Choosing the right location for your business in Ireland can have a huge impact on your bottom line. If you’re weighing up Dublin vs Cork office costs, understanding exactly how much space you need—and how much it will cost—is the first step toward making a smart decision.
Whether you’re planning a move, expanding your business, or leasing your first office, the FindQo.ie Office Space Calculator helps you compare cities, estimate square metre needs, and uncover cost-effective areas you might not have considered.
It’s fast, free, and powered by AI-driven insights for the Irish commercial property market.
Why Office Location Matters to Your Business
In Ireland, the office market is highly regional. Dublin, as the capital and tech hub, offers global exposure, prime locations, and top-tier amenities—but also comes with a higher price tag. Cork, on the other hand, is growing rapidly and offers lower rental rates, more space, and a favourable cost-to-value ratio.
Your office rent isn’t just about square metres—it’s about access to talent, transport links, operational costs, and future growth.
That’s why it’s essential to use an office space calculator to compare not just what you need, but what it will cost across different cities.
What Is the Office Space Calculator by FindQo.ie?
The FindQo.ie Office Space Calculator is a free online tool that helps businesses:
- Estimate how much space they need based on team size
- Compare rental rates across Irish cities and suburbs
- Discover cheaper locations with similar infrastructure
- Plan smarter using real-time commercial property data
Built with AI-powered market intelligence, this tool goes beyond simple square metre calculations. It helps you identify hidden value and avoid costly oversights.
Dublin vs Cork Office Costs – What You Need to Know
Let’s take a closer look at how these two cities compare.
Average Rental Prices (per sq. metre/year)
| City | City Centre Avg. | Suburban Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | €500 – €650 | €350 – €450 |
| Cork | €300 – €400 | €200 – €300 |
In some cases, office space in Cork can cost up to 40% less than a similar setup in Dublin. But there’s more to the decision than rent alone.
Other Factors to Consider When Comparing Cities
1. Talent Pool & Industry Presence
- Dublin: Ideal for tech, finance, and international firms. Access to a large talent pool but high competition for employees.
- Cork: Home to growing pharmaceutical, medical tech, and services sectors. Less expensive for hiring and retaining staff.
2. Office Space Availability
- Dublin often faces space shortages, particularly in prime areas like Dublin 2 or Grand Canal Dock.
- Cork offers more flexibility, larger footprints, and better availability—even in the city centre.
3. Cost of Living & Staff Expectations
- Rents, transport, and daily expenses are higher in Dublin. Employees in Cork benefit from lower living costs, which can translate to better retention rates.
Using an office rent comparison tool in Ireland gives you a full view of these dynamics—so you’re not making decisions based on rent alone.
How to Use the Office Space Calculator to Compare Dublin and Cork
Here’s how the FindQo.ie Office Space Calculator helps you plan with precision:
Step 1: Enter Key Details
Input your number of employees or your desired square metre total. You can also add layout preferences, such as open-plan vs private offices.
Step 2: Choose Your Location
Select Dublin, Cork, or another city. The calculator pulls data from current listings to reflect real-world prices in that location.
Step 3: Get Instant Cost Comparisons
The tool estimates your total monthly or yearly rent based on your requirements and shows nearby suburbs with lower costs but similar amenities.
Step 4: Explore Alternatives
Discover suggestions such as:
- Choosing Sandyford over Dublin 2
- Comparing Mahon to Cork City Centre
- Exploring hubs like Tallaght or Douglas for lower overheads
This side-by-side comparison helps you make clear, cost-effective decisions.
How the Calculator Uses AI to Deliver Insights
Unlike basic spreadsheets, the FindQo.ie tool integrates with live property listings and historical data to provide:
- Real-time rental values for commercial space
- Area-by-area price comparisons across Ireland
- Trend tracking so you know whether prices are rising or falling
- Office density benchmarking to see how your plan compares to other businesses
This turns the tool into a commercial property calculator for Ireland, giving you a strategic edge when planning your next move.
Office Space Planning in a Hybrid Work World
Today’s businesses don’t always need one desk per employee. Hybrid models mean fewer desks, more hotdesking, and flexible collaboration spaces.
That’s why asking “How much office space do I need?” isn’t just a square metre calculation. It’s a strategy.
The FindQo.ie Office Space Calculator lets you:
- Adjust for hybrid workforces
- Include breakout areas, meeting rooms, and common zones
- Plan for future growth without overcommitting
Ready to Compare Dublin and Cork Office Costs?
If you’re at the stage of evaluating commercial property for lease or purchase in Ireland, don’t rely on rough estimates.
Use the FindQo.ie Office Space Calculator to:
- Compare real-time rent prices
- Find better value outside traditional business districts
- Build a property strategy backed by data, not guesswork
Smart planning starts with smart tools. And in a competitive market, the right insights can save your business thousands—without compromising on location, talent access, or workspace design.
