- Download our Moving to Ireland Guide (PDF)
Expats will find that 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 2023 confirms this, and ranked Dublin as the 51st most expensive city out of the 227 cities surveyed worldwide.
Expats in Ireland are typically supported by well-paying jobs that enable them to enjoy a high quality of life. Accommodation will usually be an expat's biggest expense, followed by groceries, healthcare and education.
Cost of accommodation in Ireland
The cost of accommodation in Ireland continues to rise year on year, and the prices in Dublin are especially steep nowadays. This is largely due to high demand and low availability of housing. Expats should therefore leave plenty of room in their budget for accommodation costs. Competition for rental homes can be stiff, so if expats find something that suits them, they should be ready to act fast.
Cost of food and entertainment in Ireland
The price of groceries in Ireland varies widely, depending on which supermarket one frequents. Buying imported goods will also push up expenses, so it's best to stick to local seasonal produce.
Maintaining a social life and eating out in restaurants, especially in Dublin, can be expensive, so expats keen for a night out should make sure to keep an eye on their budget.
Cost of education in Ireland
Public education in Ireland is free to all children residing in the country, including expats. 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 extra-curricular activities, but will not usually 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.
Cost of healthcare in Ireland
Although public healthcare in Ireland is free or subsidised for all residents, most expats still choose 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 that expats should ensure that they 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 average prices for Dublin in January 2023.
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
EUR 1,900 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
EUR 3,500 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
EUR 1,700 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
EUR 2,800 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
EUR 1.29 |
Dozen eggs |
EUR 4.44 |
Rice (1kg) |
EUR 1.41 |
Loaf of white bread |
EUR 1.80 |
Pack of chicken breasts (1kg) |
EUR 11.32 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
EUR 17 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
EUR 9 |
Cappuccino |
EUR 3.64 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
EUR 2.25 |
Bottle of beer (local) |
EUR 3.15 |
Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant |
EUR 80 |
Utilities/household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
EUR 0.34 |
Internet (average per month) |
EUR 45 |
Utilities per month (gas, water, electricity) |
EUR 234 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi (rate/km) |
EUR 1.50 |
City-centre bus fare |
EUR 2.05 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
EUR 1.92 |
Further reading
►For more information about managing finances in Ireland, read Banking, Money and Taxes in Ireland
Expat Experiences
"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 about Darren's expat experience in Dublin.
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.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance
With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider. Cigna is currently offering a 10% discount for seniors (over 60) on their Silver package.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!