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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Galway 2024
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The Long Walk in Galway, Ireland


Cost of Living in Galway

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

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

Cost of Living Galway
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Galway is around €1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Galway is around €200,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €250,000. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €150,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €200,000.
Transportation A monthly bus pass in Galway is around €50. A monthly train pass is around €100. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport is around €30. A gallon of gasoline is around €1.50.
Groceries A loaf of bread is around €2. A dozen eggs is around €3. A liter of milk is around €1. A pound of chicken is around €4. A head of lettuce is around €1.50.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around €10. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around €50. A cappuccino is around €2.50.
Utilities Basic utilities for a 915 sq. ft. apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and garbage, is around €150 per month. Internet is around €30 per month.
Private School Tuition Preschool tuition is around €2,000 per year. Elementary school tuition is around €4,000 per year. Middle school tuition is around €5,000 per year. High school tuition is around €6,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Galway

"The cost of living in Galway is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively affordable, while rent prices can vary depending on the area. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, but there are plenty of affordable restaurants and pubs to choose from. Overall, Galway is a great place to live with a reasonable cost of living," said one expat living in Galway.

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

"I've been living in Galway for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Salthill and Taylor's Hill might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into areas like Shantalla, Westside, or Ballybane. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still have good access to public transportation and amenities.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often will also help keep your costs down. Eating out can be quite expensive in Galway, so try to limit that to special occasions or look for deals and discounts at local restaurants.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider walking or cycling whenever possible. Galway is a relatively small city, so it's quite easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you do need to use public transportation, consider getting a monthly bus pass to save on fares.Finally, be prepared to cut back on entertainment and leisure activities. Going out for drinks, attending concerts, or participating in paid activities can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, look for free or low-cost events and activities around the city, like visiting the many beautiful parks, attending free festivals, or joining local clubs and groups.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Galway is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Galway.

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

"I've been living in Galway for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas like Salthill, Taylor's Hill, and Knocknacarra might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Renmore, Shantalla, or Rahoon. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have good public transport connections, but the rent is more reasonable.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Ireland due to high insurance costs and petrol prices. So, you might want to consider using public transport or cycling to get around. Galway is a relatively small city, so it's quite easy to get around on a bike, and there are plenty of bike lanes and paths.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Galway, especially if you're used to dining out frequently. To save money, you'll need to cook more at home and limit eating out to special occasions. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can buy fresh produce and groceries at reasonable prices.Another thing to consider is entertainment costs. Going out for drinks or to the cinema can add up quickly, so you might want to look for more affordable ways to have fun. There are plenty of free or low-cost events happening in Galway, like live music sessions in pubs, art exhibitions, and festivals. You can also take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings by going for walks or hikes in the nearby countryside or along the coast.In terms of utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water and heating as much as possible. You might also want to consider getting a pay-as-you-go mobile phone plan instead of a contract to have more control over your monthly phone expenses.Overall, living in Galway on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be more budget-conscious and make some lifestyle adjustments. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transport or cycling, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can still enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Galway.

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

"I've been living in Galway 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. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants every night, but there are plenty of affordable and delicious options in the city.When it comes to housing, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Salthill and Taylor's Hill, as rents can be quite high there. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Knocknacarra, Renmore, or Shantalla. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have all the necessary amenities, but the rents are more reasonable.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Ireland due to high insurance and fuel costs. However, Galway is a relatively small city, so you can easily get around by walking, cycling, or using public transportation. If you do need a car occasionally, there are car-sharing services available that can help you save money.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Galway. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery by taking walks along the promenade in Salthill or exploring the nearby Connemara National Park. There are also numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, many of which are free to attend.Overall, living in Galway on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and transportation, and you should be able to enjoy all that this charming city has to offer," commented an expat living in Galway.

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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The Long Walk in Galway, Ireland

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