Cost of Living in Cork

Last updated: Cork, Feb 2024

For a monthly net income of €3,000, our calculator estimates that the cost of living in Cork for a single individual is around €1,902 per month for accommodation and basic expenses.

To make our calculator easy to use, we've integrated a few assumptions about your personal situation, such as choosing to live close to the city centre and opting for public transportation.

Our calculator recommends renting a 1-bedroom apartment: €1,266

It is generally advised to keep accommodation costs at around 30% of your total monthly gross income (before tax). However, that may not be realistic in Cork, since rental prices in the city have increased by 10.2% in the past 12 months alone.

To keep things practical and allow for some savings, our calculator's suggestions are limited to shared rooms and 1-bedroom apartments. However, you can select your preferred accommodation type in the Advanced Options Advanced Options section and check how it affects your budget.

The table below outlines the average monthly rental rates for apartments in Cork City.

Average monthly utility bill for one person living in a 1-bedroom apartment: €243

In Cork, rental agreements typically do not include utilities. When renting a room in a shared apartment, utility costs may be included, but it's important to confirm exactly which expenses are covered.

Our calculator includes the typical costs for standard utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage), Internet, a phone plan, and the TV licence fee. It also factors in the suggested accommodation type for your budget and whether you are living alone or not.

Average monthly grocery bill for one person: €325

Recent data suggests that the average adult in Cork spends around €75 per week on groceries, which adds up to about €325 a month. For couples living together, this expense increases to approximately €122 weekly, or €528 each month.

It's important to note that these figures can vary widely. The total amount you spend will depend on factors like how often you cook at home, the types of groceries you buy, and your spending habits on daily essentials like toiletries and household items.

Below, you'll find a list of some common grocery items along with the typical prices you can expect to see in Cork supermarkets.

Monthly Cork public transport cost for one person: €68

Owning a car in Cork can be quite costly, leading many residents to rely on public transport. The TFI Leap card is typically the cheapest and most flexible option, allowing users to pay for single rides or to load daily, weekly, or monthly tickets onto it.

In Ireland, there is also the option to join the Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme through your employer. This scheme can further reduce transportation costs, depending on your commute.

When projecting your monthly expenses, our Cork cost of living calculator factors in a monthly bus ticket in the Red Zone, which covers the city centre.

Budget left after basic expenses: €1,098

Cork's laid-back atmosphere is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Dublin. It's a city where the people are as friendly as they are proud of their hometown.

Here, you'll discover an authentic Irish atmosphere, with entertainment and dining that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Our calculator doesn't include these expenses when estimating the cost of living in Cork, as they vary quite a bit.

No need to worry, though. To get a sense of what enjoying yourself in Cork might cost, just check out our table below.