I moved to Ireland a few years ago, drawn by the promise of quality education and strong job prospects. Adjusting to the cost of living in Ireland was a learning curve. As a student, I quickly realized that balancing study and work was essential to managing Ireland's living expenses.
Did you know that one in five students in Ireland is from another country? Approximately 141,600 people move to Ireland yearly, attracted by its strong economy and high quality of life. According to the ICEF Monitor, living expenses in Ireland average around €12,000 per year, including rent, utilities, food, and other necessities.
If you plan to study or settle in Ireland, understanding the living expenses is crucial.
Low Crime Rate: Ireland boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, making it a safe and peaceful place to live.
Excellent Healthcare: After living here for five years, I was entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment through the Health Service Executive.
High Quality of Life: According to the OECD Better Life Index, Ireland ranks among the top 10 countries worldwide, making it an attractive destination for students and professionals alike.
Strong Job Market: Ireland's economy is robust, with an average salary for fresh graduates ranging from €30,000 to €40,000 per year (as per Glassdoor). This helps in managing the cost of living in Ireland.
Green Spaces: Over 25% of the country is covered in forests, parks, and other green areas, offering plenty of outdoor activities and a high quality of life.
Public Transport: A monthly public transport pass costs around €120, making it easy to commute without breaking the bank.
Work-Life Balance: Ireland is known for its excellent work-life balance, with an average workweek of 39 hours.
In this article, I'll share insights into the expenses you might incur to study or permanently reside in Ireland, including the cost of living in Ireland and managing Ireland living expenses.
The best cities for international students are those that house the best institutes in the country. As I discovered, the best Irish universities are located in its top five cities, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Maynooth, and Galway, in 2024. These cities offer great education and a lively cultural experience, making the cost of living in Ireland worth it for students.
From my experience, the cost of living in Ireland for Indian students for one academic year is around €12,000. This includes rent, electricity, food bills, medicine, and other necessities.
Accommodation: Costs range between €420 and €500 per month. On-campus living is between €300 to €600 per month.
Shared Bedroom: The cost per person is about €350. For a private, more luxurious space, rent can go up to €850.
A Guide to Monthly Cost of Living in Dublin
The cost of living in Dublin, Ireland, can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. Here's a look at the average monthly expenses for international students based on recent data:
Expense
Average Cost (€)
Average Cost (₹)
Milk (regular) (1 liter)
€1.29
₹108
Eggs (regular) (12)
€3.77
₹314
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
€116.67
₹9,741
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment
€271.55
₹22,690
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
€22.16
₹1,851
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
Based on my experience and data from recent sources, here's an overview of the average cost of living in Ireland's Galway:
Expense
Average Cost (€)
Average Cost (₹)
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
€1.30
₹108
Eggs (regular) (12)
€3.30
₹274
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
€60.00
₹4,997
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment
€210.13
₹17,490
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
€19.12
₹1,592
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
€43.90
₹3,656
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
€56.23
₹4,684
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar)
€68.89
₹5,739
Source: Numbeo
A Guide to Monthly Cost of Living in Cork
Here's a look at the average cost of living in southern Ireland’s Cork:
Expense
Average Cost (€)
Average Cost (₹)
Milk (regular) (1 liter)
€1.31
₹109
Eggs (regular) (12)
€3.76
₹314
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
€95.00
₹7,933
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment
€210.58
₹17,576
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
€21.32
₹1,779
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
€51.31
₹4,286
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
€65.13
₹5,438
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar)
€95.49
₹7,973
University Tuition Fees in Ireland
Ireland, known as the Land of Saints and Scholars, has some of the world's most renowned institutions, colleges, and monasteries, some dating back to 500 AD. I chose Ireland for its top-notch law, technology, arts, literature, and science education. With its high global appeal, one in five students in Ireland is from another country.
Tuition Fees
Here’s a detailed look at the tuition fees for various programs in Ireland:
Program
Annual Tuition Fee (€)
Undergraduate
€9,850 - €25,500
Postgraduate
€9,500 - €24,500
Doctoral
€10,000 - €35,000
Additional Costs (Books, Stationeries, Personal Accessories)
€200 per month
Source: QS Rankings
Top Colleges and Universities in Ireland
I found some of the best universities in Ireland when exploring my options. Here are a few:
University
Location
Royal College of Surgeons
Dublin
University College Dublin
Dublin
National University of Ireland, Galway
Galway
University College Cork
Cork
Maynooth University
Maynooth
Dublin City University
Dublin
Source: QS Rankings
Ireland’s education system is lauded for its unique and upgraded curriculum, making it a top choice for students worldwide. The cost of living in Ireland for a single person is reasonable, considering the quality of education and the opportunities available.
