Cost of Living in Dublin
The average rent for a new tenancy in County Dublin was €2,335 a month in Q1 2026, up 7.8% on a year earlier and the highest of any county, according to the RTB Rent Index. An adult TFI Leap fare is €2.00 for 90 minutes, capped at €24.00 a week.
Rent is the largest cost of living in Dublin. This page sets out official rents for County Dublin, its 4 council areas and selected local electoral areas from the RTB Rent Index, public transport fares from Transport for Ireland, and local property tax for 2027. The CSO does not publish a separate consumer price index for Dublin, so there is no official Dublin inflation rate.
Average rents in Dublin, Q1 2026
Transport fares, property tax and house prices in Dublin
What these costs mean
Rents vary across Dublin. In Q1 2026 the average new tenancy rent was €2,975 in Stillorgan, the highest of any local electoral area in Ireland, and €1,938 in Blanchardstown - Mulhuddart, the lowest in Dublin. Of the 4 council areas, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown was the most expensive at €2,629, and Fingal saw the fastest rise, 10.4% over the year. Tenants who stay in an existing tenancy pay less: €1,901 on average in Dublin City, against €2,301 for a new tenancy. At the County Dublin average, a year of rent comes to €28,020, or 56% of the Dublin median annual salary. On public transport, one TFI 90 Minute Fare of €2.00 covers Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail within Zone 1, and spending stops at €6.00 a day or €24.00 a week. Local property tax depends on the home's value and the council: in 2027 Dublin City charges the basic rate, while Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin and Fingal charge less.
Setting pay for a Dublin hire
Candidates in Dublin weigh rent and travel costs when they compare offers. Check pay levels on our average salary in Dublin page, and employer costs in our Dublin guide and guide to hiring in Ireland. Need help with the search? We find, screen and shortlist remote professionals across Europe, with 3 candidates within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Dublin?
€2,335 a month for a new tenancy in County Dublin in Q1 2026, according to the RTB Rent Index. That was 7.8% more than a year earlier.
Which part of Dublin has the highest rent?
Stillorgan, at an average of €2,975 a month for new tenancies in Q1 2026. It was the highest of any local electoral area in Ireland.
How much is public transport in Dublin?
An adult TFI 90 Minute Fare costs €2.00 with a TFI Leap card. Adult fares are capped at €6.00 a day and €24.00 a week, Monday to Sunday.
Is a Leap card cheaper for students?
Yes. With a Young Adult or Student Leap card, fares are capped at €3.00 a day and €12.00 a week, according to Transport for Ireland.
How much is local property tax in Dublin?
It depends on the home's value and the council. For a home valued from €240,001 to €315,000, the 2027 charge is €235 in Dublin City, €199.75 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, €223.25 in Fingal and €217.38 in South Dublin, based on Revenue's rates.
Sources
- RTB, Rent Index Q1 2026. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- RTB, RTB/ESRI Rent Index reports. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- Transport for