Dublin is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,950 and slightly higher grocery costs than the national average.
As of 2025, the median gross monthly income needed to live comfortably in Dublin, OH is around $5,100 for a couple or $6,800 for a family of four. This factors in housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and discretionary spending.
Housing Costs in Dublin
Housing is the biggest expense for most Dublin residents. Rent for a typical 2-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,800 to $2,100 per month, with a median of $1,950. Buying a 3-bedroom single-family home costs between $450,000 to $600,000, depending on the neighborhood, age of the property, and amenities.
Some of the more affordable areas to rent or buy in Dublin include:
- Riverside: Older homes and apartments, median 2-bed rent $1,850
- Tuttle West: Mix of townhomes and single-family, median 2-bed rent $1,900
- Waterford Village: Established neighborhood, median home price $475,000
Pricier neighborhoods like Muirfield Village and Tartan West have larger, newer homes with extensive community amenities, reflected in average prices over $550,000 and rents approaching $2,500 for a 2-bedroom. Many properties in these areas also have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees ranging from $200-500 per month.
Utility Costs
Basic utilities in Dublin, including electricity, gas, water, and trash, average about $220 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Expect to pay more in the summer months due to air conditioning needs. High-speed internet adds another $60-80 monthly.
| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 |
| Gas | $40 |
| Water + Trash | $70 |
| Internet | $70 |
Groceries and Food
Groceries in Dublin cost about 5% more than the national average. A single person spends around $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four averages $1,000. This assumes mostly cooking at home.
Some sample grocery costs:
- Gallon of milk: $3.80
- Loaf of bread: $2.50
- Dozen eggs: $2.20
- Pound of chicken: $4.50
Dining out will add to the food budget. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is about $15, while a mid-range, three-course dinner for two averages $60. Fast food combo meals are around $8.
Taxes in Dublin
Dublin has a property tax rate of 2.129%, higher than many nearby cities. For a $500,000 home, annual property taxes would be $10,645. Ohio’s state income tax ranges from 2.85% to 4.8%, depending on income bracket. The state sales tax is 5.75%, with an additional 1.5% in Franklin County for a total of 7.25%.
Transportation Expenses
Budgeting for transportation in Dublin depends on your commute. The city is car-dependent, so most households have at least one vehicle. Factoring in car payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance, owning a car costs around $500 per month. Public transit is limited, but a monthly bus pass is $62.
Monthly Cost of Living Comparison
| Household | Housing | Utilities | Groceries | Transport | Misc. | Monthly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,400 | $200 | $350 | $300 | $600 | $2,850 |
| Couple | $1,950 | $290 | $700 | $500 | $1,200 | $4,640 |
| Family of 4 | $2,200 | $350 | $1,000 | $800 | $1,800 | $6,150 |
Note that these are estimated average gross monthly costs, meaning pre-tax income. Actual budgets vary based on lifestyle, neighborhood, and spending habits.
Lifestyle Factors
Living in Dublin offers a suburban lifestyle with strong schools, low crime rates, and ample parks and recreation. However, this comes at the cost of longer commutes and higher housing prices compared to some Columbus suburbs.
For those working in Columbus, the typical commute from Dublin is 25-35 minutes. Living closer to the city center in neighborhoods like Riverside can shorten this. But for more house and yard space, outlying areas require budgeting more time and money for transportation.
Dublin residents have access to over 1,000 acres of parkland, 100+ miles of bike paths, and top-rated public schools. The historic downtown along the Scioto River has local shops and restaurants. Larger retailers and employers are concentrated along I-270 on the east side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Dublin, OH?
To live comfortably, a gross monthly income around $4,200 for a single person, $5,100 for a couple, or $6,800 for a family of four is recommended. This factors in housing, food, transportation, and discretionary spending.
Is Dublin more expensive than Columbus?
Yes, Dublin’s cost of living is about 20% higher than Columbus overall. Housing costs and property taxes are the main drivers, though groceries and utilities are also slightly pricier.
What is the cheapest place to live in Dublin?
The Riverside and Tuttle West neighborhoods offer the most affordable apartments and older homes. Rents there average under $2,000.
How much is the average electric bill in Dublin?
Electricity costs around $110 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment, with seasonal variation. Expect summer bills to be 20-30% higher.
Is Dublin a good place to raise a family?
Dublin is known for its strong school system, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly amenities like parks and recreation programs. However, it does have a higher cost of living than some nearby communities.
How walkable is Dublin?
Dublin is somewhat walkable in the downtown core, with a few shops and restaurants clustered together. But most errands require a car. The city does have an extensive network of walking and biking trails for recreation.
Ultimately, the cost of living in Dublin reflects the high quality of life the city offers, with tradeoffs between housing, commute time, and local amenities. For those who value top-notch schools, safety, and suburban comforts, Dublin can be a great place to call home – with the right budget.