As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Ireland: a mid-range day costs about $183 there, against $186 in the other (United Kingdom), a gap of 1.7%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Ireland (+4.8% after inflation, against −0.8%). The lower US advisory belongs to Ireland (Level 1, against Level 2).
| Measure | Ireland | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $183 | $186 |
| Lean day | $87 | $88 |
| Comfortable day | $397 | $414 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.8% | −0.8% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | −0.9% |
| Versus 5-year average | −0.1% | −4.9% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.7 · Effortless | 4.9 · Effortless |
| Index score | 56 | 48 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, 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.
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.
Expensive, and worth watching: the pound swings more than most major currencies.
The catchLondon lodging is among the world's most expensive, and walk-up train fares are punitive. Book transport ahead.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.