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

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Kilkenny, understanding the the cost of living in Kilkenny helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kilkenny

"The cost of living in Kilkenny, is considered moderate compared to other parts of Ireland. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate. Groceries in Kilkenny can be a bit pricey, with items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables costing more than in other countries. Eating out in restaurants, especially in the city center, can also be quite costly. Transportation costs in Kilkenny are reasonable, with a variety of options available including buses, taxis, and trains. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of petrol and maintenance. Healthcare in Kilkenny is of a high standard, but it can be expensive if you do not have health insurance. Education, particularly private education, can also be a significant expense for families living in Kilkenny. Overall, while the cost of living in Kilkenny can be high compared to other parts of the world, it is considered to offer a good quality of life," said one expat living in Kilkenny.

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

"I've been living in Kilkenny for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other parts of Ireland, but it's still manageable. Firstly, rent will be your biggest expense. If you want to live alone, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around $800-$900 per month. However, if you're willing to share an apartment or live a bit outside the city center, you can find places for around $500-$600. I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Loughboy or Hebron which are a bit cheaper but still have good amenities and are not too far from the city center. On the other hand, areas like Kells or the city center itself are quite expensive and might not be the best choice if you're on a tight budget. Groceries will probably cost you around $200-$300 per month. I usually shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl which are significantly cheaper than other grocery stores. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, will cost you around $150 per month. Internet and mobile phone bills will be around $50-$60. Public transportation in Kilkenny is quite good and a monthly pass will cost you around $60. However, if you live close to your work or if you prefer walking or cycling, you can save this money. Eating out and entertainment can be quite expensive in Kilkenny. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $15-$20 and a pint of beer is around $5. However, there are always cheaper options and special deals available if you look for them. In terms of healthcare, if you're an EU citizen, you'll have access to the public healthcare system which is quite good. However, if you're not, you'll need to get private health insurance which can be quite expensive. So, as you can see, living on $1,500 a month in Kilkenny is possible but it will require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. You'll probably have to live in a cheaper neighborhood, limit your eating out and entertainment, and possibly share an apartment. But, in my opinion, the quality of life in Kilkenny is worth it. It's a beautiful city with a rich history, friendly people, and plenty to see and do," commented an expat living in Kilkenny.

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

"I've been living in Kilkenny for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and planning. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to some other parts of Ireland, but it's still manageable. The biggest expense you'll have is probably housing. If you're looking for a more affordable area, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Loughboy or Hebron. You can find a decent two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $1,000 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking at more upscale neighborhoods like Kells or Castlecomer, you could be looking at $1,500 to $2,000 a month for a similar apartment. Food is another significant expense. Groceries can cost around $300 to $400 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be quite expensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20 to $30 per person. So, you might have to cut back on dining out or look for cheaper options. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $150 a month. Internet and mobile phone bills can add another $50 to $100 a month. Transportation costs can vary widely depending on your needs. If you're living and working in the city center, you might be able to get by without a car, which can save you a lot of money. Public transportation is quite good and a monthly pass costs around $70. If you need a car, you'll have to factor in the cost of the car itself, insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which can add up to several hundred dollars a month. Healthcare is another factor to consider. If you're not covered by the public healthcare system, you'll need to budget for private health insurance, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 a month, depending on the coverage you choose. So, while it's definitely possible to live in Kilkenny on $3,000 a month, you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. You might not be able to live in the most upscale neighborhood or eat out at fancy restaurants every night, but you can still live a comfortable and enjoyable life here," said one expat living in Kilkenny.

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

"I've been living in Kilkenny for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is lower than in many other parts of Ireland, especially compared to Dublin. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending. For housing, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Loughboy or Hebron. These areas are more affordable, yet still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent two-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, areas like Kells or the city center can be quite expensive, with rents often exceeding $2,000 a month for a similar-sized apartment. Groceries will likely cost you around $300 to $400 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. For instance, local pubs often have great deals on meals. As for utilities, expect to pay around $200 a month for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. Internet and mobile phone services are quite affordable, usually costing around $50 to $70 a month. Transportation costs can vary. If you live and work in the city center, you can get by without a car, as Kilkenny is quite walkable and has good public transportation. However, if you live further out or want the freedom to explore the countryside, you might want to consider getting a car. Petrol costs are high, but insurance and maintenance are relatively affordable. Healthcare is another factor to consider. Ireland has a mixed public-private healthcare system. If you're working here, you'll be entitled to public healthcare, but many expats choose to get private health insurance for more comprehensive coverage. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 a month. In terms of entertainment, there's plenty to do in Kilkenny without breaking the bank. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, with plenty of galleries, theaters, and music venues. There are also beautiful parks and historic sites to visit. Overall, while you might have to make some adjustments, living in Kilkenny on $5,000 a month is certainly feasible. You'll have to budget carefully, especially for housing and transportation, but you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities," commented an expat living in Kilkenny.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Category Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Centre) €800 - €1,200 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) €600 - €900 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) €2,000 - €3,000 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) €1,500 - €2,500 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) €60 - €80
Gasoline (1 liter) €1.30 - €1.50
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) €150 - €200 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) €40 - €60 per month
Private Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child €800 - €1,000
Private Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child €5,000 - €7,000
Private Secondary School, Yearly for 1 Child €6,000 - €8,000
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant €10 - €15
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course €50 - €70
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €4.50 - €5.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) €4.00 - €5.00
Cappuccino (regular) €2.50 - €3.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle) €1.00 - €1.50
Milk (regular), (1 liter) €0.90 - €1.20
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) €1.20 - €2.00
Rice (white), (1kg) €1.50 - €2.50
Eggs (regular) (12) €2.50 - €3.50
Local Cheese (1kg) €8.00 - €12.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg) €8.00 - €11.00
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) €10.00 - €15.00
Apples (1kg) €2.00 - €3.00
Banana (1kg) €1.50 - €2.50
Oranges (1kg) €2.00 - €3.00
Tomato (1kg) €2.00 - €3.00
Potato (1kg) €1.00 - €2.00
Onion (1kg) €1.00 - €2.00
Lettuce (1 head) €1.00 - €1.50
Water (1.5 liter bottle) €1.00 - €1.50
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) €9.00 - €12.00