Upper Arlington, OH vs. Dublin, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Columbus suburbs of Upper Arlington or Dublin? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison to help you decide:
- 🏘️ Median home price: $550K in Upper Arlington vs $650K in Dublin
- 🛋️ Average 2BR apartment rent: $1,800 in Upper Arlington vs $2,100 in Dublin
- 🥑 Typical grocery costs: 5% lower in Upper Arlington
- 🔌 Average utility bills: $180/month in Upper Arlington vs $200 in Dublin
- 🏫 Property taxes: 1.2% in Upper Arlington vs 1.4% in Dublin
For a detailed cost breakdown, read on. This article provides a full cost of living comparison between Upper Arlington and Dublin. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these desirable Columbus suburbs in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Upper Arlington and Dublin. Here’s how typical housing costs compare:
| Housing Type | Upper Arlington | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $550,000 | $650,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $2,100 |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,400 | $2,800 |
🏆 Winner: Upper Arlington. Housing costs an estimated 15-20% less in Upper Arlington compared to Dublin.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two suburbs, with Upper Arlington having a slight edge:
- Expect monthly utility bills around $180 in Upper Arlington vs $200 in Dublin for a typical household
- Costs rise 20-30% in the peak of summer when A/C usage is highest
- Both cities offer an optional green power program for a small premium
🏆 Winner: Upper Arlington, with utility costs averaging about 10% lower.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and daily living costs are comparable between Upper Arlington and Dublin:
- Expect to spend around $500/month per adult on groceries in Upper Arlington, about 5% less than Dublin
- Eating out costs $15-20 per meal at casual restaurants in both cities
- Gas prices and common goods are nearly identical
🏆 Winner: Upper Arlington, but only by a slim 5% margin on groceries. Other daily expenses are a toss-up.
4. Taxes and Fees
Taxes and local fees can add up. Here’s how Upper Arlington and Dublin compare:
- Upper Arlington has a property tax rate of 1.2% vs 1.4% in Dublin
- In Upper Arlington, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $100-300/month
- Dublin has more special assessments for newer communities, which can add $500+ per year
🏆 Winner: Upper Arlington. The lower property tax rate and fewer assessments give it the edge.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Upper Arlington | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,800 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $500 | $525 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes | 1.2% | 1.4% |
| Misc Fees | $150 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,930 | $3,325 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are lower in Upper Arlington, Dublin offers more space, newer homes, and highly-rated schools that command a premium. Other tradeoffs to consider:
- Upper Arlington is more walkable and closer to downtown Columbus
- Dublin has longer commutes but more parks and bike trails
- Upper Arlington lots are smaller but more private with mature trees
- Dublin homes are typically larger and newer, great for growing families
7. FAQs
Q: Is Upper Arlington more affordable than Dublin?
A: Yes, the cost of living is about 10-15% lower in Upper Arlington, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Upper Arlington has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment around $1,800 vs $2,100 in Dublin.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Upper Arlington. The median home price is about $550,000 compared to $650,000 in Dublin.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Upper Arlington offers a lower cost of living, with more affordable housing, slightly cheaper utilities and groceries, and lower property taxes. It’s great for singles, couples, and retirees seeking a walkable, established neighborhood close to downtown.
However, Dublin’s higher costs come with perks like top schools, larger homes, more green space, and newer amenities that appeal to families. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and what you value most.
Crunching the numbers on your own move? Check out our guides on the average monthly expenses in Upper Arlington and the full cost of living breakdown to see how your budget stacks up. And don’t forget to compare moving options like pods vs trucks to save on your relocation.