Relocation - Living Costs in Ireland

This is a quick guide to living expenses here in Ireland 

Based on a Gross salary of €50,000 | Net monthly salary – €3,102 - ie.talent.com/en/salary

Monthly costs –
Accommodation           €1,500 (avg)
Food                                €400
Transport                        €140
Utilities                            €190
Entertainment                €350
Health insurance           €70

Total                                €2,650

Accommodation –

Accommodation is one of the biggest costs associated with living in Ireland. The cost of rent in Ireland will depend on the property size, location, and type of property you are renting.

• In Dublin, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about €1,500 – €1,800 per month.

• However, rent prices vary greatly depending on location and type of property, with more expensive areas such as the city centre and the coastal regions having higher prices than less costly areas.

• House share/ host family options (for single travellers) – €700 – €900 (inclusive of bills) Outside of Dublin, rent prices tend to be lower.

For example, in Cork, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is €1,300 per month. In Galway, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is €900 per month. In Limerick, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is €800 per month.

N.B – short term accommodation will be required when you first arrive (Air B and B/ hotel). Please keep this in mind.

It can take 1 – 2 months before longer-term accommodation can be secured.

Examples of available accommodation are on the website daft.ie (Clarity Search Partners our clients also have relationships with real estate agents which can make the process easier)

Food

Food costs in Ireland are generally lower than in many other European countries. The average weekly grocery bill for a family of four is estimated to be around €90-€100. This figure is slightly higher in the larger cities, such as Dublin and Cork, where prices tend to be a bit higher.

The cost of eating out in Ireland can vary significantly depending on the type of restaurant. Fast food
restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King are generally very affordable. On the other hand, sit-down restaurants tend to be more expensive but still much less expensive than in most European
countries.

Supermarkets such as Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl tend to offer the lowest prices, while smaller convenience stores and ethnic stores are more likely to be more expensive. In general, buying in bulk and taking advantage of special offers can help keep costs down.

Transportation

Transportation in Ireland is relatively affordable, with a range of options available. Public transport is
often the cheapest option and includes buses and trains, as well as taxis.
Buses are generally the most affordable way of getting around Ireland.

However, prices vary depending on the distance travelled, with a single ticket from Dublin to Galway, for example, costing
€25-30.

Trains are often the fastest form of transport in Ireland and are generally cheaper than buses. For example, a single ticket from Dublin to Galway can cost between €20-25, with discounts available for students and seniors.

Taxis are the most expensive form of transport in Ireland, but the cost varies depending on the distance travelled. For example, a journey from Dublin Airport to the city centre can cost around €25- 30.

Owning and running a car in Ireland can be quite expensive. Petrol prices are relatively high, and insurance and road tax costs can also add up.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Ireland can vary significantly depending on where you live and how much you use.

For example, the average monthly utility costs for a two-bedroom apartment in Ireland are approximately €150-€200. These costs include electricity, water, waste management, and television/internet services.

Electricity costs in Ireland are relatively high and can range from €50-€120 per month depending on your usage. Water costs average €20-€45 per month, while waste management costs average €5- €15. Television/internet services can range from €20-€50 per month, depending on the type of package chosen.

It is important to note that utility costs may vary significantly depending on the specific provider and location you choose. Therefore, it is recommended that you compare providers and packages before signing up for any services.

Entertainment

The cost of entertainment in Ireland is relatively affordable. Of course, prices can vary depending on the activity, but overall it is not expensive.

Generally, the cost of going to the cinema, theatre, or other live entertainment in Ireland is similar to that of other European countries. Tickets to the cinema will usually cost between €7-10, while tickets to the theatre can range from €15-25. Going to a concert or music festival can easily cost upwards of €60-100, depending on the artist and venue.

Pubs and clubs are an important part of Irish culture, and the cost of a night out can vary greatly.

For example, an average pint of beer in a pub can start at around €5, while a cocktail or stronger drink will usually cost a bit more. On the other hand, nightclubs can range from €10-20 for entry, depending on the venue and night.