As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is France: a mid-range day costs about $170 there, against $183 in the other (Ireland), a gap of 7.6%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is France (+5.8% after inflation, against +4.8%). The lower US advisory belongs to Ireland (Level 1, against Level 2).
| Measure | France | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $170 | $183 |
| Lean day | $80 | $87 |
| Comfortable day | $381 | $397 |
| Real change, 12 months | +5.8% | +4.8% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | +4.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | +3.4% | −0.1% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 4.9 · Effortless | 4.7 · Effortless |
| Index score | 55 | 56 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Oct | Apr, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Paris is a splurge. Provincial France is one of Europe's quieter bargains.
The catchParis and the Riviera hotel rates are among Europe's highest, and strikes can stop trains with little notice.
Green coastline and pub culture, with hotel prices that rival London's.
The catchDublin has a chronic hotel shortage and rates to match. A rental car is close to essential outside the cities, and it rains year-round.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.