Your all-in-one guide to cost of living in Ireland for South Africans

Whether you’re moving permanently from South Africa to Ireland or you’re visiting on a short-term basis, it’s a popular country to head to - it’s packed with friendly people, beautiful natural landscapes, quaint towns and bustling cities.

But, how much does it cost to live in Ireland, and how does the cost of living in Ireland compare to South Africa?

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the cost of living in Ireland, taking a look at everything from rental prices to the cost of groceries, whilst also including how the prices in Ireland compare to South Africa.

If you want to manage your international money transfers, make sure you keep in mind Wise, a bank alternative to reduce international transfer costs¹ for money transfers from Ireland to South Africa.

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How expensive is Ireland in comparison to South Africa?

Ireland is hugely more expensive to live in than South Africa - the cost of groceries is 116.3% higher in Ireland than in South Africa, rent is 266% higher, and general consumer prices (not including rent) are 103.2% higher⁵.

The currency in Ireland

The currency in Ireland is the Euro.

When you’re making transfers or converting your money into Euros, you can make sure you’re getting the best exchange rate by using a converter that uses the mid-market exchange rate.

You can find out the exact worth¹ of your money (or more specifically, ZAR) by using our online currency converter.

Get the mid-market rate for international money transfers to South Africa with Wise

South Africans living in Ireland can save money¹ by using Wise, a bank alternative, to make international payments to South Africa.

When sending money to South Africa from Ireland with Wise, you can reduce international transfer costs¹.

The mid-market exchange rate is the rate that banks use to transfer money between them.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate along with a small fee mentioned upfront for all transfers. This means you’ll likely be getting better rates for international money transfers, and you’ll know upfront how much each transaction will cost you¹.

Using Wise in Ireland, you can send money to South Africa, and hold and receive money in 40+ currencies³.

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Cost of living in Ireland vs. South Africa

Although the cost of living does vary depending on where you are in Ireland, Dublin comes in at 51 on the Mercer cost of living ranking, worldwide⁶. In comparison, Cape Town in South Africa ranks in the 194th space⁶. So it’s clear that even by these rankings, the cost of living is much higher in Ireland than in South Africa.

Rental costs in Ireland

Let’s take a look at the rental costs in two of the biggest cities in Ireland: Dublin and Belfast.

It’s important to note that rental prices in these cities are substantially higher than rental prices in towns and rural areas. You can even see the difference in prices between Dublin and Belfast - Belfast is significantly cheaper due to the fact it’s not the capital.

Cost of groceries in Ireland

Let’s take a look at the cost of groceries in Belfast, Ireland.

Transport costs in Ireland

Both Dublin and Belfast have great public transport networks. In Dublin, you can purchase a ticket that works across public transport networks and can be used on trains, trams, buses, or bikes.

When it comes to travelling across the country in Ireland, public transport networks are good, with buses and trains being cost-effective. However, to visit more rural areas, a car is needed.

Study costs in Ireland

Although unlike countries like the US and the UK students don’t tend to flock to Ireland to become international students, the country does have some good universities, with Trinity College Dublin being the most notable, ranking 201st in the world, according to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking⁹.

According to the QS World University Rankings, Trinity College of Dublin is ranked 81st in the world¹⁵.

The average cost for an undergraduate degree as a foreign student at Trinity College Dublin is between €21,080 - €27,610¹⁰.

What is the average salary in Ireland?

The average salary in Ireland is €45,000 in 2023¹¹.

Let’s take a look at a selection of jobs and their average salaries in Dublin and Belfast. In small cities, towns, and more rural areas, the average salaries can be lower.

What about healthcare costs in Ireland?

Both private and public healthcare services are available in Ireland. If you are eligible for public healthcare services, treatment will either be free or subsidised. However, if you aren’t eligible you will have to cover the cost of healthcare services yourself or through insurance.

The average cost of seeing a GP privately in Ireland is between €40-70¹⁴.

Ireland is a wonderful place to spend time in, whether short-term or long-term. However, it is significantly more expensive than South Africa, so saving some money before visiting or ensuring you have a well-paid job that provides security if you’re relocating there full-time is advised.

Remember, with Wise, you can save money when sending money from Ireland to South Africa¹.

Join Wise!

Sources:

1. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.
2. Eligibility is subject to verification of customer identity. Wise may request additional documents to verify a customer's identity.
3. Please note that certain products or features may not be available in all regions.
4. Please visit www.wise.com to check for availability and learn more about our offerings.
5. Cost of living comparison - South Africa and Ireland
6. Mercer Cost of Living Ranking
7. Cost of living - Dublin
8. Cost of living - Belfast
9. University Ranking - Trinity College Dublin
10. Fees - Trinity College Dublin
11. Average Salary Ireland - Morgan Mckinley
12. Salaries in Dublin - Teleport
13. Salaries in Belfast - Teleport
14. Doctors Ireland - Irish Links
15. QS World Rankings - Universities

*Sources last checked as of Friday 24th November, 2023.