A world-class city like Dublin may have some of Ireland鈥檚 most popular colleges and universities, but living there can stretch the average student budget. Luckily, many cities in Ireland are affordable and home to reputable academic institutions. If you鈥檙e looking to save money during your time abroad, keep on reading! Today, we鈥檝e spotlighted Ireland鈥檚 four most affordable main cities, per data collected by and .
Please note the below estimated living costs include renting accommodation, groceries, and common expenses for entertainment and leisure activities.
Courtesy of Official Website of Tourism Ireland.
1. Waterford
Carving out the top spot on our list is ! Located in the southeast of the country, it鈥檚 the and also happens to be one of the most scenic spots. Residents enjoy breathtaking beaches and . With a population of around 50,000, Waterford is the smallest city on our list, but is the most affordable of Ireland鈥檚 main cities.
If you鈥檙e looking for a simple and laid-back lifestyle with lovely riverside views, consider Waterford as an option! Although the city doesn鈥檛 have the same selection of entertainment and nightlife venues as Galway or Cork, it has enough to provide you with the best of both worlds.听 If affordability is top of mind, you鈥檒l be pleased to learn that residents enjoy a whopping ! For all these reasons and more, it鈥檚 no surprise that Waterford won the .
Estimated Living Costs = 鈧�1,050 to 鈧�1,600/month
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Courtesy of Official Website of Tourism Ireland.
2. Limerick
Next on our list is ! It鈥檚 located in the province of Munster and was founded by . Limerick is an excellent option if you鈥檙e searching for a high standard of living at a more reasonable cost. Limerick is the only Irish city outside Dublin where ; this is largely due to the access and affordability of housing, transport, schools, and leisure activities.听
International students thrive in Limerick! Its central location and strong transportation links make it a great base for those wanting to explore the rest of the country during their free time. Plus, it鈥檚 home to the esteemed University of Limerick, which boasts over 3,000 international students enrolled from over 100 countries.听
Estimated Living Costs = 鈧�1,100 to 鈧�1,750/month
Want to learn more about some incredible Irish universities? Read part one and part two of our Top Universities in Ireland series!
Courtesy of 星空影视 Ireland.
3. Galway
The second most affordable city on our list is . Voted as the , it ranks among the best places to live in Ireland. Located on the west coast, where the meets the Atlantic Ocean, Galway is a delightful harbour city.
Beyond its outstanding culinary reputation for everything from fresh food at the to its Michelin-starred restaurants, this city has something for everyone to enjoy. You can spend your downtime exploring its booming cultural scene, dancing away at one of the city鈥檚 , or strolling through its . In the Latin Quarter, you鈥檒l find many of Galway鈥檚 favourite pubs, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Students can expect their cost of rent to be around 33% lower than in Dublin, making it a great option if you鈥檙e looking for a big city vibe without the big city price tag.
Estimated Living Costs = 鈧�1,200 to 鈧�1,850/month
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Courtesy of Official Website of Tourism Ireland.
4. Cork
Are you searching for an authentic big-city experience on a budget? If so, may be a great match! With , it鈥檚 Ireland鈥檚 second most populous city. Its vibrant student population totals around 36,000; . So you can rest assured that you鈥檒l be surrounded by a large international community to lean on for support.
Located in the province of Munster, Cork is known as the , which speaks to its local spirit. Locals are renowned for their distinct accent and sense of humour. Much like its residents, Cork has a unique vibe. The city boasts an energetic nightlife and live music scene, making it a top destination if you love a good concert and night out! You can expect to pay 鈧�16 on average for a meal at a restaurant in Cork, making it 鈧�4 less than the same meal in Dublin.
If you鈥檙e seeking a place to study, it鈥檚 hard to go wrong with University College Cork (UCC), which ranked as the top Irish university for Research Impact and Industry Income by the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2021.
Estimated Living Costs = 鈧�1,250 to 鈧�1,900/month
Wondering what the Irish education system looks like compared to your home country? Read on to find out more!
These four Irish cities prove that you don鈥檛 need to choose between affordable living and a great education. Begin your study abroad journey in one of these cities to reap the benefits of both!
Ready to start your Irish study abroad journey? Just reach out鈥攐ur team of experts can guide you from application to arrival.听
