Cost of Living for an Exchange Program in Ireland 2026
Based on current data from Irish sources (TU Dublin, Citizens Information, ISD). Values in euro (€). Approximate exchange rate: €1 ≈ R$ 6.40.
Budget
€1,200
per month
Mid-range / Recommended
€1,600
per month
Comfortable
€2,100
per month
English Course Costs (Tuition)
General English Course (20h/week)
Schools such as Erin, ILSC, Atlas, and ATC. Prices vary depending on course duration — the more weeks you book, the lower the weekly rate.
€180–€260/week ≈ €720–€1,040/month
Long-Term Courses (6–12 months)
Progressive discounts apply. Example: 24 weeks starting from €150/week at some schools.
€150–€200/week ≈ €600–€800/month
TIP
Pay for the course in one lump sum (6–12 months at once) — the discount can reach 20–30% compared to monthly payments. Schools like Erin usually offer special conditions for longer bookings.
Accommodation (Biggest Expense)
| 🏡 Homestay (Irish Family) | |
|---|---|
|
The most common option. Utilities are usually included, or partially included. Zones 2–4 are more affordable than the city centre. |
€700–€1,000/month |
| 🛏️ Shared Room in Dublin | |
|---|---|
|
Usually includes breakfast and dinner. Great for English immersion. More common outside the city centre. |
€800–€1,100/month |
| 🏢 Student Residence (PBSA) | |
|---|---|
|
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. Usually includes utilities and internet. High demand — book in advance. |
€900–€1,300/month |
| 🚪 Private Room in an Apartment | |
|---|---|
|
With a private or shared bathroom. More privacy, higher cost. |
€1,100–€1,500/month |
Important
Dublin is facing a housing crisis in 2026. Book accommodation at least 3 months in advance. Recommended platforms: Daft.ie, Rent.ie, SpareRoom.ie, Facebook groups such as “Accommodation in Dublin”.
Food
| 🥦 Supermarket (Cooking at Home) | |
|---|---|
|
Lidl and Aldi are the cheapest. Tesco and Dunnes offer more variety. Weekly grocery shopping: €50–€80. |
€250–€350/month |
| 🍽️ Eating Out (Occasionally) | |
|---|---|
|
Simple restaurant: €15–€18. Fast food: €10–€12. Coffee + snack: €6–€10. |
€100–€200/month |
Brazilian Tip
Asian markets sell rice, beans, chicken, and seasonings much more cheaply than Irish supermarkets. They are mainly found in Dublin 1 and on Parnell Street.
Transport
| 🚍 Public Transport — Dublin Bus + Luas + DART | |
|---|---|
|
A Leap Card with the Young Adult fare (up to 25 years old) gives a 50% discount. There is also a weekly fare cap of max. €12/week. For adults: ~€140/month without discount. |
€50–€140/month |
| 🚲 Dublin Bikes (Public Bike Scheme) | |
|---|---|
|
Annual membership: €35. The first 30 minutes of each trip are free — ideal for short distances in the city centre.
|
€35/year |
Healthcare (Required for Visa)
| 🩺 Private Health Insurance — 1st Year (Travel Insurance) | |
|---|---|
|
In the 1st year, travel insurance from Brazil may be accepted if it covers at least €25,000 for accidents and €25,000 for illnesses, plus full hospitalisation coverage. |
€300–€600/year |
| 💊 Irish Health Insurance — From the 2nd Year Onwards (Mandatory) | |
|---|---|
|
VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life. VHI Public Care Plus: ~€500/year for adults (26+), less for younger people. Must be purchased in Ireland. |
€300–€800/year |
| 👨⚕️ GP Appointment | |
|---|---|
|
General consultation without insurance: €60–€80. Public emergency care (A&E): free for genuine emergencies. |
€60–€80/appointment |
Legally Required
All non-EEA students must prove they have health insurance in order to register for the IRP card. No insurance = no legal residency. Accepted providers: VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health.
Bureaucracy and One-Off Arrival Costs
| 🛂 Student Visa (D Study Visa) | |
|---|---|
|
Brazilians need a student visa for courses longer than 3 months. Single entry: €60. Multiple entry: €100. Non-refundable fee. |
€60–€100 one-off |
| 🪪 IRP Card (Irish Residence Permit) | |
|---|---|
|
Mandatory registration after arrival for stays over 90 days. Renewed annually. Fee paid by debit/credit card. |
€300/year renewable |
| 💰 Proof of Funds for the First Registration | |
|---|---|
|
Immigration requires proof of at least €3,000 in your account upon first registration. For the visa, you must show €7,000 available. |
€7,000 minimum balance |
| 📱 Irish SIM Card + Plan | |
|---|---|
|
Operators: Vodafone, Three, Eir, 48. Prepaid plans with data: €15–€25/month. Buy at the airport or in-store. |
€15–€25/month |
| 🔢 PPS Number (Equivalent to CPF) | |
|---|---|
|
Free of charge. Required to work, open a bank account, and pay taxes. Apply through the DSP (Department of Social Protection) with your IRP card. |
Free |
| 🏦 Irish Bank Account | |
|---|---|
|
Revolut and N26 are the easiest options (app-based, with no immediate IRP requirement). AIB and Bank of Ireland require an IRP. Revolut is recommended upon arrival. |
Free Revolut/N26 |
Leisure and Extras
| 🍻 Leisure and Going Out | |
|---|---|
|
Cinema: €10–€15. Gym: €30–€50/month. Beer at the pub: €6–€8. National museums: most are free. |
€100–€200/month |
| 🧥 Clothes and Personal Items | |
|---|---|
|
Primark in Dublin has the best prices. For the Irish winter, a waterproof coat is essential. Average clothing budget. |
€50–€100/month |
| ✈️ Flight from Brazil to Dublin | |
|---|---|
|
TAP via Lisbon or Iberia via Madrid are the most common options. Prices vary a lot. Book 3–4 months in advance. |
R$4,000–R$8,000
one way |
Summary: Estimated Total Cost (Dublin)
Average Monthly Breakdown
- English course (average): €880/month
- Shared accommodation: €800/month
- Food (cooking at home): €350/month
- Transport (adult Leap Card): €100/month
- Health insurance (÷12): €42/month
- Phone + personal internet: €20/month
- Leisure and personal expenses: €150/month
✅ Estimated Total / Month: ≈ €2,340
Comparison by City
| Dublin | Cork |
|---|---|
|
€1,800–€2,500/month |
€1,400–€1,900/month |
|
More expensive, with more job opportunities and schools. Larger Brazilian community. |
The second-largest city. 20–30% cheaper than Dublin. Great quality of life. |
| Galway | Limerick |
|---|---|
|
€1,300–€1,700/month |
€1,100–€1,500/month |
|
A university city with European charm and lower living costs. Good for immersion. |
The most affordable city in the country. Fewer English school options, but excellent value for money. |
Arrival Checklist:
What to Do in the First 30 Days
- Buy an Irish SIM card at the airport (Three or 48 usually offer the best prepaid plans)
- Create a Revolut account before leaving Brazil (it can be used without proof of address at first)
- Register for the IRP card with ISD as soon as possible (book through irishtourist.ie or the ISD website)
- Apply for a PPS Number at the local DSP (bring your passport, IRP card, and proof of address)
- Open an account with an Irish bank (AIB or Bank of Ireland — requires a PPS Number)
- Buy a Leap Card at the airport or at Payzone stores (do not wait to get one at the station)
- Purchase Irish health insurance before registering for the IRP (mandatory to present it)
- Register your address with the school to receive official correspondence
- Check your eligibility to work (Stamp 2 allows 20h/week during the course)
