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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Dublin 2024
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Trinity College, Dublin


Cost of Living in Dublin

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

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

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Dublin is €1,500 per month. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Dublin is €400,000. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Transportation Public transportation in Dublin is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 and a monthly pass costs €140. Taxis are also available and the cost of a taxi ride depends on the distance traveled.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Dublin is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.20, and a dozen eggs costs €2.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Dublin varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around €7, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €25.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Dublin is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is €200 per month, while the average cost of gas is €100 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Dublin varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €2,000 per year, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is €4,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is €6,000 per year, and the average cost of high school tuition is €8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dublin

"The cost of living in Dublin is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices are particularly expensive, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing around €1,500 per month. Groceries and other everyday items can also be quite costly, with prices for basic items such as milk and bread being higher than in other parts of Europe. Eating out can also be expensive, with the average meal costing around €15-20. However, there are some bargains to be found, with many pubs and restaurants offering discounts and deals," said one expat living in Dublin.

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

"I've been living in Dublin for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's quite challenging to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, it's not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. Dublin can be quite expensive when it comes to rent, so you might want to consider living in a shared apartment or house. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods to look into are Tallaght, Finglas, and Blanchardstown. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they have good public transport connections, and you'll be able to find cheaper rent compared to more central locations like Temple Bar or Ballsbridge.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transport or cycling instead of owning a car. Dublin has a decent bus and tram system, and there's also a bike-sharing scheme called DublinBikes that you can use for a small annual fee. This will save you a lot on fuel and parking costs.For groceries and other essentials, you'll want to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, which offer good quality products at lower prices. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out, as dining in restaurants can be quite expensive in Dublin.When it comes to entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be selective about the activities you choose. Going out for drinks can be pricey, so you might want to consider hosting gatherings at your place or attending free events around the city. There are often free festivals, exhibitions, and other cultural events happening in Dublin, so keep an eye out for those.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like having a gym membership or a car. You'll also need to be more conscious of your spending and budget carefully to make sure you can cover all your expenses.Overall, living in Dublin on $1,500 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being smart about your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can make it work and still enjoy your time in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Dublin.

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

"I've been living in Dublin for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. The biggest expense you'll have is housing, so you'll want to look for affordable neighborhoods. Some areas I'd recommend are Drumcondra, Phibsborough, and Ranelagh. These neighborhoods are a bit more affordable than the city center, but still have good access to public transportation and amenities.On the other hand, you'll want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Rathmines, as the rent prices there can be quite high. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $150-$200 a month for electricity, gas, and water. Internet and phone plans can vary, but you can find decent options for around $50 a month.Groceries can be a bit pricey in Dublin, but if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, you can save quite a bit. Eating out can also be expensive, so you'll want to limit that as much as possible. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work will help you save money.Transportation costs can add up, so I'd recommend getting a Leap Card, which is a prepaid card for public transportation. It'll save you money on bus, tram, and train fares. If you're able to walk or bike to work, that's even better.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Dublin. You can visit parks, museums, and galleries, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year. Just be mindful of your spending when it comes to nights out, as drinks can be quite expensive in pubs and clubs.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Dublin is doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your grocery shopping, and limiting your spending on entertainment, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that Dublin has to offer," said one expat living in Dublin.

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

"I've been living in Dublin for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and going out. Dublin can be quite expensive, but there are ways to make it work.First, let's talk about housing. The most expensive neighborhoods are in the city center, like Temple Bar, Ballsbridge, and Ranelagh. These areas are lovely, but you'll pay a premium for the convenience of living there. If you're looking to save on rent, consider neighborhoods a bit further out, like Drumcondra, Phibsborough, or Rathmines. These areas are still well-connected to the city center by public transport, and you'll find more affordable housing options there.When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, you can expect to pay around $200 for utilities, $50 for internet, and $100 for a monthly public transport pass. Groceries can be a bit pricey, but if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, you can keep your costs down.Eating out and socializing can be expensive in Dublin, especially if you frequent the popular tourist areas. To save money, try to find local pubs and restaurants that offer deals or happy hour specials. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like visiting the many parks and museums around the city.In summary, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Dublin is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices when it comes to housing and going out. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Dublin.

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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Trinity College, Dublin

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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