Cost of living in Carlow
Carlow, a charming town in Ireland, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Carlow, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost €18.97 on average, with a range between €12.64 and €42.15.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around €89.56, with prices ranging from €68.49 to €162.26.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages €9.22, with a range between €8.48 and €13.7.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from €4.21 to €8.11, imported beer €4.21 to €7.38, cappuccino €2.11 to €5.27, and Coke/Pepsi €1.79 to €3.48.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between €1.11 and €2.11 per liter, averaging €1.37.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between €1.04 and €3.16, with an average price of €1.78.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from €2.53 to €4.69, averaging €3.94.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost €1.46 to €5.27 per kg, while oranges range from €1.68 to €6.32 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between €1.15 and €3.69 per kg, and lettuce costs €0.84 to €2.11 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs €1.16.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at €57.95.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between €1.72 and €2.11 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at €2.11, with a cost of €1.45 to €3.16 per km and €26.34 to €52.68 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from €1159.03 to €1475.13, averaging €1343.42.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from €790.25 to €1475.13, averaging €1106.35.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from €2107.33 to €2634.16, averaging €2423.43.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from €1791.23 to €1896.6, averaging €1826.35.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from €2001.96 to €2212.69, averaging €2107.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from €1896.6 to €2423.43, averaging €2160.01.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between €158.05 and €368.78, averaging €227.85.
- Internet - Internet services range from €36.88 to €68.49, with an average cost of €47.65.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Ireland are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Ireland, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Carlow offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and utility expenses. Dining out can vary significantly in price, providing options for both budget and upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, though some items like local cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Carlow presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles. While some expenses like dining and certain groceries can be higher, the overall affordability of housing and transportation makes it an attractive option for residents.
Potential residents should consider their personal lifestyle and budget preferences when evaluating Carlow as a place to live, as the city offers a range of options to suit different needs.