Is Dublin Expensive? An Expat’s Quick Guide

Dublin is the vibrant capital of Ireland, renowned for friendly locals, world-famous pubs and inspiring historic landmarks. But is it expensive to live in Dublin? As a city, how pricey is Dublin compared to other major European cities?

In this expat-approved guide, we’ll explore how much money you’ll need to have a good life in the city. We’ll look at everything from the cost of living in Dublin to the hidden costs of living in the city that expats often overlook. Plus, we’ll provide some suggestions for affordable activities and places to visit to help you make the most of your money.

How Expensive is it to Live in Dublin?

The short answer is: Dublin is not necessarily an expensive city – but it depends on what kind of lifestyle you want. Depending on your income, lifestyle and budget, you can live pretty cheaply or be quite extravagant.

An expat living an average city lifestyle in Dublin regardless of their salary is likely to spend similar amounts as they would in other cities around the world. Dublin isn’t inherently one of the most expensive cities, but with a low minimum wage, locals make it much easier for those with a bigger budget.

As for accommodation and food, groceries are about 30% more expensive than in other countries in the EU. It depends on where you live and shop, but there are great options from street-side stalls to mid-range supermarkets as well.

However, one of the biggest budgeting concerns for expats is transport, as travelling by public transport in Ireland can be quite expensive. Taxis, Ubers and buses fluctuate a lot depending on where you’re going and your budget will have to bear this cost.

Finally, bear in mind that Ireland has Value Added Tax (VAT) of 23 percent, and basic groceries are zero-rated, but most other items all incur VAT.

Cost of Rent in Dublin

Accommodation is always the biggest expense whether you’re a local or an expat. The cost of rent in Dublin is significantly higher than smaller towns and villages around the country but, compared with other major European cities such as Paris, London or Berlin, it remains relatively affordable.

Rent costs and availability vary according to location – the pricier central areas such as Southside Dublin will be significantly more expensive than North Dublin or further out in the county – but generally speaking it won’t cost as much as it does in other cities.

It depends a lot on your preference for amenities and location, but one benefit for expats is that rental contracts often require only a 3-6 month minimum deposit. However, remember you will have to pay a non-refundable deposit for utilities bills when signing up for a place too.

Cost of Living in Dublin

What about the costs of daily living in Dublin? Eating out is probably the biggest expense after rent but there are food options available to suit everyone’s budget. Besides great takeaways and award-winning restaurants serving gourmet feasts, there are also plenty of student-friendly restaurants that offer delicious meals at low prices, (especially during lunchtime when some offer “meal deals’ or student discounts).

Most expats spend around 25-30 euros per day on food generally although this largely depends on your lifestyle and eating preferences.
It’s relatively cheap to buy general everyday items such as milk and bread at supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi or Lidl – all located conveniently around town – while you can get great fresh fruit and vegetables from local markets like Temple bar flea market or fresh food fairs 24 hours a day.

Expat Activities in Dublin

Dublin is a great city for relaxed walks in parks or people watching in busy downtown pubs, partly because there are so many interesting places to visit without having to break the bank. Malls have become increasingly popular over recent years, with Dundrum Town Centre being one of the most popular choices for new stores and restaurants. Plus, plenty of people explore downtown by bike or kayak around the coast in their spare time.

If you’re feeling curious about Irish culture and want to dig deeper into Dublin’s history beyond the typical tourist attractions, we recommend booking a Traditional Pubs Walking Tour with Local Guide — an activity loved by locals and visitors alike! It’s a great way to garner an understanding of traditional Irish culture while exploring some amazing pubs along the way.

In Short: Is Dublin Expensive?

In conclusion, it’s tough to say whether or not Dublin is expensive overall – it depends on quite a few factors such as your income level and your lifestyle preferences. Generally speaking though, Dublin remains fairly affordable for most expats even with rent factored in – compared to comparable cities such as London or Paris anyway. Micro-budgeting can also help you get by if you’re on a tighter budget – look out for deals and discounts as well as student discounts where applicable.

Finally, it’s also important to remember that there are lots of ways to make the most of your time in Dublin while cutting down on expenses – explore parks on foot instead of taking taxis, embrace cultural street art instead of heading to overpriced galleries and embrace free activities/events around town instead of expensive tourist attractions. Why not book an amazing Traditional Pubs Walking Tour with Local Guide today for an unbeatable cultural experience!