How much more expensive is it to live in Dublin compared to Limerick or Galway in terms of rent and total monthly expenses?
Yes, Dublin is noticeably more expensive, running about 25 percent more than Limerick and about 29 percent more than Galway on a typical student budget. Shared accommodation in Dublin averages around EUR 989 a month, compared with EUR 598 in Galway and EUR 635 in Limerick.
Yes, Dublin is noticeably more expensive than both Limerick and Galway, mainly because of higher accommodation costs. Using 2026 student cost estimates, Dublin runs about 25 percent more than Limerick and about 29 percent more than Galway on a typical student budget.
Monthly Student Budget Comparison
| Monthly Cost | Dublin | Galway | Limerick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | EUR 989 | EUR 598 | EUR 635 |
| Utilities | EUR 95 | EUR 95 | EUR 95 |
| Groceries | EUR 248 | EUR 230 | EUR 252 |
| Transport | EUR 146 | EUR 145 | EUR 146 |
| Total per month | EUR 1,943 | EUR 1,507 | EUR 1,558 |
What Drives the Difference
Rent is the single biggest factor. A double room in a shared house was around EUR 918 a month in Dublin in early 2026, compared with EUR 773 in Galway and EUR 687 in Limerick. Purpose built student accommodation in Dublin can run even higher, with some providers averaging around EUR 1,453 a month including service charges.
My Advice
If minimizing cost is your priority, moving from Dublin to Galway or Limerick could save you roughly EUR 4,000 to EUR 5,000 a year before tuition. Your actual saving depends heavily on whether you land university accommodation, a private room or a shared house, so confirm real listings for your specific city before finalizing a budget.
How much will a month in Ireland cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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More Ireland questions
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