Cost of Living in Ireland

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 10, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The total cost of living in Ireland is approximately €2,601 per month for a single person and €6,179 per month for a family of four (Source: Numbeo).

In this article, we’ll break down the Ireland cost of living, covering essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare to help you manage your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in Ireland?

Living in Ireland is expensive, it is ranked as the 6th most expensive country in Europe by Numbeo. For a family of four, monthly costs are about €3,490, with rent adding €2,689, bringing the total to €6,179. A single person’s monthly expenses are around €997, plus €1,604 for rent, totaling €2,601.

In comparison, Germany offers slightly more affordable living. A family of four would spend approximately €5,048 per month, including rent, while a single person would need around €1,880. The Netherlands, however, is on the pricier side, with a family of four spending €5,589 monthly, and a single person’s total costs reaching €2,352 (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Ireland?

The most expensive city to live in Ireland is Dublin, where the total cost for a single person is around €3,043 per month. Other major cities, like Cork and Galway, are slightly more affordable. In Cork, living costs are approximately €2,595 per month, while in Galway, you can expect to pay around €2,514 per month (Source: Numbeo).

Cheapest city in Ireland

The cheapest city to live in Ireland is Kilkenny, with living costs around €1,586.04 per month, including rent. Other affordable options are Wexford at €1,614.25 and Dundalk at €1,700.79 per month. These cities give expats a chance to live comfortably without the high costs of bigger cities, while still offering all the essentials (Source: Livingcost.org).

Cost of living in Ireland vs the UK

In comparing the Ireland cost of living with the UK, general living expenses are slightly higher in Ireland. A family of four spends around €6,179 per month in Ireland, compared to €5,338 in the UK. For a single person, the costs are €2,601 in Ireland and €2,210 in the UK.

Rent is another key difference. In Ireland, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €1,604, while in the UK, it’s slightly lower at €1,249. For a three-bedroom apartment, Ireland is also more expensive, with rent at €2,689 compared to €2,076 in the UK. So, while both countries are relatively expensive, Ireland tends to have higher living and rent costs (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average and the Ireland average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Ireland vs the US

The Ireland cost of living is generally higher than in the US when excluding rent. A family of four in Ireland spends around €6,179 per month, compared to €5,334 in the US. For a single person, the difference is also notable, with costs of €2,601 in Ireland versus €1,055 in the US.

However, rent tends to be more expensive in the US, particularly in city centers. A one-bedroom apartment in the US costs around €2,646, while in Ireland, it's about €1,604. This makes the overall cost of living higher in the US when rent is included. A family of four in the US might spend around €6,419 per month, while in Ireland, it would be approximately €6,179(Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

Here’s the average monthly rent in Ireland, which varies depending on the location and size of the apartment (Source: ):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €1,604
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €1,412
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: €2,689
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €2,203

If you are moving to Ireland, expect rental prices to be steadily rising. The Q4 2023 Rent Index shows a 9.1% increase for new tenancies and 5.9% for existing ones. New tenants typically pay around 16% more than those already in place, especially in cities like Dublin. With demand high and housing limited, rents are expected to keep going up, so it’s important to budget based on whether you’re signing a new lease or continuing an existing one (Source: RTB).

How to find an apartment in Ireland

Finding a rental in Ireland can be challenging, especially with the high demand and limited supply in popular cities. Start by exploring well-known rental websites like Daft.ie, Rent.ie, and MyHome.ie, where you can filter properties by budget, location, and type. It's a good idea to set up email alerts on these platforms so you're notified as soon as a new listing is posted. Be prepared to act fast — rental properties can get multiple inquiries within hours, so having all your paperwork ready, such as proof of income, references from previous landlords, and your ID, will give you an edge when applying.

In larger cities like Dublin, shared accommodations are a more affordable option, with prices for a room in a house share typically ranging between €700-€1,400, depending on the area. You can also start with a short-term rental on platforms like Airbnb while you search for a long-term place. Always make sure to view a property in person or have someone you trust do so before making any payments, as rental scams are not uncommon in high-demand areas.

