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Cost of Living in Dublin: A Monthly Breakdown for a Couple

Welcome to an in-depth look at the cost of living in Dublin, Ireland, based on the lifestyle of a working couple living in the city center. This article breaks down our monthly expenses for June, providing a glimpse into the financial realities of life in this vibrant city. All figures are in euros (€) and reflect our experience as a couple with full-time jobs, living in a central, older apartment building.

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Rent: The Biggest Expense

Living in Dublin’s city center comes with a hefty price tag. Our rent for a one-bedroom apartment in an older building is €1,800 per month. This is a significant portion of our budget, but the convenience of being close to everything makes it worthwhile for us. For those looking to save, sharing a house or room with others can reduce costs significantly, but we prefer the privacy of living alone as a couple.

Utility Bills

Electricity

Electricity costs vary by season. In winter, shorter days and the need for heating drive up expenses. In June, with longer daylight hours and no need for heating, our electricity bill for the past three months was €236.38, averaging €78–79 per month. This is relatively low for summer, as we benefit from natural light until 9 PM.

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Water

One perk of living in Ireland is that water is free for all households, so we don’t incur any costs here.

Internet

We opt for a basic internet plan costing €8 per month. We don’t pay for TV, a landline, or subscriptions like Spotify or Netflix, which helps us save significantly.

Phone

Our phone plans are straightforward. My partner has a premium plan with unlimited data and calls, while I use a basic plan. Together, our phone expenses total €59.90 per month. I often use my partner’s phone for calls, which works well for us.

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Transportation

Living close to my workplace allows me to walk most days, saving on transport costs. I occasionally top up my Leap Card (Dublin’s public transport card) with €20, but this isn’t a monthly necessity. My partner, Domago, sometimes takes taxis due to irregular work hours, which can add up. In June, our total transportation costs were €20, though this varies depending on weather and work schedules. Public transport and taxis in Dublin can be pricey, so walking when possible is a great way to save.

Groceries

Supermarket costs have risen over the years. In June, our grocery expenses for two people totaled €482.22. This covers all food and household essentials, reflecting the increasing cost of living in Dublin compared to five years ago.

Leisure and Dining

We tend to keep leisure expenses low by avoiding frequent nights out, as drinks in Dublin can be expensive. However, we enjoy ordering food and visiting restaurants, which added up to €493.69 in June. This includes our habit of grabbing coffee during walks, which can accumulate quickly. For example, a daily coffee can easily become a significant expense over a month.

Entertainment

Dublin offers many free activities, which we take advantage of. For concerts or events, costs can add up, but in June, our entertainment expenses were modest at €58.68 for the entire month.

Beauty and Personal Care

Beauty expenses, primarily mine, vary by month. In June, I spent €116.35 on treatments and services, which I find expensive in Dublin. These costs depend on whether I opt for something extra, like a special treatment.

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous expenses, such as household repairs or small purchases for the apartment, were minimal in June at €17. This category fluctuates depending on our needs.

Total Monthly Expenses

Our total expenses for June came to €2,750.83. This figure reflects our lifestyle choices, such as living in the city center and enjoying occasional dining out. While this may seem high for two people, costs can be reduced by sharing accommodation, cutting back on dining out, or limiting small luxuries like daily coffee.

Is Dublin expensive?

Dublin is undeniably an expensive city, though not the priciest in the world. Your costs will depend on where you live, whether you share accommodation, and your lifestyle choices. Summertime in Dublin, as reflected in our June expenses, sees us going out more often, which slightly increases our spending.

For those curious about life in Dublin or planning a move, I hope this breakdown provides a clear picture of what to expect. How does this compare to the cost of living in your city? Let us know, and feel free to share this with anyone interested in life in Dublin or Europe!

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