Dublin, Cork, or Galway? Comparing Office Costs and Amenities

Dublin, Cork, or Galway? Comparing Office Costs and Amenities

If you’re a business looking to set up or relocate within Ireland, your choice of city can have a significant impact on your bottom line. Dublin, Cork, and Galway are the top contenders but which one offers the best value?

To make an informed decision, it’s smart to use a free office space calculator. Tools like the one from FindQo.ie help you estimate your monthly rent, determine how much space you need, and explore nearby areas with better amenities all based on AI-driven market insights.


Why Use an Office Space Calculator?

Office Space Calculator

When it comes to office leasing, guessing just isn’t good enough. The office space calculator allows you to:

  • Estimate rent based on the number of employees or square metres needed
  • Compare pricing in Dublin, Cork, and Galway
  • Discover more cost-effective alternatives nearby
  • Understand real-time trends in commercial property markets

It combines:

  • Live listings across Ireland
  • Historical market pricing
  • Proprietary data insights from FindQo.ie

Dublin: The Premium Office Destination

Dublin is Ireland’s economic powerhouse and a top choice for multinational companies. It offers excellent transport infrastructure, global connectivity, and a deep talent pool.

Pros:

  • Prime access to tech and financial sectors
  • Excellent business networks and services
  • High footfall and international prestige

Cons:

  • Highest rental costs in Ireland
  • Congestion and parking challenges in city centre

Typical Office Rent:

  • City Centre: €600–€750 per m²/year
  • Suburban: €350–€500 per m²/year

With the office space calculator, you can compare locations like Dublin 2, Sandyford, or Tallaght to find a fit within your budget.


Cork: Ireland’s Fast-Growing Business Alternative

Cork is quickly becoming a popular alternative to Dublin. Known for its affordability and expanding tech and pharmaceutical sectors, it’s a smart pick for cost-conscious companies.

Pros:

  • Lower rent and operating costs
  • High-quality business parks and facilities
  • Strong government support for enterprise

Cons:

  • Smaller talent pool than Dublin
  • Fewer direct international connections

Typical Office Rent:

  • City Centre: €280–€400 per m²/year
  • Suburbs (Mahon, Ballincollig): €220–€300 per m²/year

Use the office space calculator to see just how much you can save by choosing Cork over Dublin while still accessing great amenities.


Galway: A Creative, Affordable Coastal Choice

Galway has become a favourite for startups and creative teams. It offers cultural vibrancy, work-life balance, and competitive rental prices.

Pros:

  • Lively atmosphere and relaxed pace
  • Lower rent and high lifestyle appeal
  • Growing innovation ecosystem

Cons:

  • Smaller stock of premium office buildings
  • Less frequent public transport links

Typical Office Rent:

  • City Centre: €260–€360 per m²/year
  • Suburban Business Parks: €200–€280 per m²/year

The office space calculator helps you explore options from Knocknacarra to Ballybrit with ease.


Side-by-Side Comparison of Rent Costs

CityCity Centre Rent (€/m²/year)Suburban Rent (€/m²/year)
Dublin€600–€750€350–€500
Cork€280–€400€220–€300
Galway€260–€360€200–€280

Source: Aggregated live market data from FindQo.ie.

This is exactly where the office space calculator becomes useful by giving you tailored estimates based on your space and staff needs.


Estimate by Team Size or Square Metres

Office Spaces

When relocating or expanding, consider both the number of employees and the type of workspace you want. Here’s a quick guideline:

  • 10 employees: 80–120 m²
  • 25 employees: 200–300 m²
  • 50 employees: 400–600 m²

The office space calculator can convert these needs into cost comparisons by city, showing you which region offers better space-to-budget ratios.


Other Amenities to Factor In

Rental price is only part of the picture. The office space calculator from FindQo.ie also helps assess:

  • Public transport access
  • Proximity to food & service options
  • Parking availability
  • Energy ratings and building efficiency

These elements often determine long-term satisfaction for both employees and clients.


How the Office Space Calculator Works

Office Space Calculator

When you use the calculator, it will prompt you to input:

  • City or region (e.g. Dublin, Cork, Galway)
  • Desired team size or total space in m²
  • Type of office (open-plan, private offices, hybrid)

It then generates:

  • Real-time cost estimates
  • Rent ranges by area
  • Cheaper nearby alternatives with similar amenities

Get Started with FindQo.ie’s Free Office Tool

Office Space Calculator

Whether you’re opening your first office or expanding into new cities, you’ll want insights that help you make financially sound choices.

Use the Office Space Calculator on FindQo.ie to:

  • Compare rental prices across cities
  • Find hidden value locations
  • Optimise your workspace by team size
  • Access the latest office rental data in Ireland

Planning your office move has never been easier or more strategic. Use the office space calculator to get accurate, tailored, and up-to-date insights before you commit.

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