Written by - Rory O'Connell
The cost of living in Ireland can be slightly higher than that of the UK, largely due to more expensive taxes, rents, and goods. Living in Ireland is much more costly than living in the UK. Ireland is 16% pricier than the United Kingdom.
Ireland ranks as the 8th most expensive country in the world, while the UK is only at the 13th. Whether it’s rent, consumer goods, or groceries, you’ll have to pay more in Ireland.
However, it's important to consider your lifestyle and spending habits as they could shape how much you spend regardless of where you are located - even if there is a difference between the two nations.
If you are thinking of moving to Ireland from the UK, then you should remember that VAT rates should also be taken into account when comparing both countries; with 23% charged on most items purchased within Ireland versus 20% for those made within England.
Even though Ireland is a net producer and exporter of food, it tends to be expensive. It is worth noting that the quality of food in Ireland tends to be very high.
| Item | Ireland | UK |
| Lunch in restaurant | £14 | £14 |
| 1l of milk | £1.50 | £0.99 |
| 500 gr of local cheese | £4.85 | £3.65 |
| 1KG of potatoes | £1.14 | £0.92 |
| 1 bottle of wine | £12 | £8 |
| Bread | £1.35 | £.98 |
As stated in a previous blog, the housing market in Ireland is very hot at the moment where demand is outstripping supply.
| Location | Ireland | UK |
| Dublin/London | £450,000 | £541,000 |
| Cork/Birmingham | £350,000 | £254,000 |
| Limerick/Manchester | £250,000 | £220,000 |
| Galway/Liverpool | £345,000 | £210,000 |
| Type | Ireland | UK |
| 1 Litre of petrol | £1.68 | £1.66 |
| Intercity train ticket (return) | £65 | £85 |
| Hyundai Tucson (2023) | £35,000 | £29,995 |
Cars tend to be more expensive in Ireland because of VRT. Vehicle registration tax is a tax that is chargeable on the registration of a motor vehicle in Ireland. Every motor vehicle brought into the country, other than temporarily by a visitor, must be registered with Revenue and must have VRT paid for by the end of 30 days of arrival in the country.
In both Ireland and the UK, healthcare is primarily funded by the government, ensuring that most medical services are provided free of charge or at a low cost. However, there are some differences in the specifics of each system and the costs associated with private health insurance.
Public Healthcare
| Aspect | Ireland (HSE) | UK (NHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Government-funded through the HSE | Government-funded through the NHS |
| Cost of Services | Free or low-cost for most medical services | Free or low-cost for most medical services |
| Access | Available to all residents | Available to all residents |
Private Healthcare
| Aspect | Ireland | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Private health insurance is available | Private health insurance is available |
| Cost of Insurance | Varies depending on the coverage | Varies depending on the coverage |
| Access to Services | Faster access to specialists and treatments | Faster access to specialists and treatments |
Apart from London, rental prices in Irish cities are typically higher than in their British counterparts. Conversely, buying a house in Ireland tends to be less expensive than in the UK.
For those considering a long-term investment, Ireland might offer a more advantageous option compared to the UK.
According to Numbeo data, London leads in terms of property prices and salaries, with Dublin not far behind in expenses, though not in earnings. Galway and Cork provide excellent value for buyers, whereas Cardiff and Edinburgh are reasonably priced and offer moderate salaries.
Top FAQs:
1. Are salaries higher in the UK or Ireland?
Ireland tends to have slightly higher salaries, but don't forget the cost of living. In some areas, expenses can add up. The pay in Ireland is 20% more than in the UK with £1 equating to €1.16. This fluctuates every year and may decrease for the UK budget when the minimum wage in the UK increases.
2. Is the UK a better place to live than Ireland?
The quality of life in Ireland is higher than in the UK. Ireland has also ranked in the United Nations annual rankings for its quality of life.