Cheapest Cities To Live in Ireland: As an Indian student considering studying abroad, Ireland could be an ideal choice due to its renowned education system, rich cultural heritage, and relatively affordable cost of living. In this blog, we will go through some of the cheapest cities to live in Ireland for international students according to Numbeo and Expatisan. From the most affordable Maynooth to the beautiful Dublin, Ireland has it all. So, keep reading and find out what makes these cities so affordable.
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Top 7 Cheapest Cities to Live in Ireland
Ireland is an excellent choice for Indian students planning to study abroad because of its high-quality education system, rich cultural heritage, and budget-friendly cost of living. Check out the top 5 cheapest cities in Ireland for international students.
Waterford
Waterford is a beautiful city located in southeastern Ireland that offers beautiful landscapes, beaches, and marinas. This city has amazing nightlife, pubs, and restaurants for students at a very affordable rate. Moreover, candidates using accommodation for Indian students in Ireland pay considerably lower housing rentals here. The transportation cost in Waterford is around EUR 2.50 for a one-way ticket with monthly passes costing EUR 66 to 140.
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Galway
Galway, situated on the western coast, is another affordable and charming city for international students. Known for its friendly locals and global cuisine, including Michelin-starred eateries and the iconic Galway Farmer’s Market, Galway also has a flourishing cultural circuit and several annual festivals. The transportation cost in Galway is EUR 2.50 for a single ticket and monthly passes cost around EUR 60.
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Also Read: Not sure how to make connections in the UK? No Worries, our blog will help you greatly – How Can International Students Network in the UK?
Cork
Cork, the second highest-populated city in Ireland and also one of the cheapest cities. This beautiful place offers lifestyles similar to significant cities but at an affordable price point. One-bedroom and two-bedroom student apartments are available at a very affordable price in Cork. The transportation cost in Cork is around EUR 1.90-2.20 (single-fare) for one person and around EUR 34-68 for monthly passes.
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Maynooth
Maynooth is just some minutes away from the city centre of Dublin, giving students easy access to numerous transportation options. Maynooth is famous for restaurants, pubs, and clubs with very student-friendly options. You can also enjoy many festivals in Ireland here. The transportation cost in Maynooth is EUR 2-2.65 per person (single-fare).
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Also Read: Get to know Yourself a little better by exploring some amazing solo travel destinations for students in the UK!
Dublin
Despite being the capital of Ireland, Dublin is still considered affordable for students. There are many affordable student housing options in this city. A meal for two in Dublin costs, on average, EUR 21. Dublin offers many activities and attractions, including historical monuments, theatres, and archaeological museums showcasing Irish culture. You can also find some of the best areas to live in Dublin for students.
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Limerick
Limerick, located on the River Shannon, is one of the most affordable cities in Ireland. It’s a historic city known for its universities and vibrant cultural scene, while still being more affordable compared to Dublin or Cork. Limerick offers a lower cost of living, with affordable housing and more reasonably priced groceries and dining options compared to larger cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs around EUR 900–EUR 1,100 per month, with lower prices in suburban areas.
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Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a charming medieval city with a rich history, known for its lively festivals and beautiful architecture. It offers a high quality of life but with more affordable living costs than major urban centers. It is less crowded and offers a slower pace of life, which translates into lower housing costs and general expenses. A one-bedroom apartment in Kilkenny will cost about EUR 800–EUR 1,100 per month, which is cheaper than larger cities.
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Monthly Average Cost of the Cheapest Cities To Live in Ireland
Other than being rich in education and healthcare there is a lot of culture and tradition in Ireland. So if you are a student who wants to study in Ireland check out the below table for the average monthly transportation cost and living costs of an international student living in Ireland.
- Maynooth is particularly affordable in terms of transportation, with bus fares ranging between EUR 2 and EUR 2.65 for a single trip.
- Galway offers a relatively low cost of living compared to major cities like Dublin but still provides a lively student environment.
