Cost of living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland is manageable but varies depending on the town or city, with Dublin being the most expensive place to live. The Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2024 confirms this and ranked Dublin as the 41st most expensive city out of the 226 cities surveyed worldwide.

In Ireland, you are typically supported by well-paying jobs that enable you to enjoy a high quality of life. Accommodation will usually be your biggest expense, followed by groceries, healthcare and education.

Cost of accommodation in Ireland

The cost of accommodation in Ireland is climbing sharply, with a notable uptick in Dublin and other major cities. This is largely due to high demand and a low housing supply. This trend reflects a national housing crunch, exacerbated by a significant dip in the availability of second-hand homes. 

Competition remains fierce, and you should leave plenty of room in your budget for accommodation and utility costs. As demand continues to outpace supply, driven by robust population growth and limited new housing developments, you might find it prudent to move quickly when you spot the right opportunity.

Cost of transport in Ireland

Dublin's public transport network is extensive, though not without its hiccups. Recently ranked the least reliable among European capitals, you'll find that buses and trams often struggle with punctuality, mainly due to dense traffic. Still, these services offer a viable way to navigate the city without the high costs of driving. Investing in a monthly or annual pass can significantly cut your commuting expenses.

If you're settling outside the hustle and bustle of Dublin, owning a car might be necessary. Be prepared for more than just the sticker price. Insurance, motor tax based on CO2 emissions, and parking fees in city centres can all add up quickly. Not to mention, regular maintenance and fluctuating fuel prices are part and parcel of car ownership in Ireland.

Cost of groceries in Ireland

The price of groceries in Ireland varies widely, depending on which supermarket you frequent. Buying imported goods will also push up your expenses, so it's best to stick to local seasonal produce. Some of the most popular supermarkets include Tesco, SuperValu, and Dunnes; prices at these shops vary depending on the season. If you are looking for more affordable supermarkets, you should consider Aldi and Lidl, although food from these shops will likely need to be consumed within a few days of purchase.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Ireland

Maintaining a social life and eating out in restaurants, especially in Dublin, can be expensive, so you should make sure to keep an eye on your budget. Ireland has a strong drinking culture, and the government has introduced high alcohol taxation rates to curb this.

If you are looking to go pub hopping, stick to those outside major tourist areas, as these will be more affordable. Owing to Ireland's rainy weather, most of the lifestyle in the country is based on indoor activities, which can become pricey, so you should budget carefully.

Cost of education in Ireland

Public education in Ireland is free to all children residing in the country, including you. Most expats choose to send their children to public schools due to the high standards of education offered. Parents may be expected to pay for school uniforms and books, as well as extracurricular activities, but will usually not pay anything for tuition.

On the other hand, private and international schools in Ireland are pricey, and parents wishing to send their child to a private school should make sure they can afford to cover the costs involved. While these schools may be expensive, they typically offer excellent teaching standards and facilities and a wider range of extracurricular activities, making them a reasonable consideration for you.

Cost of healthcare in Ireland

Although public healthcare in Ireland is free or subsidised for all residents, most expats still decide to use private health facilities. Patients in private hospitals are required to pay the full cost of treatment, which can be expensive. Most employers provide private health insurance, and this is something you should ensure you have in place before moving to Ireland.

Cost of living in Ireland chart

Note that prices may vary depending on location and service provider. The prices listed are the average prices for Dublin in July 2024.