A world-class city like Dublin may have some of Ireland’s most popular colleges and universities, but living there can stretch the average student budget. Luckily, many cities in Ireland are affordable and home to reputable academic institutions. If you’re looking to save money during your time abroad, keep on reading! Today, we’ve spotlighted Ireland’s four most affordable main cities, per data collected by Numbeo and Expatisan.
Please note the below estimated living costs include renting accommodation, groceries, and common expenses for entertainment and leisure activities.
Courtesy of Official Website of Tourism Ireland.
1. Waterford
Carving out the top spot on our list is Waterford! Located in the southeast of the country, it’s the oldest city in Ireland and also happens to be one of the most scenic spots. Residents enjoy breathtaking beaches and vast views across the marinas. With a population of around 50,000, Waterford is the smallest city on our list, but is the most affordable of Ireland’s main cities.
If you’re looking for a simple and laid-back lifestyle with lovely riverside views, consider Waterford as an option! Although the city doesn’t have the same selection of entertainment and nightlife venues as Galway or Cork, it has enough to provide you with the best of both worlds. If affordability is top of mind, you’ll be pleased to learn that residents enjoy a whopping 55.4% lower renting rate than Dublin! For all these reasons and more, it’s no surprise that Waterford won the Irish Times Best Place to Live in Ireland contest 2021.
Estimated Living Costs = €1,050 to €1,600/month
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Courtesy of Official Website of Tourism Ireland.
2. Limerick
Next on our list is Limerick! It’s located in the province of Munster and was founded by Vikings in 922 AD. Limerick is an excellent option if you’re searching for a high standard of living at a more reasonable cost. Limerick is the only Irish city outside Dublin where disposable income exceeds the national average; this is largely due to the access and affordability of housing, transport, schools, and leisure activities.
International students thrive in Limerick! Its central location and strong transportation links make it a great base for those wanting to explore the rest of the country during their free time. Plus, it’s home to the esteemed University of Limerick, which boasts over 3,000 international students enrolled from over 100 countries.
Estimated Living Costs = €1,100 to €1,750/month
Want to learn more about some incredible Irish universities? Read part one and part two of our Top Universities in Ireland series!
Courtesy of Discover Ireland.
3. Galway
The second most affordable city on our list is Galway. Voted as the European capital of culture in 2020, it ranks among the best places to live in Ireland. Located on the west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean, Galway is a delightful harbour city.
Beyond its outstanding culinary reputation for everything from fresh food at the Galway Farmer’s Market to its Michelin-starred restaurants, this city has something for everyone to enjoy. You can spend your downtime exploring its booming cultural scene, dancing away at one of the city’s many festivals, or strolling through its Latin Quarter. In the Latin Quarter, you’ll find many of Galway’s favourite pubs, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Students can expect their cost of rent to be around 33% lower than in Dublin, making it a great option if you’re looking for a big city vibe without the big city price tag.
Estimated Living Costs = €1,200 to €1,850/month
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Courtesy of Official Website of Tourism Ireland.
4. Cork
Are you searching for an authentic big-city experience on a budget? If so, Cork may be a great match! With around 200,000 residents, it’s Ireland’s second most populous city. Its vibrant student population totals around 36,000; of these, around 10% are international students from over 100 countries. So you can rest assured that you’ll be surrounded by a large international community to lean on for support.
Located in the province of Munster, Cork is known as the Rebel County, which speaks to its local spirit. Locals are renowned for their distinct accent and sense of humour. Much like its residents, Cork has a unique vibe. The city boasts an energetic nightlife and live music scene, making it a top destination if you love a good concert and night out! You can expect to pay €16 on average for a meal at a restaurant in Cork, making it €4 less than the same meal in Dublin.
If you’re seeking a place to study, it’s hard to go wrong with University College Cork (UCC), which ranked as the top Irish university for Research Impact and Industry Income by the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2021.
Estimated Living Costs = €1,250 to €1,900/month
Wondering what the Irish education system looks like compared to your home country? Read on to find out more!
These four Irish cities prove that you don’t need to choose between affordable living and a great education. Begin your study abroad journey in one of these cities to reap the benefits of both!
Ready to start your Irish study abroad journey? Just reach out—our team of experts can guide you from application to arrival.
