Cost of living in Galway
Galway, a vibrant city on Ireland's west coast, is known for its lively arts scene and historic architecture. 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 Galway, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16.86 on average, with a range between $15.28 and $21.07.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $73.76, with prices ranging from $52.68 to $126.44.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.48, with a range between $9.48 and $12.64.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.74 to $6.85, imported beer $4.21 to $6.32, cappuccino $3.16 to $4.21, and Coke/Pepsi $1.37 to $3.69.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.11 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.44.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.05 and $3.16, with an average price of $2.32.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.01 to $6.32, averaging $3.56.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.05 to $6.32 per kg, while oranges range from $2.11 to $5.27 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.05 and $2.11 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 between $1.42 and $2.84, with a monthly pass priced between $42.15 and $68.49.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.78 and $1.94 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $1.37 to $6.32 per km and $25.29 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 $1264.4 to $2107.33, averaging $1694.64.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1264.4 to $1896.6, averaging $1496.2.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2318.06 to $3424.41, averaging $2939.72.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1896.6 to $2950.26, averaging $2278.88.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3292.7 to $4846.86, averaging $4159.16.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2739.53 to $3793.19, averaging $3406.85.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $157.8 and $413.36, averaging $231.3.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.61 to $63.22, with an average cost of $46.12.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Galway offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Galway are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being reasonably priced.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Galway can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Galway presents a balanced cost of living with affordable transportation and grocery options, though housing can be a significant expense.
Prospective residents should consider their housing preferences and budget accordingly, while enjoying the vibrant cultural scene and amenities the city offers.