10 Sep 2024
In 2024, Ireland’s inflation rate was expected to be as low as 2.38%. Usually, countries with low inflation rates tend to have better living standards. Ireland’s clean and picturesque city and countryside landscapes and a hospitable and welcoming Irish society are sure to die for. Many expats live and work here to send money to Philippines from Ireland. Ireland’s unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is ideal compared to most countries. But how much does it cost to live in Ireland as an expat? Let’s look at minimum salaries and some essential expenses for living in Ireland.
Let’s talk about the minimum wage first. As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Ireland is 12.70 EUR per hour. This does not necessarily include people under 20, as they could be paid at sub-minimum rates. Pays like premium pay, overtime pay, public holiday pay, etc., are also not included in the minimum wage. Some minimum wage jobs include school meal workers, bar staff, part-time sales assistants, etc. Salaries also depend on the type of industry you decide to work in, your work experience, and your level of qualification.
The national minimum wage in Ireland has been around 2,146.3 EUR per month since June 2024. This accumulates to 25,756 euros per year if you get paid every month. If you earn enough, you can also save up and send money online to Philippines from Ireland if you have a family dependent back home.
For one individual living in Dublin, a 4,167 EUR per month (50,000 EUR per year) salary before tax cuts ensures a comfortable living.
For a family of 3, at least twice the above salary would be ideal. That could range from 7,500 EUR to 8,333 EUR per month (90,000 to 100,000 EUR per year). If your wages are insufficient to sustain yourself in Ireland, you can always look for schemes to help with expenses.
Below are some fixed expenses you’ll need to cover in Ireland.
Rent depends on where you live in Ireland (city and county) and whether your residence is an apartment, a house or a room. Residence in city centers and famous cities such as Dublin (the capital of Ireland) tends to be more expensive than in relatively isolated, rural or remote areas. For example, a regular one-bedroom apartment in a county like Limerick (which is a three-hour drive from Dublin) could cost from 950 to 2500 EUR per month.
Depending on your chosen company, broadband services usually cost around 35 to 75 EUR. In addition to international brands like Vodafone, Virgin Media or Sky, you can opt for more local options like Eir and Pure Telecom. Another practical tip is shopping around and taking advantage of yearly promotional discounts.
On average, electricity and gas bills cost around 1,295 EUR per year and 1,182 EUR for gas. Of course, this can vary based on the amount of usage and your provider. You can also opt for dual-fuel plans to save up some money. Remember that fuel costs will probably increase. For in-depth details, you can also view the data provided by the SEAI, which shows average price trends in Ireland.
If you have a TV, you can’t use it without a TV license, which costs around 160 EUR per year. While it is accessible for people over 70 (under the Household Benefits package), failing to acquire a license could result in a fine of up to 1,000 EUR.
Ireland is a spotless country, which is why it is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. When living in Ireland, choose a private waste collection company to remove your household trash. Burning trash in your home or garden is illegal, and throwing your garbage in the street litter bins is considered an offense. Other than this, if you live in a rural area, you might need to drop off your trash at an approved waste facility.
One-time transportation tickets can be expensive, so buying a LEAP card that allows you to use public transportation is preferable. You must set aside at least 10 to 20 EUR per month for this card.
If you buy a car, you’ll need to be insured, which can cost around 578 EUR annually. The premium for this insurance can vary depending on the car model, age, driving expenses, etc. In short, the higher the risk, the higher the premium. However, you can decrease your premiums with a clean driving record over time. You can get a quote on car insurance online, depending on your circumstances.
As is the case with most countries, food prices have increased over the past 2 to 3 years in Ireland. Average weekly groceries cost around 100 euros, but it depends on your consumption and the place where you shop for groceries. Groceries can last you longer if you are single and consume less to save up and make a money transfer from Ireland to Philippines.
To live a comfortable life in Ireland as a Filipino expat, you must earn at least 4000 to 5000 EUR per month. In Ireland, many Filipinos work stable jobs to send money from Ireland to the Philippines to support their families back home. Even though Filipino nurses are highly respected in Ireland, many other career options exist. So, if you plan on settling in Ireland, you must explore employment opportunities there immediately.
You can use ACE Money Transfer or similar services to secure transfers to the Philippines. These services allow you to send money quickly, ensuring your family has financial support whenever needed.
Transfer fees vary, but online services often have competitive rates with minimal costs. Comparing fees across different services can help you find the most cost-effective option.
You can send money as often as needed, with most services allowing you to do so without frequency restrictions. This flexibility will enable you to support your family whenever the need arises.
You can send money directly in Philippine Pesos to avoid additional conversion fees. This ensures your family receives your intended amount without losing money to currency conversion.
Depending on the service provider, most transfers are completed within minutes to a few hours. This speed ensures that your loved ones can access the funds promptly when needed.
