Guide For Living Abroad In Ireland

Ireland has a similar cost of living to the United States, but most people report that Ireland has slightly better deals on consumer goods. Rent is also less expensive in Ireland than in the United States. Expats in Ireland will love the welcoming culture and temperate climate.

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Are you hoping to move to Ireland to experience all of its charms? Whether you’re hoping to work, study, or retire in Ireland, you’ll find this guide to be a helpful tool!

In this guide, we’ll compare the cost of living in important categories such as housing, groceries, and transportation. We’ll explain the cultural differences you need to know to adjust to Irish living. We’ll also cover visas and retiring in Ireland.

Living In Ireland – An Expats Guide

Cobh's Deck Of Cards Houses & St. Colman's Cathedral - Cork County, Ireland

The most important information on living in Ireland is understanding the cost of living. You’ll want to make sure that Ireland is the right country for your next adventure as an expat or retiree. Visas to move abroad are specific to the country you’ll be moving to, so collect this information first.

Applying for a visa to move somewhere also takes time and money. For more general information about the process to move abroad, check out our guide to living abroad in Europe.

To find out more information about the best locations within Ireland for expats, read more about the best places for expats within Ireland.

Cost Of Living In Ireland Vs. USA

Ireland has a similar cost of living to the United States, but lower average salaries. Ireland is less than one percent less expensive than the USA. That means that digital nomads who are able to obtain a visa or retirees may find a bargain by moving to Ireland.

We used crowd-sourced data to compare the cost of living in the United States to Ireland. The most recent data from reporting users is averaged to predict the differences.

Since the United States and Ireland are so close in cost comparison, the location you choose will have a major impact on the cost of living. Living away from city centers can reduce your housing costs and overall budget.

Housing Cost Comparison Ireland Vs. USA

Housing costs in Ireland and the United States are comparable. For the average one bedroom apartment in the city center, Ireland is 0.6% cheaper than the USA. For a three bedroom apartment in the city, you’ll find a bit more savings in Ireland. Ireland is 1.8% cheaper than the USA.

If you’re considering buying a property, interest rates in Ireland for 2023 are much lower than in the United States. Interest rates in Ireland are below 3.5%, but over 5% in the United States.

For more specific results, you’ll want to compare your destination city to your current location.

Food Cost Comparison Ireland Vs. USA

Belfast City Hall - Landmark In Northern Ireland

Grocery bills in Ireland are lower than in the United States, but for people who enjoy eating out, you’ll spend less on similar meals in the USA. Dinner for two in Ireland is 20% more expensive than in the United States.

To compare common grocery staples, check out these comparisons collected from crowd-sourced data.

On average, milk is 35 cents (USD) cheaper in the United States.
A loaf of bread in the United States is almost double the price of one in Ireland.
In Ireland, the price of rice is half of what you’d pay in the USA.
The price per pound of apples in the USA is almost double the average price in Ireland.
Bananas are 20 cents (USD) cheaper per pound in the USA than in Ireland.
Most vegetables like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes are cheaper in Ireland than in the USA.

Transportation Cost Comparison Ireland Vs. USA

Transportation costs, on average, are lower in the United States. By planning for this in your budget, you’ll enjoy your time in Ireland without a problem. Gasoline is twice as expensive in Ireland, but public transportation is only slightly more expensive.

Salaries In Ireland Vs. USA

The after-tax average salary in Ireland is 28.7% lower than the after-tax average salary in the United States. Due to differences in cost of living, many estimate the purchasing power to be only slightly higher in the United States. So don’t fret too much about the lower salaries in Ireland!

Is Ireland Expensive To Live In?

St. Colman's Cathedral In Cobh - Irish Landmark

Ireland is one of the most expensive countries to live, but it’s still a little cheaper on average than the United States. Ireland is the sixth most expensive country to live in, but the United States ranks more expensive as the fifth.

Ireland has a great higher education system. Many online users also report more freedom and a higher quality of life in Ireland. So get ready to explore the famous Blarney Castle and the scenic cliffs of Ireland!

