Ireland Cost of Living

An updated 2025 guide for Expats looking to relocate to Ireland.

A real-world guide for expats, movers, and digital nomads

Thinking about relocating to Ireland? Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities, family ties, or the green scenery — understanding the cost of living is essential for planning your move with clarity and confidence.

In this guide, we break down what it really costs to live in Ireland in 2025 — from rent and transport to groceries and unexpected extras. If you haven’t yet settled on Ireland as your destination, check out our post on the Best Country to Move to from the UK.

💶 Average Monthly Costs in Ireland

Here’s what a single person can expect to spend each month in 2025 (approximate):

Category	Monthly Cost (€)
Rent (1-bed city)	€1,200 – €1,700
Rent (1-bed rural)	€800 – €1,200
Groceries	€250 – €350
Utilities	€120 – €200
Public Transport	€100 – €150
Internet & Mobile	€40 – €70
Dining & Socialising	€150 – €300
Total (est.)	€1,860 – €2,770

👉 Curious how this compares? Cost of Living in Spain | Cost of Living in Germany

🏠 Rent in Ireland: City vs Countryside

Rent will be your biggest monthly expense. Here’s a general overview:

Dublin: Highest in the country. Expect €1,500+ for a 1-bed.
Cork & Galway: Around €1,200 for similar properties.
Rural areas: Can drop to €800–€1,000 depending on location and condition.

Want practical tips on navigating leases? Read: Renting in Ireland

🛒 Groceries and Eating Out

Groceries are fairly priced, especially if you shop local. Irish chains like Dunnes, SuperValu, and Lidl offer good value.

Milk: €1.50
Bread: €1.50–€2.00
Eggs (dozen): €3.00
Coffee out: €3.50
Pub meal: €12–€20

📦 Planning a move? We handle Part Load Removals to Ireland to save you money.

🚉 Transport and Getting Around

Public transport is available and widely used in urban areas. Rural areas rely more on cars.

Dublin monthly Leap Card (bus, tram, train): ~€120
Car fuel: ~€1.80/litre
Driving insurance for new residents: often high — shop around

If you’re relocating soon, visit our Removals to Ireland page to get started.

🩺 Healthcare and Insurance

Ireland operates a mixed public-private healthcare system. While EU citizens may use the EHIC, non-EU expats must arrange private health cover.

Private insurance: €60–€150/month depending on provider
GP visit (without insurance): €50–€70
Public A&E visit: €100 flat fee

For new arrivals, we recommend reviewing your Visa Options for Ireland to ensure proper healthcare access.

☘️ Cost-Saving Tips for New Arrivals

Share a flat when starting out — rent is the real budget killer
Use local markets instead of chains for fresh produce
Grab a Leap Card for discounted city transport
Watch for energy-saving rental properties (heating costs add up fast)

Final Thoughts

Ireland offers a high quality of life, but it’s not cheap. That said, if you’re prepared — financially and logistically — it’s a rewarding place to live, work, or study.

Need help with the move? We offer expert support across everything from customs clearance to storage and packing.

🔗 Get a removals quote for Ireland
🔗 Read: Renting in Ireland

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