Cost of living in Dublin

As more and more companies choose Dublin as their base in Europe, employment opportunities continue to rise, which means many expats are flocking to the Irish capital. A word of caution if you are looking to move to the Emerald Isle: the massive influx in recent years means life in Dublin doesn’t come cheap. As a relatively small city, Dublin has limited space, and the ramp in demand is causing housing costs, among other expenses, to skyrocket.

The Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2024 confirms this, ranking Dublin as the 41st most expensive city out of the 226 cities surveyed worldwide. That said, the average salary in Dublin is quite high, meaning you can afford to enjoy a high quality of life here.

Cost of accommodation in Dublin

The cost of accommodation will be your most significant expense, and you’ll have to budget carefully before deciding where to live. Dublin's housing market has surged, with residential property prices rising by nearly 125 percent since 2012. High demand and limited availability mean prices are steep, pushing some locals out of the market.

Many young people who want to live in the city centre choose to do house-shares. This can be a more affordable option, but even shared housing comes at a premium. House-sharing means renting a room in a shared house or apartment, often with shared common areas like the kitchen and living room. 

Rent is usually paid monthly, and bills are either included or split among housemates. This is not only a great way to reduce monthly living expenses but is also an opportunity to make friends in your new home.

Prices are lower further from the city centre, but they aren’t cheap. Competition for spaces is stiff. Once you see something you like and can afford, have your documentation and deposits ready to snap it up before someone else does. Typically, you’ll need a security deposit equal to one month's rent. Landlords are required to register the deposit with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

Cost of transport in Dublin

Dublin is such a compact city that if you choose to stay in its city centre, you may even find that you can get around on foot. If you prefer not to walk, you can use the city’s extensive transport network. This includes buses, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train, and the Luas light rail system. Dublin Bus covers the city and surrounding areas with frequent services.

Using public transport regularly can become expensive, so consider purchasing weekly, monthly, or even annual passes to save money. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are also available, but costs can add up, especially with surge pricing during peak hours or special events.

Driving a car in Dublin is often unnecessary and can be a hassle. Parking is expensive and hard to find, and traffic congestion is common, particularly during rush hours. Due to the city's compact nature, many residents rely on public transport or walking and cycling.

Cost of groceries in Dublin

Depending on your lifestyle, food can be mildly expensive to astronomical in Dublin. Grocery prices vary between supermarkets. Discount chains like Lidl and Aldi offer lower prices, while speciality and organic stores are frequently pricier.

Buying imported goods will push up your costs. You can reduce your monthly grocery bills by buying in bulk from places like Lidl and Aldi, leading to savings of 10 to 20 percent or more, especially for non-perishables. Buying seasonal produce is also cheaper, fresher and supports local growers and grocers. Stock up on these to keep costs down.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Dublin

If you live a busy social life and like eating out a lot, you should be prepared to pay a steep price for the pleasure. Pub and restaurant prices in Dublin have climbed steadily in recent years. Budget carefully if you enjoy frequent nights out on the town.

Outdoor and fitness enthusiasts in Dublin have plenty of options despite the frequent rain. You can visit St Stephen's Green or Phoenix Park for free, and the National Museum of Ireland also offers free admission. For more active pursuits, kayaking, hiking and swimming are possible at little to no cost. Be mindful of the weather, as it can impact your plans.

Cost of education in Dublin

Public education in Dublin, and Ireland in general, is free to all children residing in the country, including expats. The high standards in the city’s public schools make them a popular choice. Although tuition is free, expect to pay for uniforms, books, extracurricular activities and field trips.

Private and international schools in Dublin are costly. Fees can range from EUR 4,000 to EUR 20,000 per year, depending on the school and curriculum. If you want your child to follow a specific international curriculum, consider negotiating an education allowance with your employer.

Cost of healthcare in Dublin

Public healthcare in Dublin is free or subsidised. All residents are entitled to public healthcare, but non-EU citizens may have to pay for some services. You must register with a General Practitioner (GP) to access public healthcare. GP visits typically cost between EUR 50 to EUR 60, with discounts for medical cardholders and children under six.

Many expats may still choose private healthcare facilities due to shorter wait times. Many employers offer group plans to reduce individual costs. Although the public system can experience overcrowding and long wait times, Dublin’s healthcare standards are high, comparable to other major European cities.

Cost of living in Dublin chart

Note that prices may vary depending on location and service provider. The prices listed are average prices for Dublin in July 2024.