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Key Summary
- Ireland’s cost of living is 14% higher than the UK overall, with rent prices 37.1% more expensive. A one-bedroom city centre apartment costs €1,361.67 in Ireland versus £1,015.66 in the UK, making accommodation the biggest difference for international students.
- Both countries offer strong post-study work opportunities, with the UK providing a 2-3 year Graduate Route and Ireland offering up to 2 years under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. Average monthly net salaries are similar at £2,441 in the UK and €2,459 in Ireland.
- Transportation and dining costs vary between the countries, with Ireland charging €1.75 for local transport one-way tickets compared to £2.50 in the UK, while restaurant meals in Ireland are 5.3% more expensive than the UK overall.
The cost of living in Ireland vs UK is important for students planning to study abroad. In Ireland, certain expenses like accommodation tend to be higher than in the UK. On the other hand, while the cost of living in UK varies by region, certain cities like London are renowned for being notably expensive compared to Ireland. Therefore, it becomes important for students to consider the costs associated with living, transportation, and food when making their decisions. In this blog, you will find a complete guide on the cost of living in Ireland vs UK 2025-26. So, if you are ready to shortlist your dream study-abroad destination, let’s get started.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK?
- Why Compare Ireland and the UK?
- Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Accommodation
- Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Utility
- Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Grocery
- Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK- Food
- Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Transportation
- Ireland vs UK – Miscellaneous Costs
- Ireland vs UK – Average Salary
- FAQs
What is the Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK?
When it comes to the cost of living in Ireland vs UK, there are several insights for students to know before making the decision. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Ireland, including rent is 14% higher than in the UK. Considering accommodation, rent prices in Ireland are 37.1% higher than in the UK. Similarly, eating out in restaurants in Ireland is 5.3% more expensive than in the UK.
Why Compare Ireland and the UK?
For international students, Ireland and the UK often appear side by side during the decision-making process—and for good reason. Both countries offer world-class education, globally recognised universities, strong job markets, and vibrant multicultural experiences. However, the overall cost of studying and living can differ significantly, which makes comparing the two essential.
1. Similar Academic Prestige
Ireland and the UK are home to some of the world’s leading universities—like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. For students seeking high-quality degrees, both destinations offer strong academic reputations, making a comparison necessary.
2. Cost of Living Can Influence Final Choice
While tuition fees may appear similar, rent, groceries, transportation, and lifestyle expenses can vary noticeably between cities like Dublin, London, Manchester, or Cork. Students often compare both countries to find which offers better affordability and overall value for money.
3. Post-Study Work Opportunities
Both destinations provide attractive post-study work routes—
- UK: Graduate Route (2–3 years)
- Ireland: Third Level Graduate Scheme (up to 2 years for master’s students)
Understanding how living costs align with job opportunities helps students choose the country that fits their long-term plans.
4. English-Speaking Environments
Both Ireland and the UK are English-speaking nations, which makes them highly appealing for students from non-English-speaking regions. This similarity naturally places the two countries in direct comparison.
5. Cultural Familiarity & Ease of Transition
Both destinations offer multicultural campuses, strong student support systems, and familiar Western lifestyles. Students often compare them to gauge which environment feels more comfortable, safe, and welcoming.
6. Value for International Students
Ultimately, students compare Ireland and the UK to identify which country offers:
- Lower living expenses
- Better part-time work opportunities
- Higher return on investment
- Smooth visa and post-study pathways
This comparison helps students make a confident and financially smart choice based on their individual priorities.
Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Accommodation
When it comes to studying abroad for international students, housing rent is a major factor. Rent varies depending on the type of accommodation, location, and size of the apartment. In general, rent prices in Ireland are higher than in the UK and may cost you about EUR 1,354.67 for a 1-bedroom in the city centre in Ireland. On the other hand, living in the UK in the same-sized apartment may cost you around GBP 1,053.66.
