Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students

As an international student in Ireland, it is a good idea to budget approximately AUR 7,000 - EUR 12,000 per annum as living expenses in the country. These figures may vary depending on where you choose to study or live in Ireland, your lifestyle, and the costs incurred for other essential daily expenses. It is necessary to consider the various factors and plan your finances accordingly. Learn more about the total cost of living in Ireland as an international student, taking into account the different costs that you may need to incur during your stay.

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/blog/costs-of-studying-and-living-in-ireland/ 

Factors that Affect the Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students

The average living expenses in Ireland that you may need to account for during your stay in the country depend on a combination of factors. These include the type of accommodation chosen, location in Ireland, lifestyle preferences, and rates of currency exchange at the time. 

• Type of Accommodation: This contributes to a significant part of the average cost of living in Ireland. On-campus stay options may be convenient as an international student; however, they can be relatively more expensive than shared rentals, for instance. These are considered more affordable for students. Homestays are yet another budget-friendly option, lowering food expenses. 

• Location in Ireland: This is yet another of the key cost-of-living factors that can help determine your budget. Living in cities like Dublin, for example, can prove to be much costlier than other smaller cities like Galway or Cork. Similarly, housing in the city centre is more expensive than that in the suburbs. 

• Lifestyle Preferences: One of the key factors affecting the cost of living is your lifestyle choices, such as expenses on travel and leisure, dining out, shopping, and other entertainment. 

Average Living Expenses Per Month in Ireland for International Students

The average monthly living costs for international students in Ireland are estimated in the range of EUR 10,000 and EUR 20,000 per annum. These expenses are likely to vary based on where the students are located in Ireland, the type of accommodation they stay in, and other living expenses. 

The table below lists some of the ordinary expenses per month for international students in Ireland:  

Related Sources: https://www.internationalstudents.ie/info-and-advice/practical-information/cost-of-living

https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/scholarshipsfinances/livingcosts/

Accommodation Costs in Ireland 

The average cost of accommodation in Ireland is likely to vary between EUR 400 per month for shared housing and EUR 850 for a private room in a shared apartment. Likewise, on-campus housing options in Ireland are relatively costlier, while private student complexes may cost up to EUR 1,000 a month. 

All of these figures may vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen and its location (cities, towns, or suburbs).

_{Related Source: https://www.tudublin.ie/for-students/student-services-and-support/accommodation--living-in-dublin/your-spare-room-their-new-home/}

Food and Grocery Expenses in Ireland for International Students

The average food expenses in Ireland are likely to vary between EUR 70 and EUR 100 per week. This depends on the food consumption, groceries shopped, frequency of dining out, and the type of restaurant chosen. The typical monthly grocery expenses in Ireland are between EUR 150 and EUR 300 (approximately), based on individual needs and shopping preferences.

_{Related Source: https://www.internationalstudents.ie/info-and-advice/practical-information/cost-of-living}

Transportation Costs in Ireland

International students in Ireland can avail of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Leap Card and save up to 30% on their transportation costs. The card may cost around EUR 32 for 7 days.  

_{Related Source: https://www.dublinpublictransport.ie/tickets}

Health Insurance Costs in Ireland for International Students

Buying medical insurance in Ireland is a mandatory requirement for all international students aspiring to study in the country. The average health insurance cost in Ireland is estimated at EUR 160 for students pursuing courses of 12 months or longer, i.e., postgraduate study programs. The Immigration Service Delivery mandates that health insurance covers hospital expenses and at least EUR 25,000 for Accident, as well as EUR 25,000 for Disease.

_{Related Source: https://www.dbs.ie/international-students/international-non-eu-students/medical-insurance-for-international-students}  

Utilities and Internet Costs in Ireland

The average Internet charges in Ireland may vary between EUR 25 per month and EUR 40 per month, depending on the broadband service provider. Additionally, the average cost of utilities per month is estimated at EUR 165 (approx). Different electricity and gas plans may vary between EUR 1,199 and EUR 1,394 per annum.  

_{Related Sources: https://switcher.ie/broadband/compare/cheap-broadband/}

_{https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/scholarshipsfinances/livingcosts/}

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Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses in Ireland

The average personal expenses in Ireland are estimated at approximately EUR 80 per month. These generally cover non-essential expenditure, such as spending on socialising, entertainment, or personal care items.

_{Related Source: https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/scholarshipsfinances/livingcosts/} 

Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Ireland

One of the best answers on how to reduce living expenses as an international student in Ireland is to avail of student discounts, wherever possible, look for affordable housing options, and cut down on groceries and eating out. These are generally the major expenses for any student in the country. Instead, opt for shared accommodation, use public transport, and cook as much as possible.

Here are some helpful tips to lower the cost of living in Ireland for international students:

• Track your spending. Make sure to create a weekly/monthly budget and regularly monitor it. 

• Use student discounts whenever possible.

• Cut down on public utilities by using energy-efficient appliances. Also, combine phone and internet services to get the best packages.

• Use public transport and limit the use of your car to save fuel expenses.

• Plan your weekly meals; Cook at home and reduce the frequency of dining out.

• Choose affordable housing options. Consider shared accommodation, home stays, and residences outside the city centre, which can be costlier.

FAQs on Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students

1. Can Indian students find free language classes in Ireland?

While it may be challenging to find free language classes for Indian students in Ireland, you can explore a wide range of other affordable options. These include budget-friendly English language classes and university-specific scholarships for international students.

2. What are the banking and account maintenance fees in Ireland?

Every bank in Ireland may have a different account maintenance fee. While some banks may charge no fees at all for regular maintenance activities, some banks may charge a nominal fee. You should check with the specific bank that you wish to operate with.

3. Do Indian students need to pay local council taxes in Ireland?

No, international students in Ireland are exempt from paying local council taxes. However, they may need to pay a different local tax known as Rates.

4. Is the visa renewal fee high for Indian students in Ireland?

No, the visa renewal fee is generally not high for Indian students studying in Ireland. A single-entry fee costs typically EUR 60, while a multi-entry visa fee may be EUR 100.

_{Related Source: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/preclearance-and-entry-visas-fees/}

5. Are hostels or PG stays available in Ireland for students?

Yes, there are plenty of options for international students in Ireland to choose from, such as affordable hostels or PG stays. These include shared apartments and private homestays. IDP Education consultants in Ireland can help you choose the best cheap accommodation options in the country.

6. How much should I budget monthly for emergency expenses in Ireland?

This would vary from one individual to another. It is generally advisable to put aside at least EUR 50 - EUR 150 for medical or unforeseen expenses every month as an international student in Ireland. However, this may strikingly vary from one student to another, depending on their situations.

_{Related Source: https://www.dbs.ie/international-students/international-non-eu-students/cost-of-living-in-dublin#:~:text=General%20Cost%20of%20Living%20Estimates,and%20actual%20costs%20may%20vary.}

_{Updated on Sep 24, 2025}