Living in Ireland: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Ireland

Living in Ireland

Last updated on Mar 04, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Ireland is 4.9 million people. The largest cities in Ireland are Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford. Expats love living in Ireland for its friendly people, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture. People describe life in Ireland as relaxed, laid-back, and full of opportunities. Traditional Irish foods are popular in Ireland, such as Irish stew, colcannon, and soda bread. Fish and chips, curry, and Chinese food are also popular. The cons of living in Ireland include the high cost of living, the unpredictable weather, and the lack of job opportunities. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.

What do I need to know about living in Ireland?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Ireland, they said:

"Before retiring in Ireland, expats should do research on the economy and potential job opportunities, as well as any tax or legal implications for foreigners. It is also important to research the visa requirements for long-term stay and learn about the public healthcare system, public transportation, and housing options. Additionally, being aware of local customs and cultural traditions can help in building relationships with the local community. Finally, expats should become familiar with the language, either by taking classes or by simply getting to know words and phrases that will allow them to get by on a daily basis," remarked one expat who made the move to Ireland.

"browse the irish press for a while, to get a feel for the place. www.ireland.com and www.unison.ie are good sources. Also www.ul.ie is a good site to keep an eye on," explained one expat living in Limerick, Ireland.

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About the Author

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.