If you’re still unsure or concerned about the cost of living, you may want to check out the cost of living in France.

Healthcare In Ireland

Healthcare for qualifying residents in Ireland is publicly funded. You must qualify for a medical card to receive care without additional cost. Since American expats must prove financial stability without Ireland’s benefits to obtain a visa, they will need to pay for medical care in Ireland.

Expats who do not qualify for a medical card or people who want the most sophisticated medical care and shorter wait times will want private health insurance. Private health insurance with the right carrier will give you access to the high quality private healthcare system in Ireland.

Living In Ireland As An American

Ireland has more English speakers than the United States. That means that the only language barrier will be resolved when you learn the local vernacular in Ireland! Many expats also report that Ireland is more friendly and chatty than the USA.

Day-to-day living in Ireland will have the following differences:

As part of the European Union (EU), Ireland uses the Euro. You’ll have to convert dollars to Euros for budgeting and spending purposes.
Ireland uses the metric system: kilometers instead of miles, liters instead of gallons, and Celcius instead of Fahrenheit.
Cars drive on the left side of the road on the entire island.

Cultural Adjustments For Americans In Ireland

We collected insights from other expats in Ireland to help you identify what aspects of Irish culture will be different than what Americans are used to. It’s nont a comprehensive list, but it’s a head start for American expatriates headed to Ireland.

Cash is more common in pubs than in the USA. Similarly, Irish pubs don’t really leave your tab open.
The Irish don’t see Americans as Irish just because they have a grandparent or ancestor from Ireland.
There are fewer beach restrictions because you are trusted to clean up after yourself.
Tipping is less common and less expected in Ireland, but may still be appreciated.

Retiring In Ireland From USA

Dublinia & Christ Church Cathedral - Sunset View In Dublin, Ireland

You may be able to obtain a visa to retire in Ireland! American citizens who wish to retire in Ireland must apply through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services (INIS). As long as you meet their criteria for a visa, you will be able to retire in the Republic of Ireland.

The eligibility criteria for getting a visa in Ireland includes proving that you can financially support yourself without benefits or public services. This means that you won’t have access to retirement benefits from Ireland.

Also, be aware that your pensions and/or income will be subject to Ireland’s taxes while you reside there. You will also not have access to Medicare benefits since those are only available in the United States and its territories.

Moving To Ireland From The USA

Anyone who wants to stay in Ireland for more than three months needs a visa. To obtain a visa, you’ll ask for permission and apply for a visa through the INIS. You’ll complete the application and register. The application usually takes about four months to process.

Visa Requirements For US Citizens In Ireland

Visa requirements in Ireland are through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services (INIS). The United States Embassy is not responsible for visa decisions. To obtain a visa to work or live in Ireland, you’ll have to show that you can support yourself.

Financial Documents

You will need proof of private health insurance.
You will have to demonstrate an annual income of at least 50,000 Euros per year.
You will have to provide proof that you have a lump sum for emergencies.
Your means will have to be in a spreadsheet and verified by an Irish accountant.
Your income must not be from investments. It has to be in the form of pensions or readily accessible funds.
Paystubs or proof of income.

In addition to the financial documents, you will also need to provide documentation about your health and criminal record for yourself and your family members. You’ll be asked to provide identity documents and your reasons and connections to Ireland.

These other documents and information include:

Passport
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
The reason you want permission
Details of your family in Ireland and their legal status in Ireland
Details of your Irish associations
Police Clearance Certificate
Health Declaration

Conclusion

Now that you know what is involved in moving abroad to Ireland, you’re ready to plan your adventures! You won’t want to miss out on Ireland’s mild climate and lush landscape. Since Ireland is slightly cheaper than the United States, you’ll be able to budget for your expenses.

If you haven’t fallen head over heels for the Irish countryside, consider another country in Europe. If you’ll miss the snow, Sweden is another country along the gulf stream with colder winters in the north. Read our guide here.

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Serena Fung

Head of Content at Pacific Prime

Serena Fung is the Head of Content at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 6+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.