An Irish saying goes: ” It is better to spend money like there’s no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there’s no money.” Despite the comparatively high cost of living in Ireland, the island’s residents are considered particularly hospitable and enterprising. Anyone spending a semester abroad in Ireland will always find a connection in the local pub or art center. A low budget hardly prevents anyone from meeting friends and acquaintances in their free time.
Planning the expected cost of living in Ireland is part of the optimal preparation for studying abroad on the Emerald Isle. These costs for everyday life depend primarily on the individual lifestyle. In addition to accommodation, food and transport, this also includes activities and means of communication. On average, the cost of living in the capital Dublin is between EUR 650 and EUR 1,000 per month. The surrounding area and smaller towns are a bit cheaper.
Cost of rent in Ireland
Renting accommodation while studying abroad is the largest part of the cost of living in Ireland. To learn more about the country of Ireland and continent of Europe, please follow healthvv. The prices vary depending on the type and location of the temporary domicile. In larger cities such as Dublin and Cork, the cost of renting an apartment or a room is higher than in the rural areas.
In general, the cost of accommodation is between EUR 300 and EUR 900 per month. In addition, there are ancillary costs such as electricity, gas, oil and garbage disposal. Depending on the equipment and consumption, these range from EUR 34 to EUR 80 per month.
In comparison, the accommodations on campus are in the upper price range. A flat share is cheaper due to the cost sharing and is therefore a very popular form of living. Few students opt for the so-called homestay with a host family. This is where the price range is greatest.
Water has been chargeable in Ireland since 2014. These costs are based on consumption and are part of the additional costs.
The shared room
Many students prefer to live in their own apartment or share a flat while studying abroad in Ireland. A 1-room off-campus apartment costs between EUR 850 and EUR 1,000 per month. A great advantage of a flat share is that the residents pay the rent on a pro-rata basis and thus live cheaply during their studies in Ireland. The monthly rent thus amounts to EUR 400 to EUR 700 and, as in Germany, is due at the beginning of the month.
Often the room or apartment is rented for nine to twelve months, i.e. for an academic year. A one- off deposit, usually in the amount of one month’s rent, is added to the ancillary costs.
The dorm room
A room in the university dormitory in Ireland saves looking for an apartment and is usually fully equipped. These include refrigerators and microwaves. Sometimes the residents book dishes or bed linen as a package. This relatively uncomplicated form of living is very popular with international students. However, a room in a residential hall in Ireland is comparatively expensive with a rent of EUR 400 to EUR 800. The additional costs are not always included in the rent.
Students pay the rent once for a semester instead of monthly. There are also food costs. Self-catering is common in dormitories in Ireland and students share a kitchen. In some cases the universities offer a meal option, which increases the costs to up to EUR 1,000 per month.
The room with the host family
Some students take the opportunity of a stay abroad in Ireland to get to know the island’s culture up close with a host family. The universities help with the placement, sometimes for a fee. With a homestay, the students live in their own room and are more or less independent of the family. The monthly costs range from EUR 340 to EUR 900.
When Homestay there are different models with respect to the Board. As with half board, students usually receive breakfast and dinner. An additional packed lunch is also possible.
| Average monthly rental costs | Average base costs for electricity, gas, water and garbage per month | Average monthly internet costs (flat rate) | |
| Shared room | EUR 400-700 | Share of the total amount | Share of the total amount |
| Dormitory | EUR 400-800 | Mostly inclusive | Mostly inclusive |
| host family | EUR 340-900 | Included | Included |
There and back: cost of travel and transportation in Ireland
Part of the cost of living in Ireland is daily transportation to college. Local public transport is easy to use in larger cities and on the main arteries. A bus ticket costs around EUR 2.50. However, the drivers only take the exact amount and do not give change. In Dublin, students receive discounted conditions for the monthly Dublin Bus Pass with the Student TravelCard.
While studying in Ireland, there are transport costs not only for the daily commute to university, but also for traveling across the country. The usual means of transport is the coach, for example from Bus Éirann. The companies often offer monthly passes. Irish Rail operates a network of routes across the island. Here, too, students receive a discount.
The exact amount of the transport costs depends mainly on the location of the accommodation. A cheap alternative is a bicycle. However, not all roads in Ireland have a specially marked cycle path.
