The Global Expat Hub
Ireland
English-speaking EU member with a booming tech sector and a serious housing shortage.
Your plan for Ireland checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Ireland
Costs and character vary significantly within Ireland. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
The capital — tech hub with a warm pub culture and strong expat community
Ireland's second city — more affordable and arguably more authentically Irish
Wild Atlantic coast city with a festival culture and bohemian spirit
Most affordable Irish city — improving rapidly and well-located
Ireland by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Mild, wet and windy year-round; rarely below 0°C or above 25°C. Rain in every month.
Mean temperatures for Dublin.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 1,100 mm (43 in) a year.
Snow Rare and light.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationelectronic Irish Statute Book ↗
OverviewLaw of Ireland on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the left. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Local Property Tax ~0.1% (bands).
Local & regional income tax None regional; USC 0.5–8% on top of income tax.
🎓 University
Free Fees for EU residents (~$3k student charge); non-EU $12–25k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Vodafone, Three, Eir, GoMo.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $25/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $18 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Critical Skills Employment Permit with 2-year PR path
- Stamp 0 for retirees with ~$55k/yr income
- Immigrant Investor Programme closed 2023
- English-speaking EU member
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Ireland embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Ireland faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Ireland: remote work you can do from Dublin, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Ireland and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ireland safe for expats?
Ireland scores 84 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 67 out of 100 for liveability — #29 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Ireland?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Ireland from around $2,500 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Ireland?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Ireland include: Critical Skills Employment Permit with 2-year PR path; stamp 0 for retirees with ~$55k/yr income; immigrant Investor Programme closed 2023; english-speaking EU member. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Ireland for expats?
The top cities for expats in Ireland profiled on this page are Dublin, Cork and Galway. Dublin is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.