In 2025, Ireland is a top destination for professionals, students, and families, thanks to its thriving tech sector, vibrant culture, and high standards of living. Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway are key economic hubs attracting people from around the world. However, the cost of living in Ireland has become a pressing concern, especially in major urban areas.
Driven by high housing demand, ongoing inflation, and global economic challenges, day-to-day expenses continue to rise. If you’re relocating to Ireland for work, study, or family reasons, understanding living costs is essential. This Remitly guide covers the latest expenses for housing, groceries, dining, transportation, healthcare, and education.
Housing costs
Housing and living expenses in Ireland are cheaper compared to many developed countries, but prices are rising as the country grows in popularity. Let’s take a look at the Ireland 2025 cost forecast in the housing market.
Urban centers: Dublin, Cork, and Limerick
Dublin’s high housing demand pushes average monthly rents to around €2,540 , a 5.8% increase from last year. House prices also rose to about €700,000 in late 2024.
In Cork, average monthly rent rose 13.6% to €2,213 . House prices increased 6.3% in 2024, reaching €347,263 .
In Limerick, monthly rent jumped 20.4% to an average of €2,405 . House prices rose 8.2%, averaging €284,138 .
Rural areas
The average rent in rural areas has risen 7.2% year-over-year to about €1,645 monthly. The Border region has the lowest average house price at €228,425 , followed by the Midlands at €237,408 .
Market dynamics
The housing market aligns with the Ireland 2025 cost forecast, expecting prices to keep rising because of high demand and limited supply. Even with plans to build more homes, planning delays are still driving prices up and limiting options for renters and buyers.
If you’re planning to move to Ireland, it’s wise to budget 10% more than current estimates to cover ongoing increases. Understanding the local market can help you make smarter decisions about where to live and how to budget.
Groceries and dining
Managing living expenses in Ireland involves strategic choices in groceries and dining, as food prices contribute significantly to monthly expenses. According to Numbeo:
- A liter (2.1 pints) of milk averages €1.34
- A dozen eggs cost €3.74
- A loaf of fresh white bread (500g) costs €1.87
- A kilogram (2.2 pounds) of potatoes costs €1.88
Meanwhile, the prices of locally produced food items in Ireland have experienced notable increases. According to Consumer Price Index:
- A pound (454 grams) of Irish butter rose by €0.97 , bringing the average cost to €4.69
- The price of Irish cheddar cheese rose by €0.79 per kilogram, reaching €11.24
Weekly grocery expenses for one person typically range from €50 to €90 , depending on dietary habits and where you shop. Shopping at discount retailers like Lidl and Aldi can help manage costs.
Dining out is more expensive and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €18 . A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range establishment can range from €60 to €90 .
In Dublin, a plate of Irish stew at popular pubs like The Brazen Head costs between €20 to €30 . Therefore, preparing meals at home is budget-friendly for most residents.
Transportation expenses
Ireland has a range of public transportation options in towns and cities, which help locals save money.
Public transit
Public transportation is an affordable choice for many residents:
Bus fares: In cities like Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford, single adult fares cost around €1.50 when using a TFI Leap Card.
Train fares: Commuter rail fares vary by zone. For example, a single adult fare from Zone 2 to Dublin city center costs €3.90 . Similarly, travelling from Zone 3 to the city center costs €6 .
Monthly passes: A monthly multimodal pass for Dublin City Zone costs €96 , while a pass covering Dublin Commuter Zone 4 averages €235.20 .
Car ownership
Owning and maintaining a car involves several recurring costs. Fuel prices have increased by two cents per litre due to rising shipping costs in 2025. Average annual car insurance premiums have risen to €616 . On top of that, annual road tax ranges from €120 to over €2,000 , depending on the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions.
Regular servicing starts at around €200 , with additional costs for repairs and the National Car Test (NCT), which increased to €60 in January 2025.
Toll charges have seen increases, with the Dublin Port Tunnel morning rush-hour toll rising to €13 , and other tolls across the country increasing by 10 to 20 cents.
Healthcare costs
Many people choose Ireland as a preferred destination because it has an excellent healthcare system with both public and private options.
Public healthcare
Ireland’s public healthcare, managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE), provides services funded through general taxation. Residents can access public hospital care free of charge.
However, certain services may incur fees. General Practitioner (GP) visits typically cost €45 per visit. You may be exempt from these charges if you hold a Medical Card or GP Visit Card.
Emergency department visits cost €100 unless the patient has a referral from a GP. Under the Drug Payment Scheme, individuals and families pay a maximum of €80 monthly for approved prescription medications.
Private healthcare
Private healthcare in Ireland offers quicker access to specialists and elective procedures. As of January 2025, the average annual premium for individual policyholders is €1,740 . Premiums vary based on coverage, age, and health status.
Private GP consultation fees start at €100 , while specialist consultations range from €150 to €300 . Diagnostic procedures like MRIs or blood tests can cost between €200 and €800 , depending on complexity.
Many private health insurance plans offer partial or full reimbursement for these services.
Affordability considerations
While public healthcare services are accessible and often free, waiting times can be lengthy. Private healthcare offers faster services but comes at a higher cost. Assess your personal healthcare needs and financial situation when choosing between public and private options.
Utilities and internet
Households in Ireland are experiencing increased utility expenses, influenced by rising energy prices and adjustments in service charges.
