Dublin’s housing market has become a flashpoint for frustration, particularly among younger workers and families trying to put down roots. High rents, limited supply, and steep purchase prices have led many to consider a familiar Irish solution: packing up and moving abroad.
But while Dublin’s housing challenges are real, they are not unique — and in several popular destinations for Irish emigrants, the situation can be even more demanding.
Dublin in a Global Housing Landscape
When affordability is measured by comparing property prices to average earnings, Dublin consistently ranks poorly. Buying a home often requires several multiples of an average household income, placing ownership beyond the reach of many first-time buyers.
However, when Dublin is compared with cities such as London, Sydney, Vancouver, or Auckland — all common destinations for Irish emigrants — it becomes clear that Dublin is not always the most extreme case. In some of these cities, property prices and rents consume an even greater share of income, despite higher headline salaries.
In other words, Dublin feels unaffordable because it is — but leaving Ireland does not automatically mean finding a cheaper or easier housing market.
Why Emigration Doesn’t Always Solve the Problem
Many emigrants are drawn by the promise of better pay and more opportunities. Yet housing costs in major global cities tend to follow opportunity. Strong job markets attract people, demand rises faster than supply, and prices escalate.
This can lead to a situation where:
- Higher salaries are offset by much higher rents
- Saving for a deposit becomes just as difficult
- Long commutes or shared living become the norm
The result is that some Irish emigrants find themselves facing similar pressures abroad to those they experienced in Dublin — just in a different setting.
Looking Beyond Housing Alone
Housing decisions cannot be made in isolation. The real question is not just where housing is cheaper, but where income, job stability, and living costs align.
This is where smarter planning — and better tools — become essential.
How findqo.ie Helps Make Better Decisions
findqo.ie helps bridge the gap between housing reality and career planning. Instead of focusing solely on property prices, the platform allows users to explore job opportunities across locations, making it easier to assess whether a move truly makes financial sense.
Benefits of using findqo.ie:
- Compare job markets in Ireland and abroad
- Understand earning potential before relocating
- Identify regional opportunities outside Dublin where housing may be more attainable
- Reduce risk by aligning career growth with cost of living
For those considering emigration, findqo.ie helps answer a crucial question: Will the local job market realistically support the cost of living there?
For those staying in Ireland, it can reveal opportunities beyond the capital that may offer a better balance between work and affordability.
In a housing market defined by pressure and uncertainty, findqo.ie supports informed, practical decision-making.
A More Balanced Perspective
Dublin’s housing market remains one of the biggest challenges facing Ireland today. But it exists within a global pattern affecting major cities worldwide. Understanding that context — and using tools that connect employment with affordability — can help individuals make choices based on reality, not assumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dublin one of the most expensive cities in the world?
Dublin is expensive relative to income, but several global cities are even more stretched when prices are compared with local earnings.
Does emigrating guarantee better housing affordability?
No. Many popular emigration destinations have higher housing costs that offset higher salaries.
Are there affordable alternatives to capital cities?
Yes. Smaller cities and regional areas often offer better balance between wages and housing costs.
How can findqo.ie help with housing decisions?
By helping users compare job opportunities across locations, findqo.ie supports decisions based on earning potential as well as living costs.
Is renting a better option than buying in Dublin?
Renting can offer flexibility, but high rental prices mean it isn’t necessarily cheaper in the long term.
