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Cost of Living in Waterford

Understanding the the cost of living in Waterford helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Details
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €700 – €900 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €550 – €750 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,200 – €1,600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €900 – €1,300 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €1,800 – €2,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €1,300 – €1,800
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €2.00 – €2.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: €60 – €80
  • Taxi starting tariff: €4.00 – €5.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €1.50 – €2.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.40 – €1.60
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.90 – €1.20
  • Bread (500g): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Rice (1kg): €1.00 – €2.50
  • Eggs (12): €2.00 – €3.50
  • Cheese (1kg): €8.00 – €12.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): €6.00 – €10.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €10.00 – €15.00
  • Apples (1kg): €1.50 – €3.00
  • Bananas (1kg): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.00 – €2.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): €1.50 – €3.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): €0.50 – €1.50
  • Onions (1kg): €0.70 – €1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.60 – €1.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €8.00 – €12.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.50 – €2.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €2.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10.00 – €15.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): €40.00 – €60.00
  • McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent): €8.00 – €9.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €4.00 – €5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €4.00 – €5.00
  • Cappuccino: €2.50 – €3.50
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 – €2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 – €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.20 – €0.40
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €40 – €60 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: €400 – €800 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €3,000 – €6,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: €4,000 – €8,000 per year
  • High school tuition: €5,000 – €10,000 per year

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Waterford

“The cost of living in Waterford, is considered to be moderate compared to other cities in Ireland. Rent is relatively affordable, especially when compared to cities like Dublin or Cork. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage are a bit high but manageable. Transportation costs are also moderate, with options ranging from public buses to taxis. Health care is of good quality and is reasonably priced. Overall, while the cost of living in Waterford is not the cheapest, it is also not the most expensive, making it a viable option for many,” said one expat living in Waterford.

Can I live in Waterford on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Waterford for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I’d recommend looking for a flat in neighborhoods like Lisduggan, Ballybeg, or Kilcohan. These areas tend to have lower rent prices compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Dunmore Road, Ardkeen, or Ballinakill.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Make sure to turn off lights when you’re not using them, unplug electronics, and try to use energy-efficient appliances. This will help you save on electricity costs. Also, consider using public transportation or walking instead of driving, as petrol prices can be quite high in Ireland.When it comes to groceries, try shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. They offer a good selection of products at lower prices compared to other supermarkets. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out, as dining in restaurants can be quite expensive.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Waterford. You can visit the Waterford Greenway, a beautiful walking and cycling path, or explore the city’s many parks and gardens. There are also free events and festivals throughout the year, like the Waterford Harvest Festival and Winterval.In terms of healthcare, if you’re an expat, you might not be eligible for free public healthcare, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of private health insurance or pay for medical expenses out of pocket. Make sure to budget for this expense, as it can be quite costly.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Waterford is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Waterford.

Can I live in Waterford on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Waterford for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like Ferrybank, Ballybeg, or Lisduggan. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly, and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $800 to $1,200 a month.On the other hand, I’d avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Dunmore Road, Ardkeen, or Ballinakill. These areas have higher rent prices and are generally more upscale, so they might not fit within your budget.As for other expenses, groceries can be a bit pricey in Ireland, but if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, you can save quite a bit. I usually spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, but I cook most of my meals at home. Eating out can be expensive, so I’d recommend limiting that to special occasions or finding more affordable places to eat.Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you’re using a car. Gas prices are higher here than in the US, and there’s also car insurance and maintenance to consider. If you can, I’d recommend using public transportation or even biking to get around. A monthly bus pass in Waterford costs around $70, which is much more affordable than maintaining a car.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Waterford. You can visit the Waterford Greenway, a beautiful walking and cycling path, or explore the city’s many parks and historical sites. There are also affordable pubs and bars where you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Waterford is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, shopping smart for groceries, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Waterford.

Can I live in Waterford on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Waterford for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it’s quite doable. First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I’d recommend looking for a place to live in neighborhoods like Lisduggan, Ballybeg, or Kilcohan. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a bit more on housing, you can consider neighborhoods like Dunmore Road, Ballinakill, or Grantstown. These areas are more upscale and expensive, but they also offer more modern and luxurious homes. When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. However, if you’re willing to use public transportation or even bike around the city, you can save a significant amount of money. Waterford has a decent bus system, and the city is quite bike-friendly, so getting around shouldn’t be a problem.As for groceries and dining out, you can find affordable options if you’re willing to shop around and cook at home most of the time. There are several supermarkets in the city, like Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl, where you can find reasonably priced groceries. If you prefer dining out, there are plenty of affordable restaurants and pubs in the city center, but keep in mind that eating out frequently can add up quickly.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite affordable if you’re willing to explore local options. There are several parks, museums, and historical sites in Waterford that you can visit for free or at a low cost. Additionally, there are plenty of pubs and bars where you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some luxury items or experiences that you’re used to, like high-end shopping or frequent international travel. However, if you’re willing to adapt and explore the local culture and lifestyle, you can definitely live comfortably in Waterford on $5,000 a month,” commented an expat living in Waterford.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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