Home to numerous warm people in the world, Dublin and Glasgow are also popular for their scenic landscapes and interesting culture!

Learn the differences between the two and find out which one adheres best to your needs and preferences.

Which is better, Glasgow or Dublin?

In terms of cost of living, Glasgow is cheaper than Dublin. Glasgow’s cost of living is 49% less expensive than Dublin.

In terms of safety, Glasgow is safer than Dublin. Glasgow has a rate of 54.65 on the safety scale, which is 13.29% higher than Dublin’s 47.84.

In terms of education, Glasgow is cheaper than Dublin in terms of yearly tuition fee. Dublin has an average tuition fee of £48,422, which is 83.41% higher than Glasgow’s £19,920.

In terms of job opportunities, Dublin offers more than Glasgow. Glasgow has a 12% unemployment rate, which is higher than Dublin’s 4.8%.

Let’s take a look at these factors in detail.

1. Cost of Living

Living in Dublin is 49% more expensive than Glasgow. Moreover, other essentials that affect cost of living are higher in Dublin compared to Glasgow.

Check out the differences in expenses between Glasgow and Dublin below:

Expense Type	Glasgow	Dublin
Dining Out	£0.95 – £15.00	£1.47 – £17.44
Market	£0.74 – £12.75	£0.84 – £13.22
Transportation	£1.06 – 76.09	£1.77 – £105.72
Monthly Utilities	£0.10 – £193.59	£0.31 – £197.62
Sports and Leisure	£10.00 – £27.75	£11.41 – £40.96
Childcare	£791.00 – £11,375.00	£1,054.27 – £8,013.88
Clothing and Shoes	£27.35 – £69.41	£31.77 – £84.86
Rent Per Month	£610.21 – £1,011.90	£1,469.67 – £3,090.43
Price per Square Metre to Buy Apartment (One-Time Cost)	£2,297.49 – £4,681.67	£3,954.94 – £6,476.76

In terms of purchasing your own car, Dublin is still more expensive compared to Glasgow: 

Expense Type	Glasgow	Dublin
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	£24,000.00	£26,370.81
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	£26,125.00	£26,469.97

2. Safety

Safety Scale

On the safety scale, Glasgow is considered “safer” than Dublin by 13.29%. Glasgow has a rate of 54.65, while Dublin has 47.84. 

The safety scale determines how often a crime occurs in cities. Thus, the higher the number is, the higher the security a city has. 

Crime Rate

On the other hand, the overall crime rate of Dublin is higher than Glasgow by 13.97%. Dublin has 52.16, compared to Glasgow’s 45.35.

In terms of crime rate, the higher the number is, the higher the number of crimes take place in a city.

3. Education

In terms of education, Dublin has a higher average tuition fee per year than Glasgow by 83.41%. Glasgow has an average of £19,920, while Dublin has £48,422. 

However, Glasgow’s total student population is 42.62% higher than Dublin’s.

Aside from the factors mentioned above, here are the other detailed differences between Glasgow and Dublin: 

Basis for Comparison	Glasgow	Dublin
Average tuition fee per year	£19,920	£48,422
Student Population	185,000	120,000
Courses offered	1,203	4,128
Other services offered	– Public & private schools – Homeschooling – Special-needs education – Tutoring	– Technology institutions – Teacher-training colleges – Specialised vocational colleges

Education in Glasgow

Glasgow is the second largest city with a huge student population of 185,000. Home to some of the most well-respected universities in the world, Glasgow is well-known for providing quality education.

The city houses the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University. 

All these universities are acknowledged consecutively in different university rankings, particularly the QS World University Rankings. 

Take a look at their achievements and specialisations below:

Top Universities	Ranking	Specialties/Recognitions
University of Glasgow	81st in the QS World University Rankings 2023	– Specialises in Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Accounting & Finance, Nursing and Education  – Has 95.6% rate of students being in employment after graduation
University of Strathclyde	325th in the QS World University Rankings 2023	– Has exceptional expertise in Business – One of the top 20 higher education institutions for research intensity in the country
Glasgow Caledonian University	Belongs in the 1001-1200th universities in the QS World University Rankings 2023	– 95% of their graduates are already in employment 6 months after graduation – Recognised as a global leader for gender equality in the UK

Aside from these top-rated universities, there are also several public and private schools in the city which can also provide quality education for children. 

Options such as homeschooling, tutor and special-education needs are also available. 

Education in Dublin

Similar to Glasgow, Dublin also has reputable colleges in the city namely Trinity College and University College Dublin.

Trinity College is considered as Ireland’s oldest university, while University College Dublin is the largest school in Ireland with more than 20,000 students. 

Check the achievements of these two renowned universities:

Top Universities	Rankings	Specialties/Recognitions
Trinity College	98th in the QS World University Rankings 2023	– Specialises in English Language and Literature, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Nursing and Classics & History – 18 subjects ranked in the top 100 universities around the globe
University College Dublin	181th in the QS World University Rankings 2023	– 1st in student employability in England for 5 consecutive years – 14 subjects placed among the top 100 universities in the world

Famous writers such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and scientists Ernest Walktion and William Rowan Hamilton are some of the notable graduates of Trinity College.

