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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Clifden 2024
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Cost of Living in Clifden

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Clifden helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €700 - €900 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €600 - €800 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,200 - €1,600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €1,000 - €1,400 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €2,000 - €2,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €1,500 - €2,000
Transportation
  • One-way local bus ticket: €2.50
  • Monthly local bus pass: €60 - €80
  • Taxi starting tariff: €4.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €1.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.40 - €1.60
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €1.00 - €1.30
  • Bread (500g): €1.20 - €2.00
  • Rice (1kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Eggs (12): €2.50 - €3.50
  • Cheese (1kg): €8.00 - €12.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): €8.00 - €12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €10.00 - €15.00
  • Apples (1kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Bananas (1kg): €1.20 - €2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Potatoes (1kg): €0.80 - €1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.80 - €1.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €9.00 - €12.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.80 - €3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10.00 - €15.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €40.00 - €60.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's: €8.00 - €9.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €4.00 - €5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €4.00 - €5.00
  • Cappuccino: €2.50 - €3.50
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 - €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.20 - €0.30
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €40 - €60 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €400 - €800 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €4,000 - €8,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: €6,000 - €12,000 per year
  • High school tuition: €8,000 - €15,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Clifden

"The cost of living in Clifden is considered moderate. Housing tends to be more affordable than in larger cities like Dublin, but still higher than in many rural areas. Utilities such as electricity, heating, and cooling are also moderately priced. Groceries can be a bit expensive, with prices for food and drink being higher than the European average. Eating out and entertainment in Clifden can range from moderately priced to expensive, depending on the venue. Transportation costs are relatively low, especially if you own a car, as public transportation options are limited. Healthcare is generally affordable, particularly for residents who qualify for the public health system. Overall, the cost of living in Clifden is manageable, but it can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits," said one expat living in Clifden.

Can I live in Clifden on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Clifden for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for a place in the outskirts of town, as the central areas can be quite expensive. You might also consider sharing a flat with someone to split the rent and utilities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be costly due to insurance, fuel, and maintenance. I suggest using public transportation or cycling to get around. Clifden is a small town, so it's easy to navigate on foot or by bike.Eating out can be pricey, so I recommend cooking at home most of the time. There are several grocery stores in town where you can find affordable ingredients. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, there are some cheaper options like pubs and cafes that offer reasonably priced food.For entertainment, you'll need to be mindful of your budget. Going to the cinema or attending events can add up quickly. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings in Clifden. There are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby Connemara National Park that are free or low-cost.In terms of shopping, you'll want to avoid the more expensive boutiques and stick to the local markets and thrift stores for clothing and household items. It's also a good idea to keep an eye out for sales and discounts at the larger stores.Overall, living in Clifden on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost or free activities, you can make it work and still enjoy your time in this beautiful Irish town," commented an expat living in Clifden.

Can I live in Clifden on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Clifden for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. Clifden is a small town, so there aren't really specific neighborhoods that are more expensive than others. However, you'll want to avoid renting a house or apartment right in the town center, as those tend to be pricier. Instead, look for a place a little further out – you'll still be within walking distance of everything, but the rent will be more reasonable.As for utilities and other monthly expenses, they're generally not too high in Clifden. However, you might want to cut back on some non-essential services, like cable TV or high-speed internet, to save some money. You can also save on groceries by shopping at local markets and discount stores, rather than the more expensive supermarkets.Eating out can be a bit pricey in Clifden, especially at the more upscale restaurants. To save money, try cooking at home more often or eating at more affordable places, like pubs and cafes. You can still enjoy the occasional meal out, but it's best to limit it to special occasions.Transportation costs in Clifden are relatively low, as the town is small and walkable. However, if you plan on traveling to other parts of Ireland or Europe, you'll want to budget for those trips accordingly. Look for deals on flights and accommodations, and consider traveling during the off-season to save money.Overall, living in Clifden on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget. By finding an affordable place to live, cutting back on non-essential expenses, and being smart about your travel plans, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming Irish town," said one expat living in Clifden.

Can I live in Clifden on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Clifden for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Clifden is a small town, so the cost of living is generally lower than in bigger cities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of your housing costs. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Clifden include the areas around the Sky Road and the town center. These areas offer beautiful views and are close to shops and restaurants, but the rent can be quite high. To save on housing, consider looking for a place in the more affordable neighborhoods, such as those around the Clifden Community School or the Clifden Glen area. These areas are still close to the town center but offer more reasonably priced housing options.Another thing to consider is transportation. Clifden is a small town, so you might not need a car, especially if you live close to the town center. Walking or cycling can be a great way to save money on transportation costs. However, if you do need a car, be prepared for the high cost of petrol in Ireland. You might want to consider getting a fuel-efficient vehicle to help offset these costs.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Clifden, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, consider cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. There are also some more affordable dining options in town, such as the local pubs and cafes, which offer reasonably priced meals.Finally, be prepared for the cost of utilities, such as electricity and heating. Ireland's climate can be quite damp and chilly, so you'll likely need to use heating throughout the year. To save on these costs, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances and insulation for your home.Overall, living in Clifden on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and being conscious of your utility usage, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this charming Irish town," commented an expat living in Clifden.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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