Dublin is Ireland’s vibrant capital city, known for its rich history, fascinating culture and vibrant lifestyle. However, before packing your bags and embarking on a new journey, it’s vital to understand the cost of living in this beautiful city. It’s not just about the money spent; it’s about understanding the value every euro spent brings to your life. From housing and transport to food and leisure activities, I’ll share the comprehensive economic reality of everyday life in Dublin.
Cost of Living in Dublin: Daily Life
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is known for its rich culture and history. Some basic daily expenses are unavoidable when living in Dublin. Below, you will find details of the daily living costs in Dublin, including food, entertainment, and travel expenses.
Food
Food costs in Dublin are relatively modest. Street food, restaurants and supermarkets offer a wide selection to suit all tastes and budgets. At street food stalls, a portion of fish and chips or a burger will cost around €5 to €10. If you choose to dine in a restaurant, a meal can cost between €20 and €50, depending on the class of the restaurant and the dishes ordered.
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 20.00 € |
|---|---|
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 90.00 € |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 10.00 € |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 6.50 € |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 6.50 € |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 3.83 € |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.40 € |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.86 € |
Food in supermarkets is relatively inexpensive, and buying the ingredients to cook your meal is a more affordable option. A regular bottle of beer costs around €3 to €4, while a bottle of quality wine may cost between €10 and €15. Overall, the monthly cost of food may range from 500 to 1,000 euros, depending on one’s eating habits and level of spending.
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1.31 € |
|---|---|
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.97 € |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 1.69 € |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 3.99 € |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 8.65 € |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 9.97 € |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 11.48 € |
| Apples (1kg) | 2.71 € |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.95 € |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2.60 € |
| Tomato (1kg) | 3.78 € |
| Potato (1kg) | 1.86 € |
| Onion (1kg) | 1.44 € |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.26 € |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1.61 € |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 12.00 € |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 3.91 € |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.96 € |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 16.00 € |
Entertainment
Entertainment in Dublin is varied, ranging from small live music gigs to significant theatre performances. Pub culture is a big part of Dublin, with a glass of beer costing around €4~€6. Tickets for live concerts range from €20~€50, while tickets for a premium show may cost from €50 to several hundred euros. In addition, admission to venues such as museums, galleries and cinemas generally costs between €5 and €20.
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 45.88 € |
|---|---|
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 20.04 € |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 12.75 € |
Tourism Costs
As Ireland’s capital, Dublin boasts several attractions worth visiting. Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and many museums and galleries are some of the most famous. Entrance fees for these attractions generally cost between €5 and €15.
In addition to visiting the attractions, there are many free things to do in Dublin, such as walking along the River Liffey and enjoying the scenery in the parks. Transport costs such as flights and train tickets must also be considered for those who need to travel to other cities or regions. However, Dublin has a well-developed public transport system, and some savings can be made by using buses, trains and light rail.
Mobile Networks
Having a reliable phone and internet service is essential when living in Dublin. Below, you will find the cost of a phone package and internet costs in Dublin to help you better understand your communication expenses in the city.
Phone Package Costs: The leading telecom operators in Dublin include Vodafone, Telefónica Ireland and 3. These operators offer a variety of different phone packages to cater for different users. Generally, a basic phone package costs around €20 to €50 per month, including free airtime, SMS and data traffic.
Vodafone is one of Dublin’s most popular telecom operators and offers a range of great package options. One of Vodafone’s basic packages includes a certain number of call hours, texts, and data traffic per month for around €20. In addition, Vodafone also offers a range of premium packages, so users can choose the one that suits their needs.
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 22.16 € |
|---|---|
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 50.68 € |
Network costs: In Dublin, internet services are mainly provided by the major telecom operators. Generally, home broadband packages cost around €30 to €60 per month, depending on the package and speed chosen. Some operators also offer more advanced packages, such as fibre optic broadband, which can cost more.
It may be more appropriate for students or travellers to choose a suitable mobile internet service. The cost of a mobile internet service depends on the package selected and the amount of data used. Generally, mobile internet services cost around €10 to €30 per month. Some operators also offer prepaid or top-up cards for short-term or temporary travel.