| Apartment type | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) | Average Cost in Ireland (EUR) |
| 1 Bedroom (in city centre) | 1,015.66 | 1,361.67 |
| 1 Bedroom (outside of centre) | 827.67 | 1,184.49 |
| 3 bedrooms (in city centre) | 1,683.59 | 2,247.38 |
| 3 bedrooms (outside of centre) | 1,337.10 | 1,876.22 |
Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Utility
The cost of utilities in any country includes your expenses related to electricity, cooling, heating, and water. These costs may depend on the state, municipality, and energy source. While these basic utilities in the UK may cost you more money, Ireland’s internet and phone plans can be more expensive than the UK. For international students, understanding these differences is important for budgeting.
| Utilities / Bills | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) | Average Cost in Ireland (EUR) |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage | 239.87 | 179.57 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | 31.55 | 41.15 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (calls and 10GB+ data) | 13.48 | 17.72 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Grocery
The next thing to consider in your cost of living in Ireland vs UK is groceries. It contains the staples of your diet such as milk, bread, water, rice, fruits, and vegetables. As these small expenses can add up over time, it is important for students to consider the difference to follow their monthly spending budget.
| Food item | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) | Average Cost in Ireland (EUR) |
| Milk (1 litre) | 1.25 | 1.08 |
| White rice (1kg) | 1.61 | 1.34 |
| Eggs (12) | 2.94 | 3.08 |
| White bread loaf (500g) | 1.23 | 1.49 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 1.10 | 1.37 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 0.80 | 0.95 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2.65 | 2.79 |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.17 | 1.58 |
| Apples (1kg) | 2.14 | 2.08 |
Also Read: Top 10 Reasons to Study in Ireland
Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK- Food
When comparing food costs between Ireland and the UK, you will notice that expenses related to dining out can vary based on the type of meal and location. The table below shows an overview of the cost of basic meals such as a cappuccino, Coke, and a 3-course meal in both countries.
| Category | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) | Average Cost in Ireland (EUR) |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | 1.75 | 1.88 |
| Cappuccino | 3.28 | 3.07 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s | 7.00 | 7.96 |
| 3 Course Meal for 2 People (Mid-range Restaurant) | 62.50 | 67.04 |
Cost of Living in Ireland vs UK – Transportation
The next thing in this guide on the cost of living in Ireland vs UK is the cost of transportation. These expenses may depend on factors such as the type of transport. While gasoline prices are almost the same in both countries, the cost of a one-way ticket in local transport varies.
| Food item | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) | Average Cost in Ireland (EUR) |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 1.42 | 1.53 |
| One-way ticket in local transport | 2.50 | 1.75 |
| Taxi for 1km | 1.78 | 1.31 |
| Monthly Pass | 74.50 | 76.82 |
Ireland vs UK – Miscellaneous Costs
Apart from the necessities such as food, accommodation, and travel, you have to consider some associated miscellaneous costs as well. This includes leisure expenses such as movie tickets, fitness activities, or an occasional shopping spree.
| Category | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) | Average Cost in Ireland (EUR) |
| Cinema (1 seat) | 10.00 | 10.06 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 hour) | 11.34 | 16.72 |
| Fitness Club (monthly fee) | 33.20 | 41.47 |
| 1 Pair of Jeans | 63.90 | 69.45 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store | 31.89 | 32.13 |
Also Read: Top 10 Reasons to Study in UK
Ireland vs UK – Average Salary
The average monthly net salary after tax in the UK and Ireland has slight variation only. While the average salary in the UK is around £2,441, it stands at €2,459 in Ireland. For international students considering part-time work or employment, these numbers may offer useful insight.
| Category | Average Cost in the UK (GBP) | Average Cost in Ireland (EUR) |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (after tax deduction) | 2,441.03 | 2,458.73 |
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FAQs
Yes, living in Ireland is generally more expensive than in the UK. For instance, the cost of 1 Bedroom (outside of the centre) in Ireland may cost you about EUR 1,178.49. On the other hand, the same-sized room may cost you around GBP 844.67.
Net salary after tax deduction may be slightly higher in Ireland as compared to the UK. However, you must also remember that the cost of living in Ireland is also higher than the cost of living in the UK.
Both Ireland and the UK offer diverse job prospects for international students. Aspiring students can pursue successful careers in different fields such as engineering, medicine, and accounting. The ultimate choice between the two countries depends on several factors, such as your individual interests, career goals, and financial conditions.
This was all about the cost of living in Ireland vs UK. Still not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
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