Cost of Living in Ireland in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Did you know? As of May 2025 there has been a rising cost of living in Ireland with inflation hitting 2.2% while rents rose 10.7% with a rent of average €1,800/month. In Dublin, where housing shortages are an issue, rents for 2 bedroom apartments are hovering around €2,500/month and demand is high.

If you are considering a move to Ireland in 2025 for work, study or to be with family, it will be advisable to get to grips with the costs of living.  The average monthly cost of living in Ireland ranges from €2,500 to €3,200 (INR 2,25,000 - INR 2,88,000) - of course this all depends on your lifestyle and location. Dublin is the most expensive city in Ireland and you can expect a one bedroom apartment to rent for a minimum of €1,800/month (INR 1,62,000). 

If you are living in Galway, Limerick or Cork, the cost of rent will be considerably less and you can expect to pay a minimum of around €1,200/month (INR 1,08,000) for rent. Your monthly groceries will set you back around €300–€400 (INR 27,000–INR 36,000). Transport passes cost around €120–€150 per month (INR 10,800–INR 13,500) and your utility, internet and mobile bills will likely add another €300–€400 (INR 27,000–INR 36,000) to your monthly bills.

Explore top programs and apply now through upGrad’s trusted partners like Griffith College Ireland, South East Technological University, Carlow, and Dublin Business School.

Planning to study in Ireland? Check out the MS in Data Analytics or MS in Business Studies for an affordable and career-focused pathway.

Cost of Living in Ireland in 2025: An Overview

Cost-of-living costs in Ireland have increased over the last few years, particularly in rents and groceries, but salaries have continued to remain competitive

But what is actually needed to live on? The answer depends on your lifestyle, area of residency, and cost patterns.

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Ireland (2025)

Here’s a table showing the average monthly cost of living in Ireland in 2025:

Expense Category	Monthly Range (€)	Monthly Range (INR)
Rent (Shared/Studio/2BHK)	€700–€4,200	₹67,200–₹4,03,200
Utilities	€120–€450	₹11,520–₹43,200
Groceries	€250–€1,000	₹24,000–₹96,000
Public Transport	€80–€270	₹7,680–₹25,920
Dining & Entertainment	€150–€1,100	₹14,400–₹1,05,600
Healthcare	€50–€450	₹4,800–₹43,200
Childcare & Education	€900–€1,600 (Families only)	₹86,400–₹1,53,600 (Families only)
Miscellaneous	€60–€500	₹5,760–₹48,000
Total Monthly Cost	€1,410–€9,670	₹1,35,360–₹9,28,320

Source: Numbeo

Note: Conversion rates may vary

Looking for budget-friendly cities in Europe? Check out Cost of Living in Europe for a comparison.

Cost of Living in Ireland: Rent

Ireland has one of the most competitive rental markets in Europe, with demand more than exceeding supply, particularly in Dublin. Galway, Cork, and Limerick offer more reasonable prices, but prices have increased in these towns also.

Average Monthly Rent in Ireland (2025)

Here’s a table showing the average monthly rent in different cities in Ireland in 2025:

 

City	Rent Type & Range (€)	Rent Range (INR)
Dublin	Shared:€850–€1,250   Studio:€1,600–€2,100  2BHK: €2,600–€3,600	₹81,600–₹3,45,600
Cork	Shared:€650–€950     Studio:€1,250–€1,700   2BHK: €1,900–€2,600	₹62,400–₹2,49,600
Galway	Shared:€550–€850 Studio:€1,100–€1,500 2BHK: €1,700–€2,300	₹52,800–₹2,20,800
Limerick	Shared:€500–€750 Studio:€950–€1,350 2BHK: €1,500–€2,100	₹48,000–₹2,01,600

Note: Conversion rates may vary

Source: Numbeo

Rental Deposits and Lease Agreements: Upfront Costs

• Security Deposit: Often one to two months' rent.
• Prepaid Rent: Landlords frequently ask for first and last months' rent.
• Lease Length: The majority of leases are 12 months, and while you can get shorter leases for a higher price, they are limited.

Want to compare renting costs across Europe? Check out Cost of Living in Amsterdam to see how Ireland compares.

Tips to Rent Affordably in Ireland

• Student Accommodation: Some universities have on-campus accommodation options, such as Trinity College Dublin or University College Cork, for lower prices. You can apply very early to secure accommodation.
• Initiatives by Government: There is the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), where the government assists lower-income residents to pay rent.
• Find a Property: Take advantage of popular property rental websites like Daft.ie, Rent.ie, and MyHome.ie to check what's available.

