
+3%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$13.00$14.00
+8%

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.75$1.80
+3%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$3.20$2.50
-22%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$110.00$115.00
+5%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn £33,728 gross in United Kingdom ($42,835USD), here's what you need in Ireland depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€47,292

You keep the same $35,311/yr net in both countries. But Ireland taxes 14.0% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€49,730

Accounts for the fact that Ireland is 5% more expensive than United Kingdom. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $43K

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

51

-3

🇮🇪 Ireland

48

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

United Kingdom: 61/100 vs Ireland: 62/100

Cost of Living
60
57
-3
Climate
46
38
-8
Safety
86
93
+7
Healthcare
58
55
-3
Internet
81
70
-11
Taxation
35
53
+18

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 United Kingdom to Ireland?
The effective tax rate changes from 17.6% in United Kingdom to 27.9% in Ireland. You keep about $4,436.03 less per year in Ireland.
Is Ireland cheaper to live in than United Kingdom?
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in Ireland to match my lifestyle in United Kingdom?
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between United Kingdom and Ireland. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from United Kingdom to Ireland?
It depends on your priorities. The financial difference is small. Consider quality of life, climate, healthcare, and personal factors.