Cost of Living in Cork, Ireland: A Guide

Moving to a new place is like a double-edged sword, as it can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Getting to experience a new culture, meeting new people and food is the best part of moving to a different country but adjusting and expenses in a foreign land can be quite tiresome. if you’re planning to study in Ireland, it is important to research everything about the country so that nothing comes as a surprise and you have done all the required preparation both in terms of mental and financial. 

If you are planning to move to Cork, Ireland then this blog will help you get an idea about the financial preparation required to live there, as it talks about the cost of living in Cork, Ireland. Keep on reading further to know more! 

Must Read: Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students in 2023

About Cork

Cork is situated on the southwest coast of Ireland and it is the second-largest city of the Republic of Ireland. Moreover, Corkonians will joyfully have a conversation related to the rich history of this place over a pint of Guinness,

Apart from its interesting past, it is known for its art and culture. Furthermore, Cork takes art quite seriously as it has its own opera house, hosts a jazz festival and even provides educational facilities related to art and music.

Coming to the Economical aspect of Cork, the problem of unemployment is reducing as there are a lot of Multinational companies that have made their headquarters in this city. 

Also Read: Best Universities in Ireland 

Why Choose Cork to Study Abroad? 

Mentioned below are some of the reasons why you should choose Cork to study abroad: 

• One of the most beautiful Irish Counties – Cork itself is a lovely university town with rivers surrounding it, as well as many backstreets from the 17th century and lovely avenues. It has a stunning opera theatre, and its cobbled streets are filled with shops, taverns, cafes, restaurants, and a vibrant food culture.
• Cork is affordable as compared to other cities – Being a medium-sized, reasonably priced city is one of the best things about Cork. According to Expatistan’s Cost of Living Index, Cork has a cost of living that is 22% less than that of Dublin, 24% less than that of London, 18% less than that of Sydney, and 16% less than that of Paris.
• Cork is home to a globally recognised university – University College Cork is renowned for its excellent teaching and very productive research. Its graduates have excelled in science, the arts, business, law, medicine, government, and sport since it was founded in 1845.
• Safe city – It can be frightening to move halfway across the world to study abroad, but some countries are safer than others. Cork has one of the lowest crime rates and the highest safety rating in the world, according to Numbeo, so you shouldn’t be concerned about wandering through the streets by yourself at night.

Must Read: Cost of Living in Dublin

Cost of Living in Cork 

Compared to the capital city of Ireland – Dublin, the cost of living in Cork is 22 per cent lower than the cost of living in Dublin therefore, an individual planning to live in Ireland must consider staying in Cork as it is affordable as compared to other cities. In order to provide a clear picture of the cost of living in Cork, we have discussed various aspects of living expenses in detail below. 

Housing 

Compared to Dublin, purchasing or renting a house in Cork is cheaper. Prices of housing can vary from area to area therefore, we have stated general/average housing prices in Cork below: 

Monthly Rental Price in Cork
Flat	Prices
1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre	€ 1,400+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre	€1,100+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre	€2,300+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre	€1,700+

Home Purchasing Prices
House	Price
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre	€3,600+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City	€2,750+

Cork Housing Rent Comparison
City	Comparison with Cork
Dubai	17% more expensive
Melbourne	4.2% cheaper
Sydney	27.1% more expensive
Cape Town	115.5% cheaper
Vancouver	21.6% more expensive
Toronto	15.7% more expensive
Los Angeles	44.6% more expensive
London	37.8% more expensive

Looking for Student Accommodation Abroad? Fly Homes have you covered!

Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

There are enough supermarkets and other shops in Cork to cater to customers of all income levels and tastes. For basic groceries, Tesco, Lidl, and Eurasia are well-known. Although more pricey, Marks and Spencer and Dunnes offer a broad selection of fresh items.

Many independent grocery stores and wellness stores carry organic foods. Also well-liked are farmers’ markets. The table below shows the prices of some of the staple groceries items in Cork:  

Food Items	Price
Takeout Coffee	€3.50
1 Litre of Milk	€1.20
Bottle of Coke	€1.80
Loaf of Bread	€1.60
1 Kg Chicken	€8.00
1 Kg Beef	€9.50
1 Kg Apples	€2.30
1 Kg White Rice	€1.40

Transportation 

Both buses and trains are part of the transport network in Cork. Bus Eireann, which operates the bus service, has good routes that cover both the city and the surrounding areas. Irish Rail operates the three commuter rail lines that connect to the country’s rail network and the train service. Although the bus service is generally dependable, there are sometimes delays during peak hours.

Ticket	Price
Adult Single	€2.40
A one-day ticket for a bus and train	€7.50
Monthly season ticket for bus and train	€83.00

Also Read: Education in Ireland – An Intellectual’s Paradise 

Miscellaneous Cost – Entertainment / Recreation

In addition to important expenses like transportation, accommodation and food there are miscellaneous expenses as well which an individual should consider when calculating the overall cost of living. The table below represents some of the miscellaneous expenses and their respective costs in Cork. 

Clothes/Leisure Activities	Price
Movie (cinema) Ticket	€11
Gym Membership	€32 – €55 per month
Shampoo	€5.50
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins)	€55
Running Shoes (Trainers)	€80
Pair of Jeans	€80
Summer Dress	€36
Business Shoes	€87
Deodorant	€4
Toilet Paper (4 rolls)	€2.50

Utility Bill/Expenses

The cost of a utility bill may vary depending on the size of the apartment or your needs. Heating, cooling, gas and electricity can cost somewhere between $70 and $136 a month. Gas bill usually increases in winter months i.e. from November to February. Internet is also expensive in Cork as it can cost around $60 a month. 

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Ireland 

Average Tuition Fees in Cork, Ireland 

For student services, such as exam entries and assistance for clubs and societies, all international students (including EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA residents) are required to pay a student contribution fee of no more than 3,000 EUR each year. The cost varies from university to university and is subject to annual modification.

Mentioned below are the general fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Cork: 

• Undergraduate courses – 9,850 – 55,000 EUR/year
• Postgraduate courses –  9,950 – 35,000 EUR/year

Things to Know When Moving to Cork 

If you are planning to move to work then the following are the things that you must know: 

• You will need a plug converter (which is reasonably priced and widely available) if you plan to bring any gadgets to Ireland because the country uses UK plugs.
• Pack plenty of warm clothing for the winter because the weather in Ireland frequently seems considerably colder than the stated temperature.
• Take public transport, a bike or go for a stroll to travel around Cork. People who reside in central locations are less likely to own an automobile because the city centre is small and quickly congested.
• Standard medical appointments are reasonably priced, but you should have health insurance while you’re in Ireland to cover unforeseen costs.
• The pubs, which are spread out around the city of Cork, are where the majority of the social activity occurs. Additionally, you may get to enjoy the exciting nightlife on Friday and Saturday nights.

Must Read: How to Find Accommodation in Ireland?

FAQs

This was everything related to the cost of living in Cork. If you are looking for study abroad opportunities then experts at Leverage Edu can help you achieve your dream. Additionally, to connect with us simply register on our website or call us at 1800-572-000.