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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

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

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city center €700 - €900 per month
1-bedroom apartment outside city center €600 - €800 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
Gasoline (1 liter) €1.40 - €1.60
Taxi (1 km) €1.50 - €2.00
Groceries Milk (1 liter) €1.00 - €1.30
Bread (500g) €1.20 - €2.00
Rice (1 kg) €1.50 - €2.50
Chicken breasts (1 kg) €8.00 - €12.00
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant €10.00 - €15.00
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant €50.00 - €70.00
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) €8.00 - €10.00
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) €4.00 - €5.00
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment €100 - €150 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) €40 - €60 per month
Mobile phone (prepaid, per minute) €0.20 - €0.30
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) €400 - €800 per month
Elementary School €4,000 - €8,000 per year
Middle School €5,000 - €10,000 per year
High School €6,000 - €12,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kenmare

"The cost of living in Kenmare, is considered moderate. Housing tends to be the most significant expense, with rental prices varying depending on the size and location of the property. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also a considerable part of the monthly budget. Groceries in Kenmare are relatively affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Dining out can range from inexpensive to high-end, depending on the restaurant. Transportation costs are also a factor to consider. While owning a car can be costly due to insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs, public transportation offers a more affordable alternative. Healthcare in Kenmare, like the rest of Ireland, is of high quality but can be expensive, especially for non-residents. Overall, while the cost of living in Kenmare is not the cheapest, it is somewhat balanced by the high quality of life and beautiful surroundings the town offers," said one expat living in Kenmare.

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

"I've been living in Kenmare for a while 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. I'd recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared house in the outskirts of the town, as the rent will be cheaper there. The town center can be quite expensive, so it's best to avoid that area if you're on a tight budget.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and other essentials. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save a lot on your grocery bills. Also, try to cook at home as much as possible, as eating out can be quite expensive in Kenmare.As for transportation, owning a car can be costly, so I'd recommend using public transport or cycling if possible. The town is small enough that you can get around easily on foot or by bike, and there's a decent bus service that connects Kenmare to nearby towns and cities.In terms of entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be selective about how often you go out and what activities you choose. Going to the pub can be expensive, so try to limit your nights out and look for free or low-cost events and activities in the area. There are plenty of beautiful walks and hikes around Kenmare, so you can enjoy the outdoors without spending much money.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Kenmare is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and be prepared to make some sacrifices. It's a beautiful place to live, though, and if you can make it work, I think you'll really enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Kenmare.

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

"I've been living in Kenmare for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a large, luxurious house in the most expensive neighborhoods, like the ones around the Kenmare Golf Club or the waterfront properties near the Kenmare Bay. Instead, you could consider more affordable areas like the neighborhoods around Railway Road or the Sneem Road area. These areas still offer a good quality of life, but the housing prices are more reasonable.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is cutting back on eating out at fancy restaurants, as dining out can be quite expensive in Kenmare. Instead, you could cook more meals at home using fresh, local ingredients from the farmers' market or the local grocery stores. This way, you'll not only save money but also enjoy some of the delicious local produce that Ireland has to offer.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Instead, you could rely on public transportation, like the local bus service, or even consider cycling or walking to get around town. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and healthy.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Kenmare. You could join one of the local sports clubs, like the Kenmare GAA club or the Kenmare Golf Club, which offer reasonably priced memberships. There are also plenty of beautiful walking and hiking trails in the area, like the Beara Way and the Kerry Way, which are free to explore and offer stunning views of the Irish countryside.Overall, living in Kenmare on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make a few sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and transportation. However, the beautiful surroundings, friendly community, and rich cultural heritage of the area make it a wonderful place to call home," said one expat living in Kenmare.

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

"I've been living in Kenmare for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it's a great place to live with modern amenities.First, let's talk about housing. Kenmare is a small town, so there aren't really specific neighborhoods that are more or less expensive. However, you can find a nice 2-3 bedroom house or apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you're willing to live a bit further from the town center, you can find even more affordable options.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $200 a month for electricity, gas, and water. Internet and phone services are also quite affordable, with packages starting at around $50 a month.Groceries can be a bit more expensive in Kenmare compared to larger cities, but you can still find affordable options if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. You can expect to spend around $400 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home.Eating out and entertainment can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. You can find a decent meal at a pub for around $15, and there are plenty of free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting local parks, or attending community events.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Kenmare is a small town, so you can easily walk or bike to most places. If you need a car, you can find a used one for a reasonable price, and gas is relatively affordable compared to other European countries.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like high-end shopping or fine dining. However, Kenmare offers a great quality of life with its beautiful scenery, friendly community, and access to modern amenities.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Kenmare on $5,000 a month if you're willing to make some adjustments and prioritize your spending. It's a beautiful place to live, and I've really enjoyed my time here," commented an expat living in Kenmare.

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.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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