Flatshares & Co-living: If you are interested in sharing rental accommodation, it can reduce your rent costs by nearly 50% compared to renting on your own.

Cost of Living in Ireland: Food and Grocery Prices

Food costs in Ireland have risen roughly 5.0% in the last year due to inflation and specifically, new import taxes, however while managing your grocery shopping to create a budget you will keep your grocery costs down.

• If you are someone who enjoys dining out regularly, remember that this can quickly become expensive! A basic meal at a restaurant typically costs €15-€25 (INR 1,440-2,400), and a three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant will usually be €60-€90 (INR 5,760 - 8,640).
• Cooking meals at home will usually be quite a bit cheaper! After food is marked up when bought for cooking and base cost of weekly groceries typically will range for one person from €50-€90 (INR 4,800-8,640) depending on where you are buying your groceries.

Want to study in Europe? Check out Best European Countries for International Students to explore affordable destinations.

Average Grocery Prices in Ireland (2025)

Let’s have look on the average grocery prices in Ireland in 2025 with the help of a table:

Grocery Item	Average Price (€ & ₹)	Common Stores
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	€1.35 (₹130)	Tesco, Lidl, Aldi
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	€1.87 (₹180)	Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu
Eggs (regular) (12)	€3.74 (₹359)	Tesco, Lidl, Dunnes
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	€9.95 (₹955)	Aldi, Lidl, Tesco
Apples (1kg)	€2.70 (₹259)	SuperValu, Dunnes, Lidl
Rice (white), (1kg)	€1.67 (₹160)	Tesco, Lidl, Asian grocery stores
Coffee (250g)	€4.50 (₹432)	SuperValu, Dunnes, Aldi
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	€2.93 (₹281)	Supermarkets, off-licenses

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: Numbeo, Eurostat, Supermarket Listings (2025).

Want to save on groceries? Shopping at Lidl and Aldi is usually 10-15% cheaper than other supermarkets.

Planning to study in Ireland? Explore Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland to reduce your education costs.

Cost of Living in Ireland: Transportation

Ireland has an established and interconnected bus, tram (Luas), and train network, but transportation costs differ by city. Public transport is cheap when compared with other living costs, and people often bike instead as a cheaper option. 

• A single bus or Luas ticket costs approximately €2.50-€3.50 (₹240-₹336), but monthly tickets are cheaper. Owning a car is more expensive - for example, fuel cost increased by 6% in the last year, and insurance costs depend on driver age and experience (Irish Transport Authority, 2025). 
• Cycling is popular, especially in Dublin, Cork and Galway, and bike share services can be availed for about €20-€30 (₹1,920. – ₹2,880.00) a month

Want to study in Ireland without IELTS? Check out Study in Europe Without IELTS for options.

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Ireland: Transportation (2025)

Here’s a table showing average monthly transportation cost in Ireland in 2025:

Transportation Item	Average Price (€)	Price in INR (₹)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	€2.00	₹192
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	€87.50	₹8,400
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	€4.90	₹470
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	€2.00	₹192
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	€32.72	₹3,140
Gasoline (1 liter)	€1.76	₹170
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (New Car)	€36,675.00	₹35,20,800
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (New Car)	€34,047.85	₹32,69,000

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: Irish Transport Authority, Dublin Bus, Numbeo (2025).

Want to cut transport costs?

• Students and professionals can save by using Leap Cards, which offer discounted fares.
• Cycling is a great alternative—DublinBikes and similar schemes offer affordable rentals.
• If you live in Dublin or Cork, public transport is the best option—owning a car can be costly due to fuel and insurance.

Cost of Living in Ireland: Monthly Utility Bills and Internet Charges

Utility costs are variable with season and may be high with winter heating bills considerably higher than summer ones. For example, households could pay €150-€300 (₹13K-₹26K) per month on utilities including electricity, heating, water, and waste management (as per Commission for Regulation of Utilities, 2025).

• The difference in winter and summer heating bills can be as much as 40-60% more as a result of the climate related to where the island is located)).
• Electricity and gas prices have gone up by 7% in the last year which is at least in part a result of energy inflation (Eurostat, 2025). 
• Internet provider prices vary too, but fiber-optic plans usually avail the best speed for cost.

Looking for cost comparisons across Europe? Check out Cost of Living in France and Cost of Living in Finland.

Average Monthly Utility and Internet Costs in Ireland (2025)

Here’s a table showing average monthly utility and internet costs in Ireland in 2025:

Utility Type	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Average Monthly Cost (₹)
Electricity	€80–€140	₹7,680–₹13,440
Heating (Gas/Oil)	€100–€250	₹9,600–₹24,000
Water & Waste Charges	€25–€40	₹2,400–₹3,840
Internet (Broadband)	€40–€70	₹3,840–₹6,720

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Irish Broadband Market Report (2025).

