Cost of Living in Cork, Ireland: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

If you’re planning to study in Ireland, in that case, it is important to research everything about the country, like its best university in Cork, Ireland, the cost of living in Cork, and so on, so that nothing comes as a surprise and you have done all the required preparation both in terms of mental and financial. 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 country like Cork, Ireland, but adjusting and expenses there can be quite tiresome.

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! 

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, culture and affordable cost of living in Cork.

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 Economic 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. 

Cost of Living in Cork Overview

Compared to the capital city of Ireland – Dublin, the cost of living in Cork is around EUR 1,045 which 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.

The cost of Living in Cork is all about determining everything you need to spend money on daily. This includes housing rent, food, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other useful costs. 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. 

Must Read: Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Cost of Renting in Cork

Purchasing or renting a house in Cork is cheaper than other cities. However, it is also a major portion of the cost of living in Cork. 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	Approx Cost
1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre	EUR 1,400+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre	EUR 1,100+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre	EUR 2,300+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre	EUR 1,700+

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

Cork Housing Rent Comparison 

For your reference, we have come up with a comparison between the housing rents in the nearby city and country and Cork so that you can have an idea of how affordable Cork is. This will help you manage the cost of living in Cork accordingly. Please have a look.

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

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. The cost of all edible items like Food, Grocery and Restaurant dine-out comes under the Cost of living in Cork estimation.

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 grocery items in Cork:  

Food Items	Approx Cost
Takeout Coffee	EUR 3.50
1 Litre of Milk	EUR 1.20
Bottle of Coke	EUR 1.80
Loaf of Bread	EUR 1.60
1 Kg Chicken	EUR 8.00
1 Kg Beef	EUR 9.50
1 Kg Apples	EUR 2.97
1 Kg White Rice	EUR 1.75

Cost of Transportation in Cork

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. The cost of transportation in Cork might affect the cost of living in Cork. A few costs of transportation are given below:

Ticket	Approx Cost
Adult Single	EUR 2.40
A one-day ticket for a bus and train	EUR 7.50
Monthly season ticket for bus and train	EUR 95.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	EUR 1.90
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	EUR 30.50
Gasoline (1 liter)	EUR 1.75

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Cost of Entertainment and Recreation in Cork

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 in Cork. The table below represents some of the miscellaneous expenses and their respective costs in Cork. 

Clothes/Leisure Activities	Approx Cost
Movie (cinema) Ticket	EUR 12
Gym Membership	EUR 32 – EUR 65 per month
Shampoo	EUR 5.50
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins)	EUR 55
Running Shoes (Trainers)	EUR 80
Pair of Jeans	EUR 96
Summer Dress	EUR 36
Business Shoes	EUR 87
Deodorant	EUR 4
Toilet Paper (4 rolls)	EUR 2.50

Utility Bill and Expenses In Cork

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 around EUR 210 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 EUR 50 a month. All these utility bills and costs we have already covered in our cost of living in the Cork budget.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Ireland: A Guide

Average Tuition Fees in Cork, Ireland 

Cork, Ireland is home to some prestigious universities in Cork and is well known for its advanced program and courses. 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 – EUR 9,850 – EUR 55,000 /year
• Postgraduate courses –  EUR 9,950 – EUR 35,000 /year

Cost of Living in Cork Compared to Other Cities

Compared to many other major cities around the world, the cost of living in Cork is quite affordable, and it offers a high quality of life. To help you understand, we’ve compared the cost of living in Cork with cities like Dublin, London, Galway, and Limerick. This will give you an idea of how budget-friendly Cork is. Here’s a look at the average living costs in these cities (excluding rent):

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Cork
Cost of Living in Dublin	EUR 1,086	Higher than Cork
Cost of Living in London	EUR 1295	Higher than Cork
Cost of Living in Galway	EUR 904	Lower than Cork
Cost of Living in Limerick	EUR 847	Lower than Cork

Why Choose Cork to Study Abroad? 

Along with the affordable cost of living, Cork is famous for its globally recognised universities and advanced courses. Moreover, it is a Safe city and has very beautiful Irish Counties. All these qualities make students 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.

Things to Know When Moving to Cork 

Moving to a new city like Cork is an exciting journey for anyone, and it’s essential to consider a few important things, including the average cost of living in Cork. If you are planning to move to work or higher studies 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.

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FAQs on the Cost of Living in Cork

So, this was all about the cost of living in Cork. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.