There are various factors that influence the cost of living in Dublin. Below, we’ll take a look at the main variables so you can get a more realistic idea of how much it will cost to start your life in Dublin.
The area you live in within Dublin will significantly affect your monthly expenses. As in most cities around the world, the neighborhood you live in can either increase or decrease your rent.
In Dublin, the more central neighborhoods tend to be the most expensive. Here, you’ll pay more for a smaller room.
By the same logic, if you choose to live on the outskirts of Dublin or in a neighborhood that is well-connected by public transport or bike, you can save money on rent.
Check out this video we’ve prepared so you can learn more about how the city’s neighborhoods are distributed and the main characteristics of each one.
Your lifestyle is one of the decisive factors when figuring out how much it will cost you to live in Dublin.
Your shopping habits, going out, buying clothes, whether you prefer your own flat or are fine with a bed in a shared room… all of that will determine whether your budget needs to be higher or lower.
At this point, we recommend being honest with yourself—it will save you from disappointments later. There’s nothing wrong with loving to go out or wanting a private room in Dublin—just own it and adjust your budget accordingly.
The type of accommodation will also influence your cost of living in Dublin. Depending on whether you prefer to live alone, share a flat, or share a room; have a private or shared bathroom; live in a house or an apartment… the combinations are endless! And the price varies accordingly.
As always, a bed in a shared room with several people in a not-so-central location will be your best ally if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget.
The facilities and services at your accommodation can increase the price of rent, but they can help you save indirectly.
For example, if utilities like water, gas, and internet are included in the rent; if you have cheap supermarkets nearby; or if you live within walking distance of your school or job, you’ll save money on public transport almost daily.
You’ll also need to consider the time of year you’re looking for accommodation in Dublin to better adjust your cost of living. Summer and September are typically when landlords raise prices a bit, as these are peak tourism and demand periods.
If you want to feel like you’re saving while living in Dublin, the best option is to combine studying and working.
This way, you’ll generate income to cover your monthly expenses, and you might even end up recovering the initial investment you made to start your life in Ireland.
Time to do some math. Grab a pen and paper, because we’re going to look at how much money you’ll need to arrive in Dublin and cover your first expenses. First off, keep in mind that your initial investment will vary depending on where you’re flying from, whether you need a visa, or the type of course you’re going to study. Let’s look at some estimated prices:
Salaries in Dublin are slightly higher than in countries like Spain or Portugal.
The minimum wage for unskilled jobs in Dublin is €10.10 per hour. That’s about €1,600 per month for full-time work, and about €800 for part-time.
For skilled jobs in sectors like marketing or IT, the average annual salary is between €30,000 and €70,000.
Salaries are usually higher for more technical profiles. But whatever your profile, the important thing is that even with minimum wage you’ll be able to cover your expenses while living in Dublin and learning English.
Once you’re settled in Dublin, it’s time to start your life! And with that, to deal with everyday expenses. Although the monthly cost of living in Dublin varies depending on whether you’re more or less extravagant, love walking everywhere or going out every weekend, here are some prices to help you calculate.
To start, a student spends between €800 and €1,200 per month to live in Dublin.
On average, filling the fridge in Dublin will cost you between €225 and €325, depending on how well you plan your shopping, look for supermarket deals, and avoid unnecessary treats.
To get around Dublin, you can use a bicycle. You can buy one for €50. You can also get a monthly public transport card for about €150.
The price of accommodation varies greatly depending on the type. You can rent a bed in a shared room for about €220/month, or a private room starting at €550.
Dublin is a super fun city, whether you enjoy pubs and live music or prefer exploring its incredible nature. To give you an idea of weekend fun costs:
Dublin isn’t a cheap city, but there are many ways to save or stretch your money. The main one: be happy with less! Here are some tips to enter Dublin (and minimalism) in style:
As you can see, Dublin is not a particularly cheap city, but there are many ways to make it fit within your budget.
So if you’re thinking of coming to study and work in Dublin for a while, write to us—we’re excited to help! At Dingoos, we have a team of experts who will study your case and advise you on the type of course that best suits your goals.
You’ll also receive personalized information to help you find accommodation, work, and everything you need to make your experience of living in Dublin one you’ll never want to forget. We’re waiting for you!
Amanda De Mingo, Events Manager at Dingoos, shares how every activity she organizes turns your international adventure into a unique experience filled with fun, learning, and friendships that last forever.