Electricity and heating
The annual electricity bill for a standard urban household is around €1,817.12 . This reflects Ireland’s position as the country with the second-highest electricity prices in the EU, at 0.3736 per kWh.
Gas heating costs have also risen due to higher VAT rates and rising wholesale energy prices. The average annual bill is around €1,571.04 .
Water charges
Domestic water usage is free up to a certain threshold. However, households exceeding this threshold pay €1.85 per 1,000 litres of excess water used.
Broadband services
Broadband costs have seen mid-contract price increases in 2025. For instance, Sky Ireland customers face an additional €4 per month, totalling €48 annually. Despite these hikes, competitive deals are available, with providers like Eir offering 500 Mbps broadband and off-peak calls for €34.99 per month during the first year.
Education and childcare
Ireland is attracting people from different countries with its quality public and private options for education and childcare.
Primary and secondary education
Public primary and secondary schools in Ireland are funded by the government and provide free education to residents. However, parents still have to pay for extra costs like uniforms, books, and after-school activities.
To help ease some of these expenses, the government has expanded the free school books program and increased funding per student as part of a record €11.8 billion education budget for 2025.
On the other hand, private schools’ tuition fees have seen significant increases. Annual fees for day pupils now range between €4,000 and €14,000 , with some institutions reporting hikes of up to 19%.
Boarding options are more expensive, with fees up to €23,400 per year at some institutions. Additionally, from January 2025, private school fees and boarding charges are subject to 20% VAT, potentially increasing the financial burden on families.
University education
For undergraduate students, the standard student contribution charge is €3,000 per academic year. However, the state may cover this fee fully or partially for eligible students under the Free Fees Initiative.
Ireland’s growing reputation for international education attracts many students from abroad. International students face higher tuition fees, with undergraduate courses ranging from €5,000 to €45,000 annually, depending on the institution and program.
Childcare costs
Childcare expenses remain a significant consideration for families. The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support, offering a universal subsidy of €2.14 per hour for up to 45 hours per week for children under 15.
The government has set the goal of a €200 monthly childcare cap per child, though achieving these cost reductions may take some time.
Taxes and miscellaneous costs
In 2025, taxes in Ireland still play a big role in how much people spend daily. The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains at 23%, with reduced rates of 13.5%, 9%, and 4.8% applied to specific goods and services.
Notably, a temporary reduced VAT rate of 9% on gas and electricity has been extended until October 31, 2025, to reduce energy costs for consumers.
Income tax rates are structured progressively. For single individuals, the first €44,000 of income is taxed at 20%, with any income above this threshold taxed at 40%.
For married couples with one income, the 20% rate applies up to €53,000 , and up to €88,000 for couples with two incomes. Additionally, tax credits have been increased, with the personal tax credit rising by €125 to €2,000 in 2025.
Miscellaneous expenses
Not surprisingly, entertainment and leisure activity costs vary depending on your location.
- A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two typically ranges from €60 to €90 .
- A fast-food combo meal costs between €8 and €12 .
- A cappuccino averages €3.76 .
- A 0.33-liter (11-oz) bottle of Coke or Pepsi is around €2.28 .
Gym membership fees also vary by location and facility:
- In Westmeath and Wexford, average monthly fees are around €44 .
- In Monaghan and Cavan, fees can be around €58.25 .
Tips for managing living costs in Ireland
Navigating the rising cost of living in Ireland requires strategic planning. Implementing effective budgeting techniques can significantly impact your financial well-being.
Budgeting and financial planning
Adopt budgeting frameworks like the 50/30/20 rule:
- Allocate 50% of your income to necessities
- 30% to discretionary spending
- 20% to savings
This can give you a structured approach to managing your finances. However, given the high costs in cities like Dublin, you can adjust this model to accommodate high living expenses.
Budgeting apps offer a convenient way to track your expenses and plan for the future.
Final takeaways
Living in Ireland in 2025 comes with both financial challenges and rewarding opportunities. From housing and healthcare to groceries, transportation, and education, the cost of living varies depending on lifestyle, location, and family size. While expenses in major cities like Dublin can be high, there are ways to manage costs, especially with budgeting and a mindful approach to daily spending.
Despite the rising cost of living in Ireland, the country continues to attract newcomers with its high quality of life and growing economy. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or a better lifestyle, Ireland offers a welcoming environment where careful financial planning can go hand-in-hand with enjoying everything this dynamic country has to offer.
FAQs
Is living in rural Ireland significantly cheaper than in cities like Dublin or Cork?
Yes, rural areas typically offer lower housing and general living costs. Rent, property prices, and even some daily expenses are noticeably more affordable compared to modern hubs, although there may be limited access to certain services.
Are there government subsidies or support available to help with living costs in Ireland?
Yes, Ireland offers several support services such as rent supplement, the Working Family Payment, Child Benefits, and subsidies for healthcare and childcare, especially for low-to-middle-income earners and families.
Is public healthcare really free in Ireland?
Public healthcare is subsidized but not entirely free. While many services are covered, there are fees for doctor visits, emergency room attendance, and prescription drugs, unless you qualify for a medical card or GP visit card.
Can expats or foreign residents access affordable education and childcare in Ireland?
Yes, expats can access public schools for free, and some may qualify for subsidized child care through government schemes. However, private schools and full-time childcare centers can be expensive, especially in larger cities.