- Download our Moving to Ireland Guide (PDF)
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.
Fortunately, most expats move to Ireland for well-paying jobs that enable them to enjoy a high quality of life. Accommodation is usually the biggest expense, followed by groceries, healthcare, and education.
Cost of accommodation in Ireland
The cost of accommodation in Ireland is rising, with a notable uptick in Dublin and other major cities. This is largely due to high demand and a low supply of housing. Competition for desirable homes can be 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, it is prudent to move quickly when you spot the right opportunity.
Renting Expat Accommodation in Ireland
Cost of transport in Ireland
The public transport network in Dublin is extensive, though not without its hiccups. Buses and trams often struggle with punctuality, mainly due to dense traffic. Still, these services offer a viable way of navigating the city without the high costs associated with driving. Monthly or annual passes 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, tax based on CO2 emissions, and parking fees in city centres can all add up quickly. Regular maintenance and fluctuating fuel prices are part and parcel of car ownership in Ireland and should also be budgeted for appropriately.
Cost of groceries in Ireland
The price of groceries in Ireland varies widely, depending on which supermarket you choose. 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 can vary depending on the season. Aldi and Lidl are the more budget-friendly options.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Ireland
Maintaining a social life and eating out in restaurants, especially in Dublin, can be expensive. Ireland has a strong drinking culture, and the government has introduced high alcohol taxation rates to curb this, so going out for a few drinks isn’t a cheap pursuit.
If you are looking to go pub hopping, stick to those outside major tourist areas, as these will be more affordable. Despite Ireland's rainy weather, a number of outdoor sports and activities, like running, cycling, and hiking, are popular and affordable options.
Cost of education in Ireland
Public education in Ireland is free to all children residing in the country. Most expats choose to send their children to public schools due to the high standard of education offered. Parents may be expected to pay for school uniforms and books, as well as extracurricular activities, but tuition is free.
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 in addition to a wider range of extracurricular activities, making them a compelling option for expats.
Education and Schools in Ireland
Best International Schools in Dublin
Cost of healthcare in Ireland
Although public healthcare in Ireland is free or subsidised for all residents, most expats still opt to use private health facilities. Patients in private hospitals are required to pay the full cost of treatment, which can be expensive. To account for this, most employers provide private health insurance – something you should ensure is in place before you move.
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 2025.
Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | EUR 3,600 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | EUR 2,900 |
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre | EUR 2,100 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | EUR 1,800 |
Food and drink | |
Eggs (dozen) | EUR 4.50 |
Milk (1 litre) | EUR 1.50 |
Rice (1kg) | EUR 2 |
Loaf of white bread | EUR 1.80 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | EUR 10 |
Cheese (500g) | EUR 6 |
Eating out | |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | EUR 95 |
Big Mac Meal | EUR 11 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) | EUR 2.50 |
Cappuccino | EUR 4 |
Local beer (500ml) | EUR 4 |
Utilities/household | |
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and data | EUR 20 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) | EUR 50 |
Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household) | EUR 250 |
Transport | |
Taxi rate (per kilometre) | EUR 2 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre | EUR 2 |
Gasoline/petrol (per litre) | EUR 1.80 |
What do expats say about the cost of living in Ireland?
"Accommodation is really expensive compared to South Africa. Eating out and drinking can also be a costly affair. But if you buy your food and alcohol from general retailers, I find it is often cheaper than in South Africa. Anything service-related in Ireland is quite pricey. Other than that, healthcare, schooling and so forth are either heavily subsidised by the state or free in most cases."
Read more in Darren's interview about expat life in Ireland.
Further reading
►For more information about managing finances in Ireland, read Banking, Money and Taxes in Ireland
Are you an expat living in Ireland?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Ireland. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.
Expat Health Insurance
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