Cost of Living in Dublin

Last updated: Dublin, Feb 2024

For a monthly net income of €3,000, our calculator estimates that the cost of living in Dublin for a single individual is around €2,531 per month for accommodation and basic expenses.

Living in the city centre, as opposed to the suburbs, can significantly impact your budget. For a more personalised estimate, please check the Advanced Options Advanced Options to select your preferred location and accommodation type.

Our calculator recommends renting a 1-bedroom apartment (city centre): €1,796

It is generally advised to keep accommodation costs at around 30% of your monthly gross income (before tax). However, that's likely not realistic in Dublin, given how much rent prices have increased in recent years.

When the accommodation type is selected automatically, our cost of living calculator limits suggestions to shared rooms and 1-bedroom apartments to keep things practical and allow for some savings.

The table below outlines the average monthly rental rates for apartments across Dublin and the surrounding suburbs. Rents are generally more affordable as you move away from the city centre, so be sure to select your preferred location in the Advanced Options Advanced Options section.

Average monthly utility bill for one person living in a 1-bedroom apartment: €293

In Dublin, 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: €347

Recent data suggests that the average adult in Dublin spends around €80 per week on groceries, which adds up to about €347 a month. For couples living together, this expense increases to approximately €130 weekly, or €563 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 Dublin supermarkets.

Monthly Dublin public transport cost for one person: €95

Dublin has an extensive public transportation network, offering options like buses, trams (Luas), rail, and biking. Since owning a car in the Irish capital can be very costly, most residents use public transport.

A popular choice among locals is the TFI Leap card, which can offer significant savings thanks to daily and weekly fare capping. Depending on your commute, you can save even more by joining the Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme through your employer.

When projecting your monthly expenses, our Dublin cost of living calculator factors in the weekly Leap card cap for bus or tram.

Budget left after basic expenses: €469

Dublin has no shortage of entertainment and dining out options — it's the capital of "good craic" for a reason! How much you spend on fun and leisure really depends on what you like to do, so our calculator doesn't include these expenses when estimating the cost of living in Dublin.

But don't worry, you can check out the table below for the average prices of popular leisure and entertainment activities.