Regional trains, buses, DART, and local taxis are available. The monthly transportation bill in Ireland comes out to be around €140. If you are a student, getting a student travel card is advisable. If you are a student, it is advisable to get a student travel card. It reduces your cost by 40% and provides you with quicker services even if you are far from your college. Public transport takes care of traveling in the city. For traveling outside and between cities, you can use public transport, train, flight, or long-distance bus.
TFI Leap Card
For public transport in Dublin and adjoining counties like Waterford, Galway, Sligo, Wexford, Cork, and others, one can use a TFI Leap Card for payment, which is convenient and contactless. Leap Cards can be used in Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Go Ahead, Dublin Bus, and Luas and on commuter and rural bus services within the Transport for Ireland (TFI) public transport network.
Types of TFI Leap Card:
1) Adult
2) Adult Personalized
3) Student
4) Child 5 – 15
5) Child 16 – 18
6) Visitor
Food Cost in Ireland and Cost of Basic Everyday Items
Pondering what you might have to pay for everyday essentials in Ireland could be a racing thought. However, Ireland is cheaper than you think. Not the cheapest but cheaper as compared to other desired countries. The everyday groceries and requisites are affordable. The monthly expenses for your food fall between €250 and €350.
Average Utilities and Bills in Ireland
The average clothing expense for both men and women can be between €60 to €80. However, if you shop from premium brands, it can go up to as much as €100. For an average-sized apartment with either one or two rooms, the cost for cooling, electricity, garbage, etc., is around €180 per month. The average internet and mobile phone bill price is close to €80.
The average gas bill in Ireland turns out to be €805. However, the gas bills are lower during the summer and high during the winter months.
Miscellaneous Components
Besides the expenses incurred on accommodation and education, some miscellaneous costs have have to be borne by an international student in Ireland. Besides the approximate cost of living in Ireland, you must also consider the various components, including personal expenses, utilities, and the amount spent on leisure activities such as restaurant and movie outings.
Here’s a list of the expenses incurred on various miscellaneous components. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the prices may vary depending on market conditions.
When I decided to leave my home country and settle in Ireland, I had to think about the responsibilities that came with it, especially managing my finances. The cost of living in Ireland for international students can vary, and many students, including myself, often don't know much about saving and investing.
To manage Ireland's average cost of living, here are a few simple tips that helped me keep my expenses in check:
Lower Your Mobile Phone Bills: Use a pre-paid SIM card and limit unnecessary usage to save on phone bills.
Switch Your Mortgage: Look for lenders offering cashback or discounts. Many lenders offer cashback of up to 3%.
Change Your Energy Supplier: Search for cheaper energy services. Eco-friendly options might cost more initially but will save money in the long run. Installing a solar panel, for example, can reduce electricity bills.
Use Zero Percent Interest Credit Cards: If you have debt, transfer the balance to a credit card with 0% interest. This option is available in Ireland, especially for foreigners.
Open a Savings Bank Account: Have a separate bank account for savings. This helps manage savings better and ensures funds are available when needed.
Cook at Home: Eating out can be expensive. Cooking at home saves money and allows you to eat healthier.
Buy Second-Hand Items: Look for second-hand shops or online marketplaces for furniture, books, and clothes. This can save you a lot of money compared to buying new.
These tips gave me a better idea of the cost of living in the Republic of Ireland. This guide provides detailed information to help you plan your move to Ireland or pursue higher education here successfully. Balancing the Ireland monthly expenses is crucial, but with the right strategies, it is manageable.
Comparison of Both On-Campus and Off-Campus Accommodation Costs in Ireland
As an international student in Ireland, I had to choose between on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
On-campus accommodation, such as hostels or apartments within the university, offers convenience with easy access to lectures and university facilities.
It provides an all-inclusive package with amenities, round-the-clock security, and health services, fostering a close-knit community.
On the other hand, off-campus accommodation tends to have a lower average cost of living in Ireland. It offers more choices in housing types and fewer restrictions on noise and guests, helping students learn important life skills like money management.
While on-campus living connects you with the university community, off-campus living integrates you into the larger city.
Cost of Staying on Campus Vs Cost of Staying Off-Campus
When I decided to study in Ireland, understanding the cost of living in Ireland was crucial. Here's a detailed comparison of on-campus and off-campus accommodation costs based on my experience:
Category
On-Campus (€)
Off-Campus (€)
On-Campus (₹)
Off-Campus (₹)
Accommodation
€4,000 - €6,000/year
€3,000 - €5,000/year
₹3.4 lakhs - 5 lakhs
₹2.51 lakhs - 4.18 lakhs
€500/month
€250 - €417/month
₹42,000/month
₹20,900 - 34,900/month
Utilities
Included
€211.50/month
Included
₹18,000/month
Food
€250/month
€250/month
₹21,000/month
₹21,000/month
Internet
Included
€48.23/month
Included
₹4,100/month
Travel
Minimal
€60 - €180/month
Minimal
₹5,000 - 15,000/month
Miscellaneous
€100 - €200/month
€150 - €300/month
₹8,500 - 17,000/month
₹12,700 - 25,400/month
Source: www.numbeo.com
Scholarships & Part-Time Jobs while Studying in Ireland
Being an international student in Ireland is a mesmerizing experience. Driving along the Atlantic Way, enjoying picturesque towns, or strolling the iconic Cliff of Moher, Ireland is enthralling. However, managing finances can be challenging. Scholarships and part-time jobs are great ways to support your cost of living in Ireland for Indian or other international students.
