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Cost of living in Ireland: Food, transport, and more
Find out about the cost of living in Ireland in 2025: accommodation, transport, leisure, food, health and connectivity.
When considering a new life abroad, it’s essential to evaluate the financial costs involved. That’s why in this article we’ll show you the cost of living in Ireland in 2025 across different factors. You’ll get a clear view of the monthly budget needed for rent, food, transport, healthcare, connectivity, and leisure in this destination.
Ireland has high costs but also one of Europe’s best living standards. Its competitive salaries let you live comfortably. So, let’s break down Irish prices for you. Got your calculator ready?
Average accommodation costs in Ireland
Accommodation costs in Ireland are high, as the country’s rents are among Europe’s most expensive. According to 2024 data, Dublin ranks second among European cities with the highest rents, averaging $2,139 (€1.909) for a 60 m² flat, only behind London.
Other short-term housing options include hotels, Airbnb, or colivings, as shown below: City-centre flat:
- A one-bedroom flat in the city centrenear attractions and services costs about $2,058 (€1,964) monthly.
- Peripheral areas: More affordable, averaging $1,714 (€1,636).
- Coliving: Shared spaces with private rooms and coworking areas. Popular among digital nomads and remote workers. For example, Nido Living Dublin offers private rooms from $1,257 (€1.200) monthly.
- Airbnb: Rent full flats for days or weeks, starting at $187 in Dublin or $129 (€123) in Cork.
Food costs in Ireland
Shall we shop? Food is another major expense in Ireland’s living costs. Savings depend on where you buy. Supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Tesco offer competitive prices. Let’s check some basic items:
- Milk: One litre for $1.63 (€1.56)
- Rice: One kilo for $1.79 (€1.71)
- Eggs: a dozen for $3.91 (€3.73)
- Bread: One kilo of white bread $4.34 (€4.14)
- Apples: One kilo $3.12 (€2.98)
- Chicken breasts: One kilo tray for $11.46 (€10.94)
- Beef: one kilo for $13.21 (€12.61)
- Tomatoes: One kilo $3.36 (€3.36)
- Potatoes: One kilo $2.10 (€2.00)
- Onions: One kilo $1.59 (€1.52)
- Lettuce: One unit $1.30 (€1.24)
- Bottled water: 1.5 litres $1.83 (€1.75)
Dining out raises your food budget, so it can’t be daily routine. Still, an occasional treat is always welcome. Here are some restaurant examples:
| Type of Meal | Menu | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Irish soda bread with butter and coffee or tea | €3.53-5.44 ($3.70-5.70) |
| Food | Seafood chowder with Irish brown bread | $17.98 (€17.16) |
| Dinner | Beef and Guinness pie with mashed potatoes | $40.00 (€38.18) |
Restaurant menu examples in Ireland.
Transport prices in Ireland
If you live in Ireland, you’ll need transport for work, study, shopping, or travel. Most residents drive, as rural areas lack strong public transport, except big cities like Dublin. Let’s check costs.
Public transport
Dublin has buses and trams. A single ticket costs $3.00 (€2.86), while annual passes cost $140.00 (€133.64). Common uses include:
- Dublin Bus: Extensive routes linking city and suburbs.
- Luas tram: Two main lines (red and blue), very popular in Dublin.
- Trains (DART and Commuter Rail): mainly used to travel between Dublin and nearby cities.
Taxi and Uber
A 15-minute taxi ride costs $20.00–25.00 (€19.09–23.86). Uber, active in Dublin and other cities, is slightly cheaper. The same trip costs $18.00–22.00 (€17.18–21.00).
Bike rentals
Known as Dublinbikes, you can cycle the city for $30.00 (€24.64) annually with a subscription. It’s Ireland’s cheapest, most eco-friendly transport, strongly encouraged by the government.
Fuel and energy
Fuel and energy also affect Ireland’s living costs. Here are average vehicle prices:
- Petrol: $1.70 (€1.62) per litre.
- Electric cars: $0.23 (€0.23) per kWh charging cost.
New vehicle and driving insurance
A Volkswagen Golf costs about $28,000 (€26,727), depending on extras. Electric cars like the Nissan Leaf start at $32,000 (€30,546).
When considering the cost of living in Ireland for private vehicles, you must also include car insurance, which is mandatory in the country. A standard policy costs $800–1,200 (€763.65–1.145,48) yearly. Electric cars start from $700 (€668.20).
Driving is the most complete way to explore Ireland, reaching remote gems like the Wild Atlantic Way or Ring of Kerry. These scenic routes feature cliffs and beaches unreachable by bus.
Healthcare costs
Ireland’s public health system, run by the Health Service Executive (HSE), is not universal. Access depends on residency and income. For instance, new foreign residents don’t receive free care.
If you’re an EEA citizen, apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It allows temporary access to HSE services.
For long stays, it’s best to get private insurance. Intermundial offers annual plans from $150.00 (€143.18), covering emergencies and hospitalisation. Here are some private care prices:
Examples of medical fees in Ireland.
Internet and call plan prices
Internet, both at home and on mobile, is also part of Ireland’s living costs. With the right choice, you’ll get stable connections at fair prices. Here are some providers:
- Virgin Media: 240 MB fixed internet $55.00 (€52.50) monthly.
- Sky Ireland: 300 MB fixed internet $60.00 (€57.27) monthly.
- Eir: 500 MB internet $65.00 (€62.05) monthly.
- Virgin Mobile: 13.6 GB unlimited Europe data $10.00 (€9.53) monthly top-up.
- Eir Mobile: 10 GB + 500 minutes $15.70 (€14.99) monthly.
Holafly plans are the best option for travellers. You’ll get unlimited data in over 160 countries. Stay connected even in rural areas. If you travel abroad, no SIM swap is needed. Check these subscriptions:
- 25 GB plan: For video calls, teamwork tools, and file downloads across devices, $49.90.
- Unlimited plan: Perfect for remote workers needing constant multi-device connection, $64.90 with no hidden charges.
- With Holafly you can also get unlimited data via an Ireland eSIM. Choose the days you need, keep your SIM, and avoid roaming costs. best esim internet for digital nomads
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Leisure costs in Ireland
Ireland offers plenty of activities and attractions, so leisure must be included in living costs. Want to know ticket prices for the Cliffs of Moher, cinema, theatre, or Dublin Zoo? Approximate rates vary by season:
- Cinema: $15.00 (€14.32)
- Dublin Zoo: $25.00 (€23.86)
- Theatre: About $40.00 (€38.18)
- Streaming platforms: $15.00 (€14.32) monthly
- TV services: Cable TV $50.00 (€47.73)
- Guinness Storehouse Dublin: $25.00 (€23.86)
- Cliffs of Moher: $10.00 (€9.55)
- Dublin Castle: $15.00 (€14.32)
In summary, Ireland ranks as Western Europe’s third most expensive country. Dublin is priciest, while Cork, Limerick, and Galway are more affordable. Still, salaries are highly competitive, and the living standard is excellent. With a good job, you’ll enjoy Ireland comfortably and its stunning landscapes too.
