Ireland🇮🇪
At a Glance
How Ireland compares across key indices
Cost of Living
70 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
51/100
Healthcare
51/100
Quality of Life
174/200
Climate
89/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Ireland
Cost of Living
70
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
39
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
68
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
76
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Cork
Cheapest$3,032/mo
Limerick
$3,043/mo
Drogheda
$3,185/mo
Galway
$3,341/mo
Dublin
$3,675/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Ireland — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
51/100
Crime Index
49/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
70/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
25 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 3,041 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Ireland
Ireland has 5 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $3,032 in Cork to $3,675 in Dublin. Galway leads on safety, scoring 69/100. Cork ranks highest for quality of life at 191/200.
Cork
$3,032/mo
Galway
69/100
Cork
191/200
Cork
56/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cork | $3,032 | 63/100 | 191/200 | 56/100 | 26 |
| Limerick | $3,043 | 56/100 | — | — | — |
| Drogheda | $3,185 | 49/100 | — | — | — |
| Galway | $3,341 | 69/100 | — | — | — |
| Dublin | $3,675 | 46/100 | 159/200 | 51/100 | 41 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Ireland
Healthcare Index
51/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 530 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Ireland
Pollution Index
31/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 647 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Ireland
Average One-Way Commute
37minutes
Average
Traffic Index
147
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
170
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
4.3kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 412 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Ireland, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Ireland?
Ireland has a cost of living index of 70 relative to New York City (100). It is comparable in cost to most US cities. Monthly costs for a single person start around $3,032 in Cork and reach $3,675 in Dublin.
What is the cheapest city in Ireland for expats?
Cork is the most affordable city in Ireland with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $3,032 for a single person including rent. Limerick is the next most affordable at $3,043/mo.
Is Ireland safe for expats?
Ireland has a safety index of 51/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Galway scores highest on safety at 69/100.
What is the best city in Ireland for expats and digital nomads?
Cork ranks highest for quality of life in Ireland, scoring 191/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $3,032/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Ireland?
Ireland scores 51/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Ireland cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Ireland's cost of living is roughly 30% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 61% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Ireland?
Ireland has a pollution index of 31/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Ireland
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