How much do you need to live comfortably in Ireland?

Cost of living in Ireland

The Republic of Ireland draws in millions of tourists each year, which is unsurprising given its rich history, vibrancy, beautiful landscape and idyllic scenery.

For those looking to make the move, however, a key consideration will likely be the cost of living. This can vary from city to city and can also differ depending on your personal circumstances and preferences.

However, there are a few ways you can budget for your move to Ireland and can plan out your costs effectively. If you are emigrating to Ireland from the UK, it may be useful to note that Dublin, for example, is comparable to London when it comes to cost of living. Other cities are towns can be substantially less but may not have the transport links you require.

It is important to take a holistic approach when considering which location is right for you and your needs.

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Ireland?

The cost of living in Ireland is quite high when compared to some other European countries but is by no means the most expensive.

Dublin requires more money to live comfortably than other areas of the country and is often compared to London in the UK with regards to cost of living. Rent in Dublin has been on the rise in recent years, and many goods in Ireland are imported leading to higher price tags.

However, it is important to note that expats usually have well-paid jobs, due to the level of skill often required to be granted permission to work in the State. This means that those who are moving to Ireland for work should not find it difficult to live comfortably.

It is estimated that a family of four would need approximately 6,000 EUR per month to live comfortably in Ireland. This takes into account the costs of everyday living expenses, transport and housing and allows for disposable income.

For an acceptable standard of living, it is believed that people in Ireland need to earn around €450 per week, which actually means that the individual needs to be earning at around €3 more than the minimum wage.

Cost of living in Ireland

When looking at how much it costs to live in Ireland, it may be useful to consider some key statistics:

• The cost of living in Ireland is more expensive than 95% of countries in the world
• It is the second most expensive country to live in Western Europe
• The estimated costs for a single person per month is around €2,728 and for a family of four is around €4,809

It is interesting to note that, while the cost of rent in Ireland may have risen in recent years, there have been notable reductions in the cost of health insurance, transport and food prices.

The cost of living does, however, vary depending on the area. As with most countries, there are areas that are more and less expensive to live. The cost of living in Dublin is 33% higher than in Cork, and 47% higher than Belfast (for those comparing the cost of living to Northern Ireland).

Monthly rent for furnished accommodation in an expensive area is an average of €2,174, whereas for the same type of accommodation in a ‘normal’ area, the cost stands at €1,769 per month.

Which areas of Ireland have the cheapest cost of living?

You may base your decision of where you wish to live in Ireland on the differing expenses each area involves.

Dublin, Limerick and Cork have the highest rental prices in the State, with a one bedroom apartment in Dublin costing on average €1,700. Larger cities, as in most countries, will always cost more to live than smaller towns.

In countryside areas, you can pay as little as €450 and under on rent.

Some of the most popular areas lived in by expats include Cork, Galway, Limerick, Dublin, and Waterford.

However, no matter where you live, you will receive access to free healthcare.

How much are study and childcare costs in Ireland?

Public education is free for Irish citizens. However, if you are moving to study as an international student, you will be required to pay the relevant course/tuition fees.

Fees vary depending on the institution you study at and the course you have applied for. There are 18 universities and more than 2,000 programmes to choose from.

The cost of childcare services largely depend on the type of service you would like to use. Full day care, for example, consists of over 5 hours per day and may also include an after-school service.

This type of service is typically provided by day nurseries and crèches, which can cost on average around €184 per week; this can be higher in areas such as Dublin.

There is also the option of sessional services, which consists of up to 3.5 hours each session and will be cheaper than full-time but likely still have rates of €5.50-€7.00 per hour.