Cost of Living in Ireland
Last updated on Feb 03, 2023
Summary: The cost of living in Ireland is generally considered to be quite high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Ireland can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Ireland is usually around $20 to $30 per person.
Is the cost of living in Ireland high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Ireland, they wrote:
"We live like the wealthiest US resident here in Ireland for approximately $2000 per month. We chose not to purchase a car because, as a senior, transportation (bus and train) is free and easily accessible and my husband gets a pass too," said one expat in Tobercurry.
"We live very well on $2000 a month which covers everything, in a large single family (detached) home. We use free public transportation and hire (rent) a car during the off season," remarked one in Tobercurry.
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Will I save money living in Ireland?
"We put together a very modest budget, covering everything we paid for in the US. Amazingly, we were spot on in our estimates with medical far exceeding our expectations. Because if not life threatening, as full time residents we avail of the Irish system waiting four months for most procedures once they are recommended by a local GP. We highly recommend a private insurance plan to cover things needing more immediate attention. Full coverage in Ireland for us cost us a little over $150 US dollars per month versus that same cost in the US running $2500 per month," said one expat in Tobercurry.
"Yes, I expected it to be expensive in Ireland and it is for the most part," remarked one in Galway.
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What is the average cost of housing in Ireland?
If you are thinking about moving to Ireland, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Ireland can vary greatly depending on the location, but generally speaking, accommodation in Ireland is generally more expensive than in other European countries. One-bedroom apartments can cost around €1,200 per month in urban areas and €800 in rural areas, while three-bedroom apartments can cost from €1,700 to €2,000 per month in cities and €1,200 to €1,500 per month in rural areas. Prices for houses vary even more widely, with larger detached or semi-detached properties often exceeding €2,500 per month in the bigger cities, while smaller family homes can cost anywhere in-between €1,000 and €2,000 in rural areas," said one expat in Ireland.
"Remarkably our 4 bedroom home is about half the cost of the 2 bedroom apartment we rented in Florida and our home is private, in an upscale neighborhood with a backyard and abutting a large pasture. Depending on the location, renting and purchasing can vary significantly. We opted to avoid city life, like Dublin, where cost of housing is considerably more. Our location averages €650 per month where in Dublin similar could run €2500," remarked one in Tobercurry.
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What are typical rental prices for expats in Ireland?
"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Ireland can vary depending on the location and the specific property, however it can range anywhere from around $1000-1200 US Dollars a month. The rental price for a nice 2 bedroom apartment in Ireland can range anywhere from around $1400-1800 US Dollars a month, depending on factors such as location and the specific property," wrote an expat living in Ireland.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Ireland what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"When renting a home in Ireland, many properties come with essential appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Other common amenities in rental homes include an oven and microwave, as well as a television and internet access. In some cases, depending on the property, additional appliances such as a toaster, vacuum cleaner, and kettle may be included," commented one expat who moved to Ireland.
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.
Additional Information:
- Ireland Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ireland
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ireland
- Best Places to Live in Ireland
- Real Estate in Ireland
- Guide to Real Estate in Ireland
- Pros & Cons of Living in Ireland
- Cost of Living in Ireland
- Residency Guide to Ireland
- Healthcare in Ireland
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland
- Digital Nomads in Dublin
- 2023 Guide to Living in Ireland
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland 2023
- 2023 Guide to Moving to Ireland