If you’re looking for a place to rent in Ireland, we’re here to help. We can provide you with a quote or connect you with trusted providers who have helped many expats find housing across the country. Whether you need a short-term rental or a long-term apartment, our reliable partners can make your search much easier.

Utilities

Average monthly costs for utilities in Ireland (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €217
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €20
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €47

To save on utilities in Ireland, compare gas and electricity prices on Bonkers.ie and Switcher.ie. Switching providers can save you money, as companies like Bord Gáis, Electric Ireland, SSE Airtricity, and Energia often have deals for new customers. Consider using pay-as-you-go (PAYG) electricity to keep an eye on your energy use, and if you have a dual-rate meter, try to use more power at night when rates are cheaper.

Public transport

Ireland has a well-connected public transport system across the country. For buses, use Bus Éireann in the Republic or Translink Ulsterbus in Northern Ireland. For train travel, Irish Rail handles intercity and commuter routes, while Translink NI Railways operates in Northern Ireland. In Dublin, you can rely on Dublin Bus and the DART for city travel. Plan your journey and get real-time updates with the National Journey Planner.

Here’s a general overview of prices for public transport in Ireland (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: €2
• Regular monthly pass: €100
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €4.90
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: €28.30
• Gasoline: €1.77 per liter

Food

For grocery shopping, popular stores like Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and SuperValu are available across the country. Tesco and SuperValu have a range of branded goods, while Aldi and Lidl offer cheaper, own-brand items. To cut costs, try meal planning, bulk buying, and using loyalty cards — this can be super helpful, as groceries are a big chunk of the cost of living in Ireland. Farmers' markets are great for fresh produce, and Marks & Spencer is handy for premium items. Many stores also offer online shopping and delivery for added convenience.

Depending on shopping habits, groceries in Ireland cost around (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: €150-€200
• For a couple: €300-€500
• For a family of four: €700-€1,000

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €18
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €80
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €9.50
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €6
• Cappuccino (regular): €3.65
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2.26
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €1.77

Mobile phone plan

When setting up a mobile phone in Ireland, you can choose between prepaid SIM cards or mobile contracts. To sign up for a contract, you'll need proof of identity, an Irish bank account, and sometimes proof of address.

Major providers:

• Vodafone: Reliable coverage with 5G available in many areas. Monthly plans range from €30 to €45.
• Three: Offers good coverage and competitive pricing, from €20 to €40 per month.
• Eir: Solid data packages and coverage, from €25 to €50 per month.

Cheaper options:

• Lycamobile: Low-cost prepaid plans starting from €10 per month, ideal for expats and international calls.
• 48: Budget-friendly prepaid plans with prices starting from €8 per month.

eSIMs:

• Providers like Vodafone, Three, and Eir offer eSIMs for compatible phones, with activation fees starting at around €5.

Childcare

If you're looking for childcare in Ireland, there are a few options, from public schemes to private services. The government offers support through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) to help with the Ireland cost of living, and it can make a big difference. You can also search for local childminders and nannies on websites like MindMe.ie and SureSitter. For more details on the types of childcare and how to apply for subsidies, check out the ECCE Programme.

Here’s a quick look at the different types of childcare and costs (Source: SureSitter):

• Crèche (daycare): €620-€1,276 per month, depending on where you live
• Childminders: €5-€8.50 per hour
• Free preschool (ECCE Programme): 3 hours a day for children aged 2 years 8 months to 5 years
• After-school care: Around €5-€6.50 per hour
• Nannies: €10-€15 per hour
• Au pairs: €175-€400 per week, plus room and board

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €1,069
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €8,199

Gym

Budget gyms like FlyeFit and Ben Dunne are affordable and offer 24-hour access. Premium options like David Lloyd include extra classes and wellness facilities. Be sure to check if classes are part of the membership or come with extra fees. Some gyms offer discounts for annual payments or group sign-ups.

Here are some popular gyms in Ireland with monthly prices:

• FlyeFit: from €35
• Ben Dunne Gyms: from €36
• F45: from €50 for a 1-week pass
• David Lloyd: from €90
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): €49