Cost of Living in Belfast

reinvented maritime city with the lowest cost of living in the UK and a blossoming film and tech sector.
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£1,743

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
57%
Groceries
15%
Eating Out
11%
Transportation
4%
Utilities
10%
Leisure
3%
Property
57%
Groceries
15%
Eating Out
11%
Transportation
4%
Utilities
10%
Leisure
3%

Titanic Quarter & peace walls

Lagan Valley & Black Mountain

Tech/Tourism; welcoming

Cost of living breakdown for Belfast

Belfast living costs can vary. You can expect to spend around £1,743 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£899Average rent per month in Belfast
£3,123Price per m² (city centre)
£1,900Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index50
Quality of life index84
Safety index57
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Belfast average costs for food and drink.

£246Monthly groceries/person
£178Dining out average cost/person
£3Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Belfast average salaries and services.

£2,161Average Monthly Net Salary in Belfast
£64Transport
Healthcare70
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Belfast

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£898.83£807.00 - £1,000.00
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£725.54£650.00 - £850.00
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,463.00£1,350.00 - £1,600.00
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£1,054.00£900.00 - £1,300.00

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Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Belfast depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £844 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £2,939. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £899 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Belfast costs £2. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £64.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Belfast is currently £2,161.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Belfast costs approximately £15, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £70.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Belfast for a single person is £844, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Belfast, the estimated monthly costs are £2,939, not including rent.

Rent prices in Belfast depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £899, compared to £726 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £1,463 in the centre and £1,054 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Belfast (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £176 per month. Internet access typically adds another £33.