Other educational institutions that focus on technology, teacher-training colleges, and specialised vocational colleges are also available in Dublin. 

Dublin is among the cities well-known for having the best ‘student mix’. In fact, 20% of the city’s students are foreigners, which equates to 32,000 individuals. 

There are also numerous pre-schools, public and private schools in the city and other services include tutoring and special-needs education. 

4. Job Opportunities 

Glasgow has a higher unemployment rate than Dublin. Glasgow has 12%, while Dublin has only 4.8%.

It’s also useful to note that the job market in Glasgow shows a growing demand in the technology, finance and industrial sectors, while Dublin leans toward accounting, technology and finance roles. 

Below is the comparison between Glasgow and Dublin in terms of the job market, as of 2022: 

Basis for Comparison	Glasgow	Dublin
Average monthly salary	£2,423.83	£2,648.81
Field expertise of a city	• Technology • Finance • Industrial	• Finance • Technology • Accounting
Number of people in employment	400,000	710,000 (2021)

Job Market in Glasgow

Generating a whopping £13 billion per year, the city of Glasgow can provide over 400,000 jobs to residents. It is noted that 1 out of 4 people are employed in the public sector. 

Apart from its focus on technology, industrial and finance, the city also has various career opportunities for people interested in the field of tourism, professional positions and administrative careers. 

Glasgow is also considered as a centre of business. Hence, various large multinational companies have also set up shop in the area.

Job Market in Dublin

Compared to Glasgow, Dublin has a lower unemployment rate at 4.8%. That said, the average monthly salary after tax in Dublin is £2,648.81 — which is notably higher than Glasgow’s.

Numerous job opportunities can be found in Dublin, particularly in the fields of science and engineering, ICT, business and finance, and healthcare and social care.

In addition, multinational companies in the city employ over 250,000 people. 

What’s the culture like in Glasgow and Dublin?

Glasgow Culture

Despite being inhabited by several nationalities around the world, the local dialect remains prominent outside Glasgow’s city centre. 

What’s more notable is that Glasgow’s locals, or commonly called ‘Glaswegians’ are well-known for their affable personalities!

In fact, Glasgow was recognised as the world’s friendliest city by the 2022 Time Out Index.

Learn more about quintessential Glasgow experiences below.

Cultural Hotspots (Historical Icons / Museums)

1. Mitchell Library

Mitchell Library has a huge collection of photographs, maps and archives, tracing back to Glasgow’s historical past. Thus, if you want to know more about Glasgow’s culture from ages ago, then visiting here is a must.

2. The People’s Palace Museum

Instead of photographs and the like, The People’s Palace Museum specifically focuses on the Glaswegian’s way of life. 

You can find various objects, films and prints here. The museum also showcases the individuals who helped in the city’s social progress.

3. Riverside Museum

Famous for its technology and transport collection, the Riverside Museum is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Glasgow. 

Located in the junction of River Kelvins and Clyde, you’ll definitely enjoy your visit as you’ll expand your knowledge on the main industries of the city — shipbuilding, engineering and train manufacturing.

Unique Areas

1. The Barras

The Barras is a famous indoor market in Glasgow that sells valuable and interesting items ranging from vintage pieces, DVDs and cheap books. 

Aside from these, there are other shops and pubs located in The Barras, too. Hence, you can also enjoy your leisure time while exploring the city’s culture!

2. Merchant Square Market

Shops lined up with handcrafted jewelleries, candles and cards may be found in Merchant Square Market. 

Here, you’ll find a variety of artworks like photography, prints and even aromatherapy products! 

3. Farmers Market

Filled with lots of Scottish produce, you’ll find seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat, and delectable cheeses that suit your tastes here.

Restaurants / Dining Concepts

1. Rogano

Aside from its distinctive menu, Rogano is the oldest surviving restaurant in Glasgow.

It has been operating for 70 years and is popular for its naval interiors and luscious seafood-based courses.

2. Cafe Gandolfi

Located in Merchant’s City, Cafe Gandolfi is not only popular for its Scottish produce cuisine but also for its striking interiors, which was designed by Tim Stead, a Glasgow School of Art graduate. 

3. Cail Bruich

With a Michelin Guide Recommendation award, Cail Bruich is a certified crowd favourite.

The restaurant offers a seasonal menu and Scottish dishes with a mix of French influences.

Dublin Culture

Dubliners are just as cordial as Glaswegians. The city also ranked 3rd in the 2022 world’s friendliest city in a survey by Time Out Index.

That said, if Glasgwegians are known for their friendliness, Dubliners are more renowned for their hilarious humour. 

Dublin also has a huge LGBTQ+ scene. In fact, they are the first country to legalise gay marriage by popular vote, among all countries in the world. 

Also, did you know that Dublin is known for its pub culture? In fact, there are 1,000 pubs in the city alone.

Other main aspects in which the city is famous for is due to its literature, theatre and music. In fact, Dublin is home to three Nobel Prize winners including playwrights George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and poet William Butler Yeats. 