- Limerick and Kilkenny are considered affordable options, with rents lower than in larger cities like Cork and Dublin.
| City | Housing Cost (Monthly) | Transportation Cost (Monthly) | Average Cost of Living (Monthly) |
| Waterford | Affordable | EUR 66 to 140 | EUR 1,730 |
| Galway | Affordable | EUR 60 to 120 | EUR 968 |
| Cork | Affordable | EUR 34-68 | EUR 1234 |
| Maynooth | Affordable | EUR 2-2.65 (bus fare) | EUR 1,200 |
| Dublin | Affordable | Varies | EUR 1760 – 2196 |
| Limerick | Affordable | EUR 60 to EUR 100 | EUR 1,200 |
| Kilkenny | Affordable | EUR 50 to EUR 90 | EUR 1,100 |
Cost-Saving Tips for Students in Ireland
Living in Ireland as a student can be affordable if you make smart choices when it comes to transportation, food, and entertainment. Here are some tips to help you save money while enjoying your time in Ireland.
Transportation:
– Get discounted rates on buses, trams, and trains across Ireland.
– Smaller cities like Galway and Cork are bike-friendly, offering an affordable and healthy commuting option.
– In cities like Maynooth and Kilkenny, you can easily walk to most places, saving on transportation costs.
Grocery Shopping:
– Shop at Lidl and Aldi for budget-friendly groceries. SuperValu is another affordable option.
– Cook meals in bulk and look for discounted products to save money.
– Stick to simple, cost-effective meals like pasta, rice, and potatoes with veggies and protein.
Eating Out:
– Look for student deals or “pub grub” (e.g., sandwiches, fish and chips). Local pubs and soup-and-sandwich shops are affordable.
– Street food markets and farmers’ markets in cities like Dublin and Cork offer cheap, fresh meals.
Free Activities:
– Explore free parks like Phoenix Park (Dublin) or St. Stephen’s Green.
– Many museums like The National Museum of Ireland offer free entry.
– Take advantage of free cultural events and festivals throughout Ireland.
Why Choose a Cheaper City in Ireland?
While Dublin is Ireland’s most famous city, opting for a cheaper city to live in can offer a more relaxed lifestyle, greater affordability, and a vibrant cultural scene. Many of Ireland’s smaller cities not only provide lower living costs but also allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: an active social life, access to nature, and a tight-knit student community—without the hustle and expense of living in a large metropolitan area. Here are some reasons why choosing a cheaper city in Ireland could be the perfect option for you:
- Smaller cities like Galway and Limerick offer vibrant arts, culture, and student communities, but with less hustle than Dublin. You can enjoy more space, less crowding, and a relaxed pace of life while still having access to entertainment and social activities.
- Cheaper cities are often located near scenic spots like beaches, parks, and countryside. For example, Galway is close to Connemara and Cliffs of Moher. Living near nature provides a refreshing balance and a chance to relax and explore.
- Smaller cities have tight-knit student communities and offer affordable entertainment, social events, and academic opportunities without the high cost of living in Dublin. Cities like Limerick and Kilkenny provide plenty of student activities at a fraction of the cost of Dublin.
FAQs on the Cheapest Cities to Live in Ireland
The cheapest cities to live in Ireland include Waterford, Galway, Cork, Dublin, and more.
Waterford offers lower housing rentals, and budget-friendly dining options, which makes it an attractive and affordable choice for international students.
Yes, Cork provides one-bedroom and two-bedroom student apartments at affordable prices, contributing to its reputation as a city with a comfortable cost of living for students.
Galway is known for its rich cultural scene, including Michelin-starred eateries, the iconic Galway Farmer’s Market, and various annual festivals, which create an environment for international students.
The monthly transportation costs in these cities, ranging from EUR 2 to EUR 68, contribute to the overall average cost of living for international students in Ireland, making it essential to consider when planning a budget.
No, Dublin is not the cheapest city. While it offers great opportunities, its cost of living, especially for housing, is higher compared to cities like Galway, Limerick, or Waterford.
In Galway, students can expect to pay around EUR 500-800 per month for shared accommodation. Private studios may cost more, typically ranging from EUR 800-1,200 monthly.
Limerick is one of the more affordable cities, with cheaper housing and lower overall living costs than Dublin or Cork. Rent can be as low as EUR 400-600 for shared accommodation.
Yes, Kilkenny offers relatively low-cost student accommodation, with rents for shared houses or apartments ranging from EUR 350-600 per month, making it a good option for students on a budget.
Students in Waterford can expect to spend around EUR 150-200 per month on groceries. Shopping at budget supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can help reduce this further.
Thank you for reading our blog. Hope you liked this blog. This blog is all about the cheapest cities to live in Ireland. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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