Cost of Living in Dublin for Nurses
Make your salary work in the capital.
Dublin offers the most nursing jobs in Ireland, but it is also the most expensive place to live. Here is a realistic look at the main costs and how nurses manage them.
Rent: the biggest cost
Rent is the single largest expense for nurses in Dublin. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment are among the highest in Europe, and competition for properties is intense. Most newly arrived nurses share a house or apartment, renting a single or double room. Rooms near major hospitals and good transport are in highest demand.
Ways nurses reduce rent:
- Share with other healthcare workers.
- Use employer temporary accommodation while searching.
- Live in commuter towns with train links, such as Maynooth, Drogheda, Bray or Naas.
- Choose a hospital in an area with lower rents.
Bills
If bills are not included in your rent, budget for electricity, gas or heating, and internet, split between housemates. Winter bills are higher. Ask previous tenants about typical costs before you sign.
Transport
Dublin’s Luas, DART and buses are covered by the Leap Card, which offers capped fares. If your hospital is on a good route, you may not need a car. Shift workers should check early and late services. Many nurses cycle, and some employers offer a bike-to-work scheme.
Food and groceries
Discount supermarkets keep weekly shopping affordable. International food shops offer familiar ingredients. Eating out and takeaway coffee add up quickly; bringing meals to work saves a lot.
Other monthly costs
- Phone plan
- Gym or sports club
- Health insurance (optional)
- Money sent home
- Clothes, shoes for work and personal items
- Travel and flights home
Can a nurse live well in Dublin?
Yes, with planning. A single staff nurse sharing accommodation, with some unsocial hours premiums, can usually cover living costs and save. Families with one income find Dublin much harder, which is why spouse work rights on the Critical Skills route are so valuable. Many families choose commuter towns or other cities.
Build your own budget
Use our cost of living calculator with real prices from current listings, and our take-home pay calculator to see your net income.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dublin too expensive for nurses?
It is expensive, mainly due to rent, but most single nurses manage by sharing accommodation.
Where do nurses live in Dublin?
Many live near their hospital or in commuter towns with good transport links.
Is it cheaper to work outside Dublin?
Usually yes, as HSE pay is the same but rents are lower.
Compare other cities
See nursing jobs and living costs in Cork.
