Study in Ireland: Housing & Living Costs

Even in Dublin, the cost of living is manageable, especially for a Western European capital. One of the reasons why so many students in search of adventure choose Ireland is because it’s so manageable. You do need to budget carefully, but it’s rare that people struggle to make ends meet. 

The currency of Ireland is the Euro. Irish coins and banknotes are interchangeable with Euro coins and banknotes from any other Eurozone country. The Euro is widely available worldwide, meaning that you don’t have to wait until you get to Ireland to exchange some. 

Some average living costs in Dublin are (in Euros and USD):

• Monthly rent (student dorms): €600-€900 ($710-$1060)
• Utilities (monthly average): €160 ($190)*
• Monthly public transport pass: €130 ($155)
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant): €15 ($18)
• Coffee: €3.30 ($3.90)
• Milk (1 liter): €0.95 ($1.15)
• Vegetables (1kg): €1-€2 ($1.20-$2.40)
• Eggs (dozen): €3 ($3.55)
• Water (1.5 liters bottled): €1.55 ($1.85)
• Beef (1kg): €10.40 ($12.35)
• Beer/Stout (bottle): €2.80 ($3.35)
• Bread (loaf): €1.45 ($1.75)

*If you live in student dorms, utilities and even the internet are often included in the rent.

The average cost of living in Dublin excluding rent is about €900 ($1060) per month. The cost of living doesn’t normally include rent in Ireland. 

If you want to study in Western or Northern Europe, Ireland is one of the more affordable destinations. But finding housing can be a pain. You’ll need to find somewhere to live before applying for your visa. After that, you’ll need to get a receipt from your new landlord showing that you have paid the security deposit and the first month’s rent. Depending on your nationality, you might need to submit this with your visa application.

Fortunately, student accommodation is plentiful across the country. In Dublin and Cork, you can easily find somewhere in the city or the suburbs. In less major places, you can probably find a family or landowner from whom you can rent a room or an outbuilding. This will only add to the Irish experience as you’ll get to wake up to rolling landscapes, inclement weather and vivid shades of green every morning throughout the year.

Bank cards are widely accepted throughout Ireland. However, in most cases, you’ll only be able to use chip-and-pin cards. There aren’t many places, particularly outside of Dublin, that will accept swipe cards. If you don't have a chip-and-pin card, you’ll find yourself mostly reliant on cash.