Want to cut down on your bills? 

• Check for the best price and switch providers regularly.  Many companies have incentives for new customers so provide a discount. 
• Roofing and heating use a lot of energy; energy efficient appliances on average can save you 20% on your heating costs.  Smart thermostats help too. 

You can save €10 - €20 (₹870 - ₹1.7K) a month if you can bundle your broadband with TV and mobile plans.  Barely noticeable and could give you the extra spending cash you sometimes need.

Cost of Living in Ireland: Healthcare Expenses

Healthcare in Ireland comes as a dual system both public and private.  The public system is partially subsidized, but not free, compared to private patient healthcare where you will have more timely access to specialists.

• Doctor visits cost around €60–€80 (₹5.2K–₹7K) unless covered by state medical cards.
• Prescription costs can be subsidized but you have to pay a prescription cost of €20 - €50 (₹1.7K - ₹4.3K).
• You may want to take on Health insurance as an expatriate or student; packages start from €80 - €200 (₹7K - ₹17.5K) per month.

Now, do you want to compare Healthcare costs with other countries? Read Cost of Living in Germany for insights.

Average Healthcare Costs in Ireland (2025)

Let’s have a look at average healthcare costs in Ireland in 2025 with the help of a table:

Healthcare Service	Cost (€)	Notes
GP Visit	€60–€80 (₹5.2K–₹7K)	Free for Medical Card holders
Emergency Treatment	Free	Only in public hospitals
Specialist Consultation	€150–€250 (₹13K–₹22K)	Referral usually required
Prescription Medication	€20–€50 (₹1.7K–₹4.3K)	Varies based on drug type
Dental Check-up	€50–€100 (₹4.3K–₹8.7K)	Private clinics charge more
Private Health Insurance	€80–€200 (₹7K–₹17.5K)	VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: Irish Health Service Executive (HSE), Private Health Insurance Providers (2025).

Suggestions for managing health costs in Ireland:

• Students should check if their university includes basic health insurance as part of their tuition. 
• Expats should check if they can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (if they are from an EU/EEA country).
• Private health insurance can reduce wait times for specialist and hospital treatments.

Education Costs in Ireland: Schools and Universities

Ireland has outstanding universities and a well-developed public education system. The cost of tuition for international students varies based on the program/institution; however, some scholarships and government funding can help to reduce it.

• Public universities charge from €10,000–€25,000 (₹8.7L–₹21.7L) annually for non-EU students depending on the program (Irish Department of Education, 2025). 
• EU/EEA students usually pay less or no tuition at all due to government subsidies.
• Private education for children is much more expensive than public education which is provided for free to residents.

Want to study in Ireland without breaking the bank? Check out Study in Ireland for Free and Study in Europe for Free for scholarship options.

Cost of Living in Ireland: Tuition Fees & Schooling (2025)

Let’s have a look on the cost incurred on the tuition fees and schooling in Ireland with the help of table:

 

Education Type	Annual Cost (€)	Notes
Public Primary & Secondary Schools	Free	Only for Irish residents
Private Primary Schools	€5,000–€15,000 (₹4.3L–₹13L)	Varies by institution
Private Secondary Schools	€8,000–€25,000 (₹7L–₹21.7L)	Higher for boarding schools
Bachelor’s Degree (International Students)	€10,000–€25,000 (₹8.7L–₹21.7L)	Medicine & business programs cost more
Master’s Degree	€12,000–€30,000 (₹10.4L–₹26L)	STEM fields are generally more expensive
PhD Programs	Free–€10,000 (₹0–₹8.7L)	Many PhD positions are funded

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: University Websites, Irish Department of Education (2025).

Looking for full scholarships? Explore Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for financial aid opportunities.

Cost of Living in Ireland: Entertainment and Leisure

There is a vibrant nightlife, culture, and outdoor recreation, but what is needed for entertainment?

• For mid-range restaurants, expect your dinner with the two of you to cost €60–€90 (₹5.2K–₹7.8K). Pubs and cafes will be cheaper.
• A seat at the cinema will cost about €12–€15 (₹1K–₹1.3K) for the tickets. Gym membership will be EUR 30–60 (₹2.6K–₹5.2K) a month. 
• There are several affordable options to enjoy, even free days at museums or hiking and public events.

Want to experience Ireland without overspending? Learn more about affordable activities in The Education System in Ireland.

