Ireland: Cost to live comfortably

As the cost of living continues to rise in Ireland, you might wonder how much income is required to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Learn what is considered a reasonable salary in Ireland and what may be required to cover essential expenses while allowing for some saving and/or spending.

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a licensed financial adviser or professional before making any financial decisions. Your financial situation is unique, and the information provided may not be suitable for your specific circumstances. We are not liable for any financial decisions or actions you take based on this information.

The amount of money needed to live comfortably in Ireland depends on a few factors, including:

• where you’re located

• your personal spending preferences (are you careful with your cash or prefer the finer things in life?)

• the amount of people in your household

• the type of accommodation you’re living in

• your general lifestyle (do you and your partner both need a car each?)

Unsurprisingly, people typically need a higher income to live comfortably in central Dublin compared to rural Ireland. Rent or mortgage payments are often the  biggest monthly expense, wherever you’re living. In the year to March 2025, rent for new tenancies was up by 5.5%, according to the Residential Tenancies Board. The County of Dublin continues to top the list with a monthly average rent of €2,186 for new tenancies, while County Donegal had the lowest, at €1,078.

The average monthly rent for new tenancies in the first quarter of 2025:

In 2026, the national minimum wage in Ireland is €14.15 per hour for workers aged 20 and over. However, Irish salaries can be significantly higher in cities like Dublin, particularly in sectors such as tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals. The average salary for employees in Ireland is €53,362 per year or around €4,447 per month (gross salary), according to Earnings and Labour Costs figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO)*.

Living in Ireland is relatively expensive compared to many other countries, especially in terms of accommodation, dining out, and transportation. Because of this, the cost of living in Ireland is generally higher than in many other European countries, especially in urban areas. In fact, as of July 2025, Ireland was the second most expensive country in Europe for goods and services. Changes to the cost of living are reflected in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Ireland’s official measure of inflation.

The standard cost of living in Ireland depends on your location and lifestyle, plus whether you live alone or with other people. Here are some general estimates for monthly living costs:

• Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.): €150 to €250

• Groceries: €300 to €500 for a single person, higher for families

• Transport: €100 to €200 (public transport, depending on the zone and whether the pass includes bus, train, and Luas services), or more if you drive.

• Health Insurance: Optional, averaging around €145 per month.

• Rent: As one of the most expensive cities, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin costs around €1,823 per month. Outside Dublin, rent is lower, averaging €1,059 for a one-bedroom apartment. Living costs are significantly lower in rural areas.

Single people in Ireland may face higher individual costs, as rent often takes up a larger share of income and certain tax advantages may apply differently compared to couples or families. Learn more about the financial burden of being single in Ireland.

Ireland's high cost of living is driven by several factors. In recent years, a thriving tech industry and significant economic growth has seen many people relocate to Ireland. The country’s population increased by 15% between 2014 and 2024. In turn, this has created a limited supply of housing, especially in urban areas such as Dublin, which has led to high rents and property prices.

Ireland’s VAT and utility costs (such as electricity and heating) are also relatively high compared to other EU countries. As an island, some goods, food, and fuel have to be imported, which adds to the overall cost of living in Ireland. Plus, people may have to rely on cars in some remote towns due to limited public transport.

A ‘good’ salary in Ireland typically ranges from €50,000 to €70,000 per year. This may be sufficient for a single person or small family to live comfortably, especially outside of Dublin. In Dublin, where living costs are higher, a salary closer to €60,000 to €80,000 might be considered good if it is enough to cover housing, utilities, and leisure activities while still saving. The definition of a ‘good’ salary also depends on lifestyle and financial goals, such as homeownership or travel.

€35,000 is below the average national salary in Ireland, but it could be manageable depending on your lifestyle and other factors.

Many people aim to save at least 10-20% of their income. This is part of the 50/30/20 rule, where around half your post-tax pay is allocated for essential living costs, 30% for your wants, and the remainder for saving or paying off debt. To afford holidays, hobbies, and a social life, adding another €500 to €1,000 monthly to your budget may be necessary, depending on your lifestyle.

When considering how much is enough to live comfortably, a single person living in Dublin with a salary of €35,000 might find that rent alone takes up a large portion of their income. For a more comfortable lifestyle that allows for savings, a salary of around €40,000 to €50,000 may be more realistic. Outside Dublin, a salary of around €35,000 to €45,000 could be sufficient. Families generally require higher income, especially in urban areas.

If you want a fun way to put salaries into perspective, the Guinness Index shows how many pints of Guinness the average Irish salary can buy.

In Ireland, a salary of around €80,000 to €100,000 per year or more is generally considered high. Anything above €100,000 puts you in the top few percent of earners in Ireland. However, this depends on location and profession. In Dublin, where living costs are significantly higher, a six-figure salary may be required to maintain an above-average standard of living. For other regions, €70,000 to €90,000 could be seen as a good-enough salary. High earners typically work in industries like tech, finance, law, or medicine.

Whatever your income, a savings plan can make it easier to handle the unexpected and plan for the future. With a demand deposit savings account available through Raisin, you can set up recurring transfers from your salary to save regularly. Register for a Raisin Account and start building up your savings today.

*https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-elcq/earningsandlabourcostsq12025finalq22025preliminaryestimates/