Cost of Living in Ireland: DIFC’s 2022 Guide for Students

Whether you are a student planning to move to Ireland or a parent studying the possibility of your child studying abroad, you may have considered how much the cost of living in Ireland would be. Experiencing life abroad is undoubtedly an exciting and life-changing opportunity, but it can also have planned setbacks if not carefully planned. To help you organise your finances and feel more confident taking this important step in yours or your child’s life, we have prepared a list of the key expenses that a person might expect when moving to Ireland to invest in their studies.
 

Cost of Living in Ireland: What to Expect 

Starting a new and independent life on your own is a remarkable adventure. And it all begins with a lot of research and planning. Knowing what to expect from the cost of living in Ireland will help you make informed decisions. So, here is our list of the key expenses you might expect:
 

1. Irish Residence Permit (IRP) 

After arriving in Ireland, you must apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) by booking an appointment with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and presenting your documentation. You will be required to pay a registration fee of €300 per person to get your Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This fee must be paid every time you register – first time registrations and renewals. If you want to know more about Irish Visa Application in 2022, check out this blog post.  

2. University Tuition Fees 

One major expense in the total cost of living in Ireland is the university total tuition fee, which must be paid in advance before entering the state. Once the tuition fee is paid, the university will issue a letter to be presented to the Immigration Officer. The fees vary from one university to another, and it can change every year, where Business and Medicine are usually the most expensive. The price for programmes for non-EU/EEA students varies as listed below:  

• Undergraduate programmes – €9,850 – €55,000 annually  
• Postgraduate programmes – €6,850 to €27,500 annually  
• Doctoral degree – €8,500 to €35000 annually  

 There are also additional costs incurred, such as books and stationery, summing up to €200 per month. 

3. Rent in Ireland 

Regarding accommodation, the costs of living in Ireland may be slightly higher than the European average. You should expect to spend anywhere between €500 to €1,800 monthly. There are diverse types of accommodation and prices vary according to the student’s choice. Residence halls, renting or sharing an apartment, or even living with an Irish family are the most common options available. However, it is crucial to start looking for a place sooner rather than later as the demand is high, and the number of places is limited. See the average accommodation prices for students below: 

• Student Accommodation: €200 – €350 weekly 
• Sharing a flat/house/apartment with partner/colleagues: €500 – €1,300 monthly 
• Student Accommodation on Campus: €220 – €450 weekly  

4. Transportation 

Dublin offers an excellent public transport system. Besides, there has been a reduction on fares by an average of 20% on Transport for Ireland (TFI) services in 2022. There are regional trains, buses, bikes, and local taxis available. You may check their schedules and prices online to plan your journey. Additionally, you can also get a Student Leap Card and save up to 50% instead of paying via cash. The monthly transportation bill is roughly €70. 

• Dublin Bikes: €3.50 daily subscription, €35 annual subscription 
• TFI Student Leap Card Bus Fares: Dublin €1 (TFI 90 Minute Fare) | Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford €0.65 (TFI 90 Minute Fare) 

5. Food 

Food is part of our everyday essentials and, therefore, should not be left aside when calculating the total cost of living in Ireland. While the accommodation prices may be higher than in other European areas, food, on the other hand, is cheaper and affordable. There is a number of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl where you can find everyday groceries for as little as €0.50, and also a variety of small local shops with Asian, South American, and Eastern-European products. Expect the monthly expenses on your food to fall between €120 to €250.  

If you want to spoil yourself and have a nice meal at restaurant, it may cost you between €20 and €70 depending on where you are eating.

6. Utilities & Bills 

Utility expenses should also be included in your budget. Depending on the type of accommodation rented, electricity and internet may be already included in the price. 

• Electricity and garbage – €60 – €120 monthly  
• Top up prepaid mobile – €20 – €30 monthly 
• Internet plans- €35 – €60 monthly
   

How to reduce the cost of living in Ireland: money-saving tips! 

Here are five money-saving tips that will help you to reduce your expenses in Ireland: 

1. Research about the scholarships available for non-EU/EEA students, their requirements, and deadlines. Being awarded with a scholarship or a discount can reduce the cost of living in Ireland dramatically. 
2. Dublin Bikes can be an affordable way to explore the city and commute, reducing the costs with transportation.  
3. Make a list of all your everyday essentials and go to the shops to compare the prices. Some shops might be cheaper than others, but if you have preference for specific brands, then go for what you are more comfortable with. 
4. Thinking of visiting some of Dublin’s attractions? The Dublin Pass can help you save money on entry tickets. Not sure of what to do on the weekend? Check out this blog post on 10 Things to do in Dublin on the weekend. 
5. Enjoy some good live music at one of the several Irish pubs for free.

Planning is key

The best advice for reducing the cost of living in Ireland is start planning as soon as possible. Studying abroad involves a number of critical aspects, of which financial planning is key. Don’t let this unique opportunity pass you by. Contact our team and start planning the next big move to propel your career.