Why Dublin’s Sky-High Remote Work Costs Could Make or Break Your Next Move—Are You Ready to Play Smart?

Why Dublin's Sky-High Remote Work Costs Could Make or Break Your Next Move—Are You Ready to Play Smart?

So, Dublin’s pulled off a nifty trick — slashing the cost of working remotely by a solid 25% — but don’t break out the confetti just yet. Why? Because despite these fresh savings, the city stubbornly clings to its throne as the third priciest European capital for remote workers, right after London and Amsterdam. It’s like getting a discount on your cup of overpriced coffee but realizing your rent and grocery bill still have you blinking in disbelief. The savvy folks over at digital bank Bunq crunched the numbers, revealing that while coworking spaces and utilities have eased up a bit, sky-high rent and upticks in food prices keep Dublin’s wallet-squeeze very much real. Fascinatingly, this paints a vivid picture of the balancing act remote workers face — chasing opportunity without wrecking their bank accounts. Curious how Dublin stacks up against its European counterparts and what that means for your next remote gig? LEARN MORE

The cost of working remotely in Dublin has fallen 25%, but the city remains the third most expensive European capital for remote workers after London and Amsterdam.

Research by digital bank Bunq estimates the cost of co-working space in Dublin at €255.50 per month while utility and monthly transport costs have declined 10% from €155 to €140.

Also, the average monthly cost of household utilities in Dublin fell by 12% from €337.38 to €297.54, one of the largest falls among European capitals, reflecting an easing of energy, service and transportation expenses

However, high rent and rising food prices have ensured Dublin remains among the continent’s priciest cities for digital nomads.

Daft.ie said in August that the average rent in Dublin was €2,583 in Q2, an increase of 6.5% year-on-year, and food prices in Ireland have risen 4.6% over the past 12 months.

The Bunq study shows, however, that the housing costs per person have risen to €1,889.29, and food prices per person have increased by 9% to €304.77.

The 2025 Working Abroad Index lists London as the most expensive capital for digital nomads at €3,216, ahead of Amsterdam €2,679, which has leapfrogged Dublin (€2,632).

Luxembourg (€2,459) and Denmark (€2,293) round out the top five.

The least expensive capitals in Europe are Bucharest (€877 per month), Sofia (€979), Budapest (€1,027), Riga (€1,044), Athens (€1,095), Vilnius (€1,151), Nicosia (€1,179), Zagreb (€1,213), Tallinn (€1,268) and Bratislava (€1,299).  

Remote Workers
The most expensive European capital cities for remote working. (Pic: Bunq)

“Living abroad should fit your life, not the other way around,” said Joe Wilson of Bunq.

“Our research shows where your money goes, so expats can make choices that match their lifestyle – spend smarter, enjoy more, and focus on the experiences that matter.”

(Pic: Getty Images)

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