Ireland

Cost of Living in Galway

Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates

COL+Rent: 47.1Rent: 36.5Groceries: 52.8Restaurant: 50.5

Monthly Budget Estimates

Minimal

$1,727/mo

Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit

Typical

$2,342/mo

City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out

Comfortable

$2,889/mo

Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment

Monthly Costs Breakdown

CategoryCost (USD)
Rent (1BR City Center)$1,547
Rent (1BR Outside Center)$1,209
Groceries (monthly)$299
Restaurant Meal$17
Transit Pass (monthly)$81
Utilities (monthly)$160

Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026

Can You Afford Galway?

Compare Galway with other cities at specific budget levels:

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Galway?
A minimal monthly budget in Galway is approximately $1,727, a typical budget is $2,342, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $2,889 per month.
How much is rent in Galway?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Galway city center costs approximately $1,547/month. Outside the center, expect around $1,209/month.
Is Galway expensive compared to New York?
Galway's COL+Rent Index is 47.1 compared to New York's 100, meaning Galway is about 53% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Galway?
Monthly groceries in Galway cost approximately $299. The city's Groceries Index is 52.8 (NYC = 100).