Cost Of Living in Dublin: Transport
By Plane
Dublin’s airport is Dublin International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Ireland. From Dublin International Airport, you can fly to all parts of the world. Airfares are relatively low for domestic and short-haul European flights and high for transatlantic flights.
Trains
Dublin has a well-developed railway system provides access to all parts of Ireland. Train fares from Dublin city centre to other cities such as Belfast and Cork generally range from €20 to €50, depending on the number of trains and type of seat.
Long-distance Buses
Dublin’s coach station is in the city centre, and several operators offer coach services to various cities and rural areas of Ireland. Fares generally range from €10 to €30, depending on destination and operator.
Public Transport
Dublin has a well-developed public transport system, including buses, light rail and metro. A daily ticket costs €7.00 and allows unlimited travel on buses daily. There are also weekly and monthly passes available, with prices varying according to time of use and coverage.
Taxis
Taxis are a convenient way to get around Dublin. Taxi fares are based on the time, and mileage travelled and are usually an additional charge per kilometre after the starting fare. A taxi in the city will cost between €10 and €20 for a short journey and may cost more for a more extended trip.
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2.00 € |
|---|---|
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 120.00 € |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4.20 € |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2.00 € |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 30.60 € |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.71 € |
Bicycles
Dublin also offers a public bicycle service, which allows visitors and residents to hire bikes to get around the city. Bicycle hire costs typically range from €5 to €10 per day, depending on the time of day and the station.
Cost of Living in Dublin: Education
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and a major centre for higher education. Below, you will find a list of some of the most prestigious universities in Dublin.
University College Dublin
University College Dublin is one of the most prestigious universities in Ireland, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. According to official figures, tuition fees at the University of Dublin range between €10,000 and €20,000 per year. In particular, tuition fees for undergraduate programmes range between €10,000 and €15,000 per year. Tuition fees for master’s programmes range between €15,000 and €20,000 per year. In addition, there are specific fees for registration, books and insurance.
Dublin City University
Dublin City University is another prestigious university in Dublin that offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. According to official figures, tuition fees at Dublin City University range between €10,000 and €15,000 per year. The exact cost depends on the chosen course and duration.
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College is one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. According to official figures, tuition fees at Trinity College range between €15,000 and €20,000 per year. The exact cost depends on the programme and duration of study chosen.
It is important to note that the above fees are for general information only and may vary depending on the course, academic programme and whether you are an international or EU student. In addition, living costs and other miscellaneous expenses such as accommodation, books, transport, etc. need to be considered.
Cost of Living in Dublin: Accommodation
Accommodation costs in Dublin vary depending on the type of accommodation and location. Below are some standard accommodation options and approximate cost ranges:
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 2,021.11 € |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 1,712.27 € |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 3,441.33 € |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 2,812.23 € |
University Halls of Residence
Many international students choose to live in university halls as a convenient and social option. Dublin university halls usually provide basic amenities such as beds, desks, chairs and shared kitchens. They are generally located on or near campus, making it easy for you to participate in academic and social activities. Prices for halls of residence will vary depending on location and room type but usually cost between €150 and €250 per week.
Private Flats
Renting a private flat in Dublin is a shared accommodation. A simple studio flat may cost between €300 and €600 per month to rent, depending on the size of the room, facilities and location.
Shared Apartments
Sharing a flat with others is an affordable option. Typically, the price per room in a shared flat ranges between €250 and €500 per month, depending on the size of the room and the facilities.
Homestay
If you want to experience the local culture, staying with a host family may be a good option. Fees usually include board and lodging and can cost between €250 and €600 per month, depending on the facilities and quality of food provided by the family.
FAQ
Yes, Dublin is known for its high cost of living compared to other cities in Ireland. Housing and rental prices tend to be exceptionally high.
The cost of accommodation in Dublin can vary depending on the location and type of housing. On average, you can expect to spend around €1,500 to €2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, consider sharing accommodations with roommates or exploring areas outside of the city center. Suburbs such as Tallaght, Clondalkin, and Swords offer relatively lower rental prices.
Dublin has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and trains. A monthly pass for unlimited travel within the city costs around €110. Cycling is also popular; you can rent a bike for approximately €20 per month.
Dining out in Dublin can range from affordable to pricey, depending on the restaurant and cuisine. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €15 to €30 per person, while fast food options are generally cheaper.