Read on to learn about some of the key experiences the city has to offer.

Cultural Hotspots 

1. Little Museum of Dublin

Before taking a stroll around other Dublin’s popular areas, we recommend stopping by Little Museum of Dublin.

This museum focuses on telling the history of Ireland and Dublin through exhibitions, films and other creative sources. 

Since it is a learning location, it can be a great experience especially for tourists to get to know Dublin. 

2. Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol has been in existence for more than 200 years now — specifically since 1796. 

Formerly a jail, its prisoners ranged from common people to political prisoners who committed minor to heinous crimes. 

However, some prisoners were also those who fought for Irish independence. 

By visiting Kilmainham Gaol, you’ll learn more about the history of these people and about the Irish Wars which occurred in different timelines. 

3. Dublin streets

Aside from museums, the Dublin streets are also filled with remarkable monuments of respectable people.

Just by simply walking along the streets, you can see monuments of musicians who created a legacy in the world. 

The Grand Canal and Grafton Street are the more famous ones in the city. Some monuments displayed include those of Oscar Wilde, Phil Lynott, James Joyce, O’Connell and Charles S. Parnell.

Unique Neighbourhoods

1. Christchurch

Home to Christchurch Cathedral — which has been existing for over 1,000 years now, the Christchurch neighbourhood is worth visiting.

Located in the central district, the neighbourhood is not only popular due to its historical remains, but also because of the large pubs and restaurants available in the area. 

Christchurch is also conveniently a few steps away from other Dublin’s major attractions, mainly Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. 

2. Dalkey

If Christchurch has a long-standing cathedral, then Dalkey has Norman castles and a 10th century church. 

In fact, Dalkey is considered as one the most appealing areas in Dublin due to its serene setting and easy access to Dalkey Island and Kildare Street.

3. Smithfield

Smithfield is another notable neighbourhood to visit in Dublin. 

Home to a 19th century whiskey factory, the neighbourhood also has a strong traditional music scene. 

Regardless of its historical presence, Smithfield is also considered as one of the city’s coolest areas due to its modernity. 

It has numerous trendy coffee shops, chic restaurants and hip venues, perfect for concerts. 

Restaurants / Dining Concepts

1. Gallagher’s Boxty House

If you’re in for an Irish cuisine night in an old environment setting, then visiting Gallagher’s Boxty House could be a great option. 

Located in the centre of Temple Bar—in which many pubs and restaurants are situated—Gallagher’s Boxty House is popular for its traditional Irish cuisine, specifically, their potato-based pancake.

Other crowd favourites include Gaelic Boxty, The Stew Platter, Traditional Corned Beef and desserts like Irish Cheeseboard and Sticky Toffee Pudding. 

2. Gogartys

Another worth-visiting traditional Irish restaurant is Gogartys. 

The restaurant boasts to provide a palatable experience of traditional Irish cuisine, giving you gastronomic delight.

At the same time, Gogartys offers live traditional music sessions in an exciting environment. 

If you’re a tourist looking for fun while exploring Dublin’s traditional dishes, then stopping by Gogartys could be a great idea.

3. The Brazen Head

Meanwhile, The Brazen Head is one of the most frequented pubs by tourists due to its delectable Irish dishes, fresh drinks and historical ambience. And actually, it is Ireland’s oldest pub.

Some crowd-pleasers include Beef and Guinness Stew, Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Burger and Bacon and Cabbage. 

Aside from these, you can also listen to lots of Irish music once the clock strikes at 9 PM. 

Theatres

1. Gaiety Theatre

Opened in 1871, The Gaiety Theatre is Dublin’s oldest and long-standing theatre. As a matter of fact, this theatre has become one of the city’s significant landmarks. 

Gaiety Theatre is located in St. Stephen’s Green and has witnessed some remarkable performances similar to that of playwrights Brian Friel and John B. Keane.

2. The Olympia Theatre

The Olympia Theatre is now commonly known as Dan Lowrey’s Star of Erin Music Hall. 

Established in 1879, it is located in Dame Street. However, the theatre experienced tremendous casualties before downright restoration such as ceiling collapsing during rehearsal around 1970s, and a truck smashing into the entrance gate in 2004.

In spite of these, The Olympia Theatre is now home to several musical gigs, concerts and comedy shows. The theatre can hold up to 1,247 pax for seated shows and approximately 1,600 capacity for standing shows.

3. Abbey Theatre

Dubbed as the national theatre of Ireland, Abbey Theatre is also one of the most-visited theatres in Dublin. 

Presented to the public in 1904, the theatre has evolved drastically and made an impact to the audience due to its interesting Irish-made works. 

However, despite the first play ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ by J.M. Synge were highly appreciated in 1907, the cast were apprehended due to ‘immoral/indecent’ performance during the 1912 Philadelphia tour, which was also later dismissed.

Now, the theatre is home to various theatrical plays, gigs and the like. 

Additionally, famous playwrights such as Seán O’Casey and George Moore also produced plays held in this theatre. 

FAQS about Glasgow and Dublin

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Regardless of which city you choose, we hope that we have guided you well in selecting which suits you best!