Have you fallen under the spell of Ireland and are considering living there? Many expatriates have been captivated by the Irish way of life, its local culture, and its landscapes ranging from the Cliffs of Moher to the Connemara region. Besides the country’s charms, Ireland is also a destination with a stable economy and numerous opportunities. In this guide, discover everything about the cost of living in Ireland, from leisure costs to housing expenses, and the cost of transportation.
Official Currency in Ireland
The official currency in Ireland is the euro (EUR). The country was among the first to adopt this European currency.
As in other member countries of the eurozone, the currency is divided into 7 banknotes of different values: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros, as well as 8 coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros.
Note: Some people confuse Ireland with Northern Ireland, which uses sterling and is part of the United Kingdom.
Comparison of the Cost of Living in Ireland and France
| Services | Ireland | France |
| Average monthly salary | 2 930,60€ | 2,649,61€ |
| Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | 1 639€ | 775€ |
| Price per m² for an apartment in city centre | 4,564€ | 5,847€ |
| Meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant | 80€ | 60€ |
| Price of 1 litre of milk | 1,27€ | 1,14€ |
| Monthly mobile subscription | Between 15€ et 35€ on average | Between 10€ et 31,99€ on average |
| Average price of 1 litre of petrol | 1,77€ | 1,81€ |
| Single ticket for local transport | 2€ | 1,80€ |
According to the latest figures, the cost of living in Ireland is 1.1% higher than in France, excluding rent, and 18.4% higher, including rent.
Housing
Housing prices in Ireland are among the highest in Europe. Rents in the country have doubled since 2013 and will reach record levels in 2024.
In Dublin, the starting budget for renting accommodation in the city center is €1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment. Outside the city center, the minimum budget is €1,350.
For those wishing to become homeowners in Dublin, the price per m² in the city center is between €5,000 and €9,000. On the outskirts, prices per m² range from €3,800 to €7,500.
Outside of Dublin, the housing budget is lower:
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: €1,431.82/month
- Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment: €2,268.08/month
- Average price per m² for purchasing an apartment: between €2,650 and €8,073
Additional Housing Costs
As everywhere else, additional costs are added to the price of accommodation. Plan a monthly budget for:
- Electricity price per kWh: €0.438
- Price of natural gas per kWh: €0.137
- Cost per liter of heating oil: €1.03
Food
In Ireland, you can do your shopping in supermarkets, specialized shops, and especially in local markets, such as the English Market in the picturesque city of Cork
On average, the shopping budget in Ireland is between 3% and 14% higher than in France. This comparative table of basic food prices highlights this:
| Food item | Price in Ireland | Price in France |
| Milk (1 L) | 1,27€ | 1,14€ |
| Water (1,5 L) | 1,55€ | 0,70€ |
| Sliced bread (500 g) | 1,73€ | 1,79€ |
| Rice (1 kg) | 1,61€ | 2,21€ |
| Eggs (12 pieces) | 3,64€ | 3,80€ |
| Local cheese (500 g) | 4,22€ | 8,64€ |
| Chicken (1 kg) | 9,49€ | 12,78€ |
| Red meat (1 kg) | 10,65€ | 19,01€ |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 1,73€ | 2,04€ |
| Onions (1 kg) | 1,33€ | 2,07€ |
| Salad (1 head) | 1,11€ | 1,36€ |
| Apples (1 kg) | 2,56€ | 2,78€ |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 1,90€ | 2,06€ |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 2,54€ | 2,92€ |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | 12€ | 7€ |
| Imported beer bottle (33 cl) | 3,22€ | 2,77€ |
Transportation
In Ireland, and particularly in Dublin, there are many means of transport, the most popular being the bus and the tram (Luas).
For bus trips in Dublin, you can take more than 100 lines for an average budget of between €1.70 and €2.60 per person. It is also possible to get a day pass costing €26 for 5 days per person.
Dublin residents can also travel with the Irish tram network called “Luas.” It has two lines with a single trip price of €2 for adults and €0.90 for children. Regular users, such as those commuting to work, can also opt for Tax Saver Tickets for preferential rates, and students can benefit from the Student Leap offer.
The taxi is also a very popular means of transport in Ireland. Here are the average taxi fares in Dublin:
- Price per kilometre: €1.35
- Trip: €4 minimum
- Waiting minute: €0.40€
Healthcare System in Ireland
The costs of medical care in Ireland are as follows:
| Medical services | Price |
| General practitioner consultation | Around 50 to 60€ |
| Specialist consultation | Over 100€ on average |
| Consultation with a dentist | From 80 to 100€ |
| Travel medicine consultation | 60€ on average |
| Placement of a dental crown | 400€ per crown |
| Emergency visit without GP referral | 100€ |
| Trauma service consultation | 75€ |
The healthcare system in Ireland is based on contributions and eligibility for partial coverage. It is advisable to subscribe to international health insurance that offers optimal coverage to be covered in Ireland and worldwide.
Education
The school system in Ireland requires compulsory attendance from 6 to 15 years old. Children usually start their education in kindergarten and primary schools before starting their secondary education.
In Ireland, plan a monthly budget per child for kindergarten from €784 to €1,600. For primary school, the average annual cost for a child is €8,286.52.
Some institutions, such as the Lycée Français International Samuel Beckett (LFI), offer multilingual education, including French. Here are the practiced rates:
- Kindergarten: €6,609/year
- Elementary: €5,610/year
- Middle school: €5,619/year
- High school: €9,363/year
Telecommunication Services
Ireland is currently working on its digital future. Communication infrastructure is continuously improving to offer ever more optimal services. On average, here are the practiced prices:
- Monthly phone plan with 10 GB+ data: between €15 and €35
- Internet subscription of 60 Mbps or more: €35 to €70
Leisure
Hiking, nature escapes, treks, cycling, diving, fishing, outings in Dublin’s lively neighborhoods, visits to historic castles… Living in Ireland is synonymous with leisure! The cost of activities varies, but there is a wide range of prices:
- Cinema ticket: between €10 and €15
- Museum visit: between €5 and €8 on average
- Visit to Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin: €8 per adult, €6 for seniors, €4 for students, and free for children under 12
- Visit to the historic site of Rock of Cashel: €8 per adult, free for children
- Kayaking excursions: between €59 and €90 on average
Adventure lovers can explore Achill Island, the largest island in Ireland. Strewn with beaches and impressive landscapes, it is dotted with cliffs such as those of Croaghaun or Minaun.
The island is connected to Ireland by a bridge from Westport. You can cross it by car or bus, with a starting price of €6 per person. There are many activities: the beaches are free, and it is possible to rent a campsite spot for a small tent at €20 per night. For those who prefer more comfort, hotels are available at an average price of €85 per night.