Scholarships
Scholarship Name
Benefit(s)
Intel Scholarship
Financial support for tech students
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
Full fee waiver and stipend
Fulbright Scholarships
Financial aid for postgraduate students
DIT Centenary Scholarship Program
Full tuition fee waiver
University of Cork Scholarships
Financial aid for various courses
Global Excellence Graduate Scholarships
Fee reduction for high-achieving students
Maynooth University Scholarships
Financial support for various programs
Caroline Walsh Bursary in Creative Writing
Financial aid for creative writing students
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Scholarships
Financial support for various courses
V. Giri Global Excellence Scholarships
Financial aid for international students
Quercus Taught Masters Academic Scholarships
Tuition fee reduction for master’s students
Max Arthur Macauliffe Special Merit Scholarships
Financial support for exceptional students
Erasmus+
Funding for exchange programs
Part-Time Jobs
While scholarships help with tuition and fees, part-time jobs can cover other expenses. Here are some options for part-time work in Ireland:
On-Campus Part-Time Jobs:
Research Assistant
Administrative Job
Teacher Assistant
Peer Tutor
Library Attendant
Campus Tour Guide
Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs:
Barista
Call Center Agent
Tutor
Store Assistant
Housekeeper
Community Support Worker
Babysitter
Parking Agent
Balancing scholarships and part-time jobs can significantly help manage the living expenses in Dublin, Ireland, and other parts of the country. Proper planning allows you to enjoy your studies and life in Ireland without financial stress.
What are Tuition Fees in Ireland
Here’s a detailed overview of the annual tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in some of the major universities in Ireland, which I found very helpful:
University
Undergraduate Fee (€)
Postgraduate Fee (€)
Trinity College Dublin
€18,000 - €24,000
€19,000 - €30,000
University College Dublin
€18,700 - €25,600
€20,000 - €32,000
University College Cork
€14,000 - €20,000
€15,000 - €22,000
National University of Ireland, Galway
€13,750 - €18,000
€15,500 - €23,500
Dublin City University
€13,000 - €18,000
€14,000 - €21,000
University of Limerick
€12,000 - €16,000
€13,000 - €20,000
Maynooth University
€12,500 - €17,500
€13,500 - €22,000
Technological University Dublin
€10,000 - €14,500
€12,000 - €18,000
Source: University’s Official Website
Study Overseas with upGrad Abroad
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FAQs
Is Ireland expensive for Indian students?
Studying in Ireland for international students is certainly costlier than studying at home. However, compared to the UK and USA, the average tuition fees are much lower. The average tuition fees while studying at a university in Ireland will cost you somewhere between €5000 to €25000 per year. In terms of living expenses, the average cost of living in Ireland is 220% higher than in India.
How much does it cost to live in Dublin as a student?
The cost of staying in Dublin as a student differs according to your chosen area. However, on an estimate, the monthly cost of living in Dublin can be around €1539. This includes expenses on rent, travel, food, utilities, clothing, mobile bills, books and study materials, and costs incurred on leisure activities.
Is it more expensive to live in England or Ireland?
According to a study by Provident Personal Credit, the cost of living in Ireland is said to be 13.97 percent more than that of the UK as Irish consumers spend more on rents, cars, groceries and fashion.
How much is the cost of living in Ireland?
The average cost of living in Ireland for international students for one academic year (9 months) is estimated to be up to at least €12,000 per year. It includes the rent for accommodation, food bills, electricity, medicine, and other such necessities.
How much is the monthly living cost in Ireland?
As per Numbeo, Ireland is in the 51st position globally in terms of the most expensive places to live. The monthly cost of living in Ireland on an average can range somewhere between €1200 to €2000.
What is the average salary in Ireland?
As per Numbeo, the average salary that a fresher can expect on completing a course in Ireland can range from €30,000 to €60,000 per annum.
Is it expensive to live in Ireland?
Living in Ireland can be pricey, with costs in cities like Dublin reaching €500 for rent and €1,000 for monthly expenses. However, the high quality of life, vibrant culture, and excellent educational opportunities make it worth the cost.
Is Ireland costlier than the UK?
Ireland can be more expensive than the UK, with higher rent and more expensive groceries. Despite this, Ireland offers a welcoming environment, a high standard of living, and a friendly community.
Is Australia or Ireland more expensive?
Australia is generally more expensive than Ireland, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne having higher living costs. However, Ireland's rich history, beautiful landscapes, and friendly communities provide a unique and rewarding living experience.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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