Ireland and the UK are both high-income countries with relatively high living costs by global standards, but there are key differences in housing, transport, food, and utilities between the two. Costs also vary sharply between urban centres and rural regions.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is usually the biggest expense for both UK and Ireland residents, but the trends differ.
Urban Housing
| City | Average Monthly Rent (City Centre, 1-bed) | Ireland vs UK Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | €2,100–€2,500 (£1,800–£2,150) | More expensive than all UK cities except central London. |
| Cork | €1,600–€1,900 (£1,375–£1,630) | Similar to London outer zones or central Edinburgh. |
| Galway | €1,500–€1,800 (£1,290–£1,540) | Comparable to Bristol or Brighton. |
| Limerick | €1,300–€1,500 (£1,115–£1,290) | Similar to Manchester or Cardiff. |
| Belfast (UK) | £900–£1,100 (€1,050–€1,280) | Significantly cheaper than most large Irish cities. |
| London (Zone 1) | £2,300–£2,800 (€2,670–€3,250) | Still beats Dublin for sheer cost in some areas. |
| Manchester | £1,100–£1,300 (€1,280–€1,510) | Cheaper than Dublin, Cork, or Galway. |
Key takeaway:
- Dublin rents often surpass those in most UK cities except central London.
- Mid-size Irish cities like Cork and Galway are broadly similar to high-demand UK regional cities such as Bristol or Edinburgh.
- Belfast (Northern Ireland) is significantly cheaper than cities in the Republic of Ireland.
Rural & Small Town Housing
| Location | Average Monthly Rent (3-bed house) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rural West of Ireland | €1,000–€1,300 (£860–£1,120) | Scenic, much cheaper than Dublin. |
| Rural East of Ireland | €1,200–€1,500 (£1,030–£1,290) | Proximity to Dublin pushes up costs. |
| Rural Scotland (UK) | £800–£1,000 (€930–€1,160) | Generally cheaper than rural Ireland. |
| Rural Wales (UK) | £700–£950 (€810–€1,100) | Cheaper housing, but fewer jobs. |
| English countryside near London | £1,300–£1,700 (€1,510–€1,980) | Comparable to rural east Ireland. |
2. Utilities and Household Bills
Ireland:
- Higher electricity and heating costs (largely due to energy imports and smaller market scale).
- Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish): €200–€270 (£170–£230) for an average apartment.
UK:
- Slightly cheaper utilities overall — £160–£220 (€185–€255) on average for a similar property.
- Water bills are charged separately in most of the UK; in the Republic of Ireland, water is generally included in taxes for households.
3. Food and Groceries
- Ireland: 5–10% more expensive for many groceries, especially imported goods. Fresh dairy and meat can be slightly cheaper locally.
- UK: Supermarkets have more discount chains and competitive pricing (Aldi and Lidl are in both countries, but the UK has more deep-discount retailers).
Example basket (mid-range supermarket, 2025 estimates):
- Milk (1L): IE €1.10 / UK £1.05 (€1.22)
- Bread loaf: IE €1.70 / UK £1.35 (€1.57)
- Chicken breast (1kg): IE €9.00 / UK £7.80 (€9.05)
4. Transport
- Public transport:
- Dublin monthly pass: €140 (£120)
- London monthly travelcard (zones 1–3): £173 (€200)
- UK regional cities (Manchester, Leeds): £70–£100 (€81–€116)
- Car costs:
- Fuel is similar (€1.65–€1.80/L in both countries), but Irish car insurance can be more expensive for newcomers.
5. Eating Out & Leisure
- Ireland: Restaurant meals average €18–€22 for a main course in mid-range venues; pints €5.50–€7.
- UK: Similar quality mid-range main course £15–£20 (€17.50–€23.40); pints £4–£6 (€4.70–€7).
- Dublin city centre is often on par with London for restaurant and pub prices; rural Ireland can be cheaper.
6. Regional Summary Table
| Region/City | Overall Cost Compared to UK Average | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Higher than most UK cities (except London) | Rent, eating out, utilities |
| Cork | Similar to top UK regional cities | Housing, food |
| Galway | Slightly above UK regional average | Rent, tourism demand |
| Limerick | Close to UK average | Lower rent balances higher utilities |
| Waterford/Kilkenny | Slightly below UK average | Cheaper rent |
| Rural West Ireland | Above rural UK cost | Higher utilities and food |
| Belfast | Below Irish cities, on par with UK regional average | Lower rent, similar utilities |
Final Verdict
- If housing cost is your main concern: The UK generally offers more affordable options, especially outside London and the South East. Rural and regional towns in the UK can be much cheaper than their Irish counterparts.
- If salaries are factored in: Dublin salaries in tech, finance, and pharma can offset the high rents — similar to London’s dynamic.
- Everyday costs: Groceries, utilities, and transport are often slightly higher in Ireland, but the gap narrows outside major cities.