Thinking of relocating to Ireland? Concerned about the possible yearly rise in costs? It might be expensive to attend a reputable institution in Ireland. Don’t worry; continue reading to learn more about the details of the cost of living in Ireland.
Ireland takes great pride in its nationalistic ideals and in all that is distinctly Celtic. Ireland is one of the friendliest English-speaking nations in Europe, and it is ranked among the top10 destinations for international students on the IMB World Competitiveness Ranking 2019 list. the lively Irish people are renowned for valuing traditions and rituals. Not to add that Ireland is praised for its ethereal natural beauty, which frequently appears in popular hit movies like “Harry Potter,” “Braveheart,” and the trending television show “Game of Thrones.” Irish authors such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde are renowned for their contributions to literature. To prevent burning a hole in your money, you must first have a general understanding of the cost of living in Ireland before you begin packing your bags for the country. Let’s read this article to learn more about it.
Factors influencing Ireland’s cost of living
1. Education
If you intend to stay in Ireland for a number of years, you should be aware that tuition fees will account for a sizable portion of your expenses. A few more features of your trip could put a strain on your finances.
Ireland, as well as any other nation in Europe, will probably have higher education costs. The university is another element that affects the cost of education. A private university, for instance, will certainly have greater costs. The price will be affordable if humanities is your area of study of choice. However, the price will be much greater if the course you are looking for is related to engineering, medicine, or management.
Any filmmaking course is a study program that can be expensive. The reason for this is the expense of the film equipment and other modern tools used to instruct students in a simulated setting. In Ireland, the cost of tuition can range from $11238.75 to $28096.88.
2. Accommodation
One of the concerns for students living in Ireland is housing. You can choose to stay at one of the on-campus hostels if the main goal of your trip is higher education. Because student housing is so inexpensive here in Ireland, this is without a doubt the best area to reside. Rent for a shared room arrangement can range from $337 to $674 per month. The price will be higher, ranging from $449 to $955.16 a month, if you prefer a private room.
3. Location
The cost of living in Ireland can also vary based on where your university is located. Ireland’s most expensive cities for studying abroad are Dublin, Longford, and Londonderry. The island nation’s capital is Dublin. So, like any capital city, it is also more expensive due to increased demand for housing, employment, and education.
You might find Dublin’s room rent to be extremely expensive due to the widening disparity between supply and demand. The ideal course of action in this situation would be to enroll in a college in one of the more affordable locations, where not only will the tuition be reasonable, but also the cost of room and board as well as food will be within your means.
4. Exchange rate
The value of currencies varies continuously throughout the year. By the time you reach the end of the fiscal year, the tuition fees and lodging expenses you initially anticipated may no longer be what you are faced with on your bill. This is because every currency has a positive or negative relationship with the dollar. Since the euro is the most widely used currency in Ireland, you must account for costs based on the euro’s value, which is 1.12 times greater than the value of the dollar (1 euro= 1.12 US dollars). As a result, you must always account for unforeseen costs when estimating your expenses for your cost of living in Ireland.
5. Spending patterns
How you use your money will also have an impact on your cost of living in Ireland. This holds true whether you choose to live in your hometown or the place where you work. Your monthly costs will be significant if you frequently eat out or wish to take advantage of Ireland’s nightlife. However, if you manage to keep these costs to a minimum, find a part-time job, or take on freelance work, you will be able to save up some money at the end of the month that you can invest for more worthwhile endeavors or this fund can prove useful in case of an emergency, such as a medical emergency.
The cost of accommodation in Ireland
Apart from tuition fees, housing is the second most important cost of living for students in Ireland, as was already mentioned. This does not just refer to the lodging rent but also to expenses for utilities, services, and regular food shopping.
1. University Hostels/Dorms
When creating a budget for living in Ireland, university hostel units are always the more affordable choice. The average cost per month is about $657.37, but the price for private housing off campus can reach $1056.29.
2. Give a try to homestays
The friendliness, hospitality, and respect for familial customs of the Irish people are well-known around the world. Thus, a homestay setting is ideal for students who want to immerse themselves in the essence of Irish culture. Homestay refers to receiving the total security of a devoted family’s meals prepared at home. Other utilities, such as gas, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi, are taken care of for you. The host family will cover each and every one of these costs.
Choose a homestay arrangement if you are ready to experience life in Ireland. You can either contact your university office, which will bring you in touch with a family that has been approved by the institution, or search for an Irish family through an agency.
3. Rented accommodations for a single person
Ireland’s room rent has increased by 6.8% as of November 2021. The average monthly cost of housing in Ireland for a private or single arrangement is currently $1700.18. The cost can reach $2000 if you’re seeking a nicely furnished apartment.
4. Shared rented accommodations
If you’re coming to Ireland to study and are trying to save as much money as you can, your best option is to look into shared housing because it is far less expensive. Outside of campus, the average cost will be between $150 and $400. Utility and food costs are not included in this margin, though.
Additionally, staying with others reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and cut off from others, which is a common problem for students who move abroad to study and live.
Ireland’s travel expenses
The island of Ireland has excellent public transportation connections, which will minimize the expense of your daily trip to an absolute minimum. The average bus fare is about $16, and the average train fare is about $14.53.
You won’t have to spend money on transportation each day if you live on campus. If you rent a car, long-distance travel within the nation can also be economical. A tiny automobile can cost you about $12 per day, compared to a full-size SUV’s daily cost of about $101.
Food and Entertainment
Living in Ireland will undoubtedly make you adore the country’s fresh, nutritious, and passionately prepared food. Soda bread, bacon and cabbage, Irish stew, the Irish breakfast, and any dish made with seafood that is freshly caught from the ocean are examples of well-known Irish cuisine. Ireland is a nation with a vibrant recreational cultural heritage. Following are some locations you could stop by for a visit on the weekends or during your vacation:
- Limerick
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Killarney National Park
- Blarney Castle
- St. Lisburn
- Cork City
- Stephen’s Green
- Belfast City
- Sligo
- The English Market
- The Aran Islands
- Little Museum of Dublin
- The Rock of Cashel
Any additional expense?
In addition to education fees, housing costs, and transit costs, living in Ireland may also incur the following costs:
1. Visa
All students must apply for a visa before they can travel to Ireland to pursue their studies. The application portion typically entails a little charge.
2. Miscellaneous
These include going shopping for clothing, shoes, stationery, dining out, etc.
3. Health insurance
The Irish government has made purchasing health insurance necessary, so if you plan to live there, you should think about setting away some cash each month.