CULTURE COST OF LIVING

Dublin is a charming city that is always buzzing with atmosphere. The Irish are famously known Cost of living across Ireland varies depending on city but as you may expect, Dublin is the most
for their friendliness and you’ll have no problem making friends with locals and expats in Dublin. expensive city in Ireland. Accommodation will usually be the biggest expense.
Irish people love a chat and always do what they can to help. The city centre is lined with bars with
a great mix of live music. Dublin also gives expats a great hub to explore the rest of Europe and as Correct on www.numbeo.com on 31st May 2019
an extra bonus by law, all those who work full-time in Ireland are entitled to a minimum of 20 days
of leave. ACCOMMODATION

LANGUAGE One-bedroom apartment in the city centre 1,400 – 2,000 EUR

One-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre 1,000 – 1,400 EUR
English is the predominant first language in Ireland and is the language used professionally. Irish Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre 2,400 – 3,400 EUR
is also an official language in the country. Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre 1,800 – 2,800 EUR

WEATHER GROCERIES

Ireland’s climate is influenced most by the Atlantic Ocean. Ireland doesn’t have the extreme Milk (1 litre) 0.98 EUR
temperatures that other countries at similar latitude would have. The average temperature is Loaf of white bread 1.50 EUR
a mild 10°C. Hills and mountains, mainly around the coast, shelter the rest of the island from Rice (1kg) 1.47 EUR
strong winds coming off the ocean. While the weather can be changeable – it’s rarely extreme. The Dozen eggs 2.64 EUR
warmest months, July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight and it gets dark only after 11pm. Chicken breasts (1kg) 7.96 EUR

UTILITIES/HOUSEHOLD
WORKING IN DUBLIN
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) 0.24 EUR
In Ireland you will be working in an English-speaking location where you will enjoy a vibrant expat
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) 53.03 EUR
community and welcoming locals. Dublin is by far the most densely populated area of Ireland with
Electricity, gas and water (monthly for average size home) 160.18 EUR
25% of the country’s population residing the Dublin region. More that 20% of the Dublin population
are expats! Ireland is a stable, competitive, secure and pro-business country. Over the last decade
the economy in Ireland has gone from strength to strength and Dublin has grown into a major EATING OUT
player in many global markets including financial services, technology and pharmaceutical.
Three-course meal at mid-range restaurant 60 EUR
Meal at McDonalds 8 EUR
Cappuccino (regular) 3.18 EUR
Domestic Bottle of beer 5 EUR
Coca-cola (500ml) 1.61 EUR

TRANSPORTATION (PER KM)

Taxi Rate 4 EUR start

Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 2.70 EUR
Gasoline (1 litre) 1.42 EUR
MONEY HEALTHCARE
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT Access to Ireland’s healthcare services is quite complicated, varies depending on your situation and
therefore, the below information is only an overview.
There are a number of banks in Ireland with a variety of accounts so it’s worthwhile to look around
and pick one that suits you. It is likely that in order to open an account you will need to go to a Bank Ireland offers two medical service – public service which is free and Private health insurance pays
branch in person and you will need to prove your identity and your Irish address. The following for private medical care (sometimes by your employer).
documents are commonly required:
PUBLIC SERVICE
• Current passport
• Proof of PPS Number The public service is free of charge to residents or likely to be residents (in Ireland for at least 12
• Proof of address months). How much you will be able to access Ireland’s public healthcare system will depend on
your residency. It is up to the health office to decide whether you meet the criteria of being an
Telephone or internet banking is usually an automatic service provided with current accounts. “ordinary resident”, but generally if you are living in Ireland for at least a year or intend to live here
for at least a year you most likely fall into this category. Your Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI)
WEBSITES contribution goes towards providing State Social & Health Services. www.socialwelfare.ie

•
www.aib.ie PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
•
www.bankofireland.ie
•
www.ulsterbank.ie Many people in Ireland purchase private healthcare insurance. Private Health Insurance is paid for
•
www.accbank.ie private medical care. There are three main providers for Health Insurance in Ireland, Aviva, Laya
Healthcare and Vhi.

