Cost of Living Ireland 2025: City-by-City Breakdown
Up-to-date rents, groceries and transport costs for Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Complete budget guide for moving to Ireland.
Ultimate Salary Calculator Team
Our content is written and reviewed by finance and tax enthusiasts to ensure accuracy.
Rents have surged, groceries inched up, and utilities still sting. Use this 2025 snapshot to benchmark your budget before you relocate or renegotiate.
Monthly Cost Snapshot (Single Person)
| Category | Dublin | Cork | Limerick | Galway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed rent (city center) | €2,540 | €2,213 | €1,375 | €2,304 |
| Groceries | €550 | €480 | €450 | €500 |
| Public transport pass | €96 | €75 | €60 | €80 |
| Utilities | €210 | €180 | €160 | €190 |
| Average net salary | €3,339 | €3,000 | €2,720 | €2,950 |
Key Insights
Dublin remains Europe-level pricey, with rent 36% higher than Limerick.
Limerick offers biggest bang for buck; cost-of-living including rent is 18.6% lower than Dublin.
Groceries differ by only ~4% between cities—housing is the real divider.
Money-Saving Tips
1. Share Accommodation
Cut rent by €600+ by sharing a house or apartment.
2. Use TaxSaver Commuter Tickets
Saves up to 52% on transport costs through salary sacrifice.
3. Compare Energy Suppliers
Switching energy suppliers annually can trim bills by around €180.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
Use our Irish salary calculator to see exactly how much you'll have after tax, USC, and PRSI.
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Read our Dublin Salary Guide →