Average Entertainment & Leisure Costs in Ireland (2025)

Here’s a table showing average entertainment costs and leisure costs in Ireland:

Activity / Item	Average Cost (€)	Average Cost (₹)
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	€18.00 (range €12–30)	₹1,730 (₹1,150–₹2,880)
Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant, 3-course	€80.00 (range €55–120)	₹7,680 (₹5,280–₹11,520)
McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent combo meal)	€10.00 (range €9–12)	₹960 (₹865–₹1,150)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)	€6.00 (range €4.5–7.5)	₹580 (₹435–₹720)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	€5.50 (range €4.1–7.0)	₹530 (₹395–₹670)
Cappuccino (regular)	€3.75 (range €2.8–5.0)	₹360 (₹270–₹480)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	€2.28 (range €1.7–3.3)	₹220 (₹165–₹320)
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	€1.82 (range €1.4–)	₹175 (₹135–)
Meal at mid-range restaurant (for two, incl drinks & service)	€60–90	₹5,760–₹8,640
Fast food combo meal (McDonald’s, KFC, etc.)	€8–12	₹770–₹1,150
Coffee at café (cappuccino or latte)	€3.50–5.00	₹335–₹480
Beer (500ml) at pub (Dublin pricier)	€5–7	₹480–₹670
Movie ticket (standard cinema)	€12–15	₹1,150–₹1,440
Gym membership (monthly, chains like FLYEfit)	€30–60	₹2,880–₹5,760
Concert ticket (depends on artist & venue)	€40–100	₹3,840–₹9,600
Hiking & outdoor activities	Free	Free

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: Local Event Listings, Cinema Websites, Gym Chains (2025).

Budget tips for entertainment in Ireland:

• Happy hour deals at pubs can save you 20–30% on drinks.
• Look for free concerts and festivals, especially in summer.
• Student discounts apply for museums, cinemas, and public events.

What is the Average Income in Ireland?

Salaries can vary greatly throughout Ireland, depending on the industry, the individual experience, and location. According to statistics published in 2025, the average monthly salary in Ireland is around €4,200 (₹3.65L) gross before tax, but the average net monthly pay is estimated to be around €2,800 (₹2.43L) after deductions have been made (CSO Ireland, 2025).

• Entry-level professional salaries start out between €2000-€2500 (₹1.75L-₹2.2L) per month. Although, an entry-level role may provide significantly higher than this if the employee has the education level required for skilled professionals.
• Students with part-time roles can expect to earn on average €10-€12 (₹870-₹1K) per hour. From this, students would average between €800-€1500 (₹70K-₹1.3L) per month depending on hours worked.
• Taxation in Ireland is progressive, meaning the higher salary earned will have a bigger deduction for the income tax, along with social security (PRSI), and Universal Social Charge (USC).

Looking In the Market for employment opportunities in Ireland? Check out Career Opportunities in Ireland for insights.

Average Monthly Salaries in Ireland (2025)

Let’s have a look at the average monthly salaries in Ireland in 2025 with the help of a table:

Job Type	Average Monthly Salary (€)	After-Tax Income (€)
Accounting Manager	€6,000 (₹5.2L)	€3,800 (₹3.3L)
Software Engineer	€5,500 (₹4.8L)	€3,500 (₹3.04L)
Doctor (General Practitioner)	€7,500 (₹6.5L)	€4,600 (₹4L)
Marketing Specialist	€4,000 (₹3.5L)	€2,700 (₹2.35L)
Teacher	€3,800 (₹3.3L)	€2,500 (₹2.2L)
Retail Worker	€2,500 (₹2.2L)	€1,800 (₹1.6L)
Part-Time Student Job	€800–€1,500 (₹70K–₹1.3L)	No tax below income threshold

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: CSO Ireland, Numbeo, Irish Revenue (2025).

Want to know the best-paying careers in Ireland? Check out Average Salary in Ireland.

Example Budget Breakdown: Living on the Average Salary:

For a professional earning €4,200 (₹3.65L) per month, here’s how expenses could be allocated:

Expense Category	Cost (€)	Cost (₹)
Rent (1-bedroom in Dublin)	€2,000	₹1,92,000
Utilities (Electricity, Wi-Fi, Water, Gas)	€250	₹24,000
Groceries	€400	₹38,400
Transport (Public/Car Expenses)	€180	₹17,280
Dining Out & Entertainment	€400	₹38,400
Savings	€500	₹48,000
Miscellaneous (Gym, Shopping, Healthcare, Travel)	€470	₹45,120
Total Expenses	€4,200	₹4,03,200

Budgeting tip: If you live outside Dublin or share an apartment, you can save up to 30% on rent and utilities.