Depending on the companies and schemes in question, this insurance will often cover you for
hospital stays in private or semi-private rooms and on-going treatment payments.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

In the case of emergency dial 999 from any landline telephone (free call) or 112 from a mobile
phone to make contact with the Police, Ambulance or Fire Service.
TRANSPORTATION INCOME TAX

Dublin has an extensive transport network throughout the city centre making getting around simple Registering for tax
and it is usually the fastest way to get around. It is recommended for expats that are commuting
frequently to get a Leap Card, which will allow you to save money on your travel. Driving in the You will be required to pay tax on your income. The Irish taxation system is called PAYE (Pay As You
city centre can be daunting to newcomers due to their one-way system, lack of parking and the Earn) and it works by employers deducting employees’ tax directly from salaries before it reaches
introduction of tolls makes driving more hassle than it’s worth. your bank account.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT You will need to register with the Irish taxation system (known in Ireland as the Revenue
Commissioners) as soon as possible, so that the correct taxation is applied to your salary.
Airline transport
On arrival PPS Number
The main airports in Ireland for domestic and international flights are in Belfast, Cork, Dublin and
Shannon. One of the first things you will need to do is apply for a PPS number. This number is used whenever
you interact with the Irish State relating to employment or taxation and healthcare. In order to get
Rail transport your PPS number, you need to apply in person at your local Social Welfare Office. There is often
a wait time for an appointment and therefore we recommend that you register online at www.
Rail transport in Ireland is provided by Iarnród Éireann. There are rail links between the major mywelfare.ie and make an appointment 2-3 weeks before you arrive in Ireland to avoid delays.
cities in Ireland.
FINDING ACCOMMODATION
For commuting into Dublin, the DART (light-rail) and the LUAS (tram) are commonly used.
GENERAL ADVICE
Bus transport
The housing market in Ireland, and particularly in Dublin is tight. Therefore, when you arrive,
Bus transport in Ireland is provided by both Bus Éireann and a number of private companies. Bus you should make finding your permanent accommodation a top priority. Make sure that you give
is probably the most common mode of public transport thanks to the large network of routes and yourself some time to look around as prices can vary depending on the size of the property, the
diversity in routes. There are express routes and night bus schedules too. standard of the accommodation and the location. Most rented accommodation in Ireland is provided
furnished so you shouldn’t have to worry about buying furniture when you first arrive.
Driving
Things to consider include, properties closer to Dublin City Centre will be slightly more expensive
To drive your car in Ireland you must have a valid driver’s licence, the vehicle must be registered in than the surrounding areas but will mean less commuting time and cost. If you prefer to find a
the State with motor tax and motor insurance paid along with a National Car Testing Service test place in the suburbs around Dublin then make sure you are close to reliable public transport such
if your car is more than 4 years old. If you are going to be in Ireland for a temporary period of time as Dublin Bus, Irish Rail or the Luas (Tram) lines. Dublin is divided into zones, generally the lower
(less than 12 months) you can drive on your national or international driving licence. number of zone, the closer it is to the city centre and vice versa. Dublin is then separated into
North and South by the River Liffey.
Maximum speeds: motorways 120 km/h, highways 100 km/h, other roads outside built-up areas
80 km/h, towns 50 km/h. Exceptions may apply at any time. Cars with a trailer may not exceed 80 Types of rentals
km/h on any road.
• House share - properties where you can rent a room in a house shared with other tenants
• Renting an apartment
• Renting a house

Websites:

•
www.daft.ie
•
www.rent.ie
•
www.property.ie
•
www.findahome.ie
•
www.let.ie

You should be prepared to pay a security deposit (usually the equivalent of one month’s rent)
up front in addition to the first month’s rent, so please keep this in mind when organising your
finances. You may also be asked to provide a reference letter from your last landlord.
LONDON GLASGOW EDINBURGH
Dawson House Allan House 21/1 Silvermills Court
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