Cost of living in Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living in Belfast is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
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 $15.18 and $37.95.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $88.54, with prices ranging from $63.24 to $126.48.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.85, with a range between $8.22 and $10.12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.69 to $8.22, imported beer $5.69 to $8.85, cappuccino $2.53 to $5.06, and Coke/Pepsi $1.52 to $3.6.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.26 and $2.26 per liter, averaging $1.68.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.95 and $2.53, with an average price of $1.81.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.58 to $4.55, averaging $3.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.26 to $5.06 per kg, while oranges range from $1.01 to $5.06 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.63 and $2.53 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.83 to $1.9 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.78 and $5.06, with a monthly pass priced between $54.99 and $82.49.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.68 and $1.96 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.06, with a cost of $1.43 to $3.3 per km and $18.21 to $44.27 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1075.11 to $1201.6, averaging $1147.39.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $758.9 to $1011.87, averaging $889.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1517.81 to $2529.68, averaging $1707.53.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1138.36 to $1517.81, averaging $1355.19.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1897.26 to $9486.3, averaging $2752.29.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1264.84 to $5059.36, averaging $2086.99.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $126.48 and $189.73, averaging $146.39.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.62 to $54.39, with an average cost of $39.07.
Cost of Living Rankings
Belfast ranks 13th on the Cost of Living rankings in United Kingdom. The cost of living indices for United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom, 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)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Belfast offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major UK cities, with moderate housing and transportation costs.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, offering options for both budget-friendly and upscale experiences.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like local cheese and beef can be on the higher end.
Public transportation is a cost-effective option for getting around the city, with affordable monthly passes available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Belfast presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for both residents and newcomers.
While housing and transportation are reasonably priced, dining and certain grocery items can vary, offering a range of options to suit different budgets.
Overall, Belfast's cost of living is manageable, providing a good quality of life without the high expenses found in other UK cities.