How Does the Cost of Living in Ireland’s Cities Compare?

Dublin is the #1 most expensive city in Ireland with costs of living 30–40% more than other cities like Galway, Cork, and Limerick (Irish Property Market Report, 2025); however, there are other Irish cities that have lower rent, less transport costs, and better quality of life.

• Dublin is best for professionals and expats since the salaries are so high, but Dublin has the highest rents and daily living costs in Ireland.
• Galway and Cork seem to balance job opportunities and livable wages with rents and living costs.
• Limerick and Waterford have the overall best affordability with rent costs 50% less than Dublin.

Want a detailed breakdown of Dublin’s living costs? Read Cost of Living in Dublin for a city-specific analysis.

Average Monthly Living Costs in Ireland’s Major Cities (2025)

Here’s a table showing average monthly Living Costs in Ireland’s Major Cities in 2025:

City	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Key Differences
Dublin	€2,500–€3,500 (₹2.2L–₹3.1L)	Highest rent, best job market
Cork	€2,000–€3,000 (₹1.75L–₹2.6L)	Slightly cheaper rent, strong tech & pharma industries
Galway	€1,800–€2,800 (₹1.57L–₹2.43L)	Student-friendly, vibrant nightlife
Limerick	€1,500–€2,500 (₹1.3L–₹2.2L)	Lowest rent, growing job market
Waterford	€1,400–€2,200 (₹1.2L–₹1.9L)	Most affordable, smaller city lifestyle

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: Numbeo, Irish Property Market Report (2025).

Looking for student-friendly cities?

• Galway and Cork have lower living costs and strong student communities.
• Limerick and Waterford are ideal for budget-conscious students with cheaper rent and transport costs.

Which City is Best for You?

Let’s have a look at the best city to live in Ireland on the basis of different aspects:

Category	Best City	Why?
Highest Salaries	Dublin	Best job market, highest wages
Most Affordable Rent	Limerick	Rent is 50% cheaper than Dublin
Best for Students	Galway	Lower costs, great nightlife
Strong Job Market (Tech & Pharma)	Cork	Major companies like Apple & Pfizer
Best Quality of Life	Waterford	Low cost, peaceful environment

How Does Ireland’s Cost of Living Compare to Other European Countries?

Dublin’s rent prices are now higher than in Paris and Amsterdam, and eating out can feel like a luxury. But is Ireland the most expensive place in Europe? Not exactly. Some costs, like healthcare and public transport, are more affordable than in the UK and the Netherlands (Numbeo, 2025).

• Rent in Dublin is 20–30% higher than in Berlin or Madrid.
• Grocery prices are higher than Spain or Germany but lower than the UK.
• Public transport is cheaper in Ireland than London but more expensive than Spain.

Looking to get more out of your budget? Some cities in Europe offer a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life.

Cost of Living in Ireland vs. Other European Countries (2025)

Here’s a table showing comparison between cost of living in Ireland vs Other European countries in 2025:

Country	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Key Differences
Ireland	€2,500–€3,500 (₹2.2L–₹3.1L)	High rent, expensive dining out
Germany	€1,800–€2,800 (₹1.57L–₹2.43L)	Lower rent, affordable groceries
France	€2,200–€3,200 (₹1.9L–₹2.8L)	Cheaper healthcare, slightly lower rent
Spain	€1,500–€2,500 (₹1.3L–₹2.2L)	Lowest rent, cheapest food prices
Netherlands	€2,400–€3,600 (₹2.1L–₹3.1L)	Expensive rent, lower healthcare costs
United Kingdom (London)	€2,800–€4,000 (₹2.4L–₹3.5L)	Highest rent, expensive public transport

Conversion rates may vary.
Data Source: Numbeo, European Cost-of-Living Index, Expat Surveys (2025).

Best Countries for Expats Based on Affordability:

• Best for Rent & Housing: Spain, Germany
• Best for Healthcare: France, Netherlands
• Best for Overall Cost of Living: Spain, Germany
• Best for High Salaries & Career Growth: Ireland, UK

Want to estimate your expenses now? Try the upGrad Abroad Expense Calculator today! 

Conclusion

The cost of living in Ireland in 2025 depends heavily on where you live and how you manage your expenses. Dublin is the most expensive city, especially when it comes to rent, while cities like Limerick, Cork, and Galway offer more budget-friendly options. 

From housing and food to transport and healthcare, understanding these costs helps you plan better whether you're moving for work, study, or with family. By being aware of your options and comparing city-wise expenses, you can make informed decisions and balance comfort with affordability.