Ireland and the United Kingdom look similar from a distance: both are English-speaking, both have big financial and tech sectors, and their citizens can live and work in each other's country under the Common Travel Area. But since Brexit they sit on opposite sides of an important line. Ireland is in the EU, and the UK is not. Here is how they compare on the things that matter most when moving.

Cost of living

Based on our data for Ireland and the United Kingdom:

  • Cost of living index: Ireland 78, UK 75 (New York = 100).
  • Average one-bedroom rent: Ireland about $2,000 a month, UK about $1,200.
  • Groceries for one: Ireland about $350, UK about $350.
  • Utilities: Ireland about $230, UK about $180.

Rent is the big difference. Ireland's housing shortage means even mid-sized towns have high rents, while the UK has much cheaper options outside London and the South East. London and Dublin are closer to each other in price, though Dublin often has fewer listings available.

Salaries

Average salaries are higher in Ireland, at around $55,000 a year in our data, against around $42,000 in the UK. Ireland's figure is lifted by multinational tech, pharma and finance employers. For many professionals, higher Irish pay roughly offsets higher rent.

Income tax and social contributions

UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland): no income tax on the first £12,570, 20% basic rate up to £50,270, 40% higher rate and 45% above £125,140, according to GOV.UK. Employees pay National Insurance of 8% on most earnings and 2% above the upper limit. Scotland has its own rates.

Ireland: income tax of 20% up to about €44,000 for a single person and 40% above, reduced by tax credits, plus the Universal Social Charge (0.5% to 8%) and PRSI (about 4.2%), according to Revenue. The top combined marginal rate is about 52%.

On a typical professional salary, take-home pay is broadly similar, while higher earners keep slightly more in the UK. Compare your own salary in our tax calculator.

Visas and the right to work

  • Irish and British citizens can live and work in either country without a visa.
  • EU citizens can move to Ireland freely but need a UK visa since Brexit, unless they have settled status.
  • Other nationals need a work route in either country. Ireland's Critical Skills Employment Permit covers shortage occupations and leads to residence after two years. The UK's Skilled Worker visa requires a licensed sponsor and a minimum salary, plus an immigration health surcharge.

An Irish residence permit also gives an EU base, though not the right to work in other EU countries until you naturalise.

Healthcare

The UK's NHS is free at the point of use for residents, though waiting lists are long. In Ireland, hospital care is subsidised, but most adults pay €50 to €70 for a GP visit unless they hold a medical card, and about half the population has private insurance. Day to day, healthcare costs residents more in Ireland.

Lifestyle

Both countries have mild, wet weather, a strong pub culture and easy access to Europe. The UK offers more cities to choose from, from Manchester and Edinburgh to Bristol, and a bigger cultural scene. Ireland is smaller and greener, with a reputation for friendliness. Dublin is compact, while London is a global city with everything that brings.

Which should you choose?

  • Choose Ireland if you are an EU citizen, work in tech or pharma, or want an English-speaking EU base.
  • Choose the UK if you want lower rents outside London, free healthcare at the point of use, or more variety in where you live.

You can compare Ireland and the UK side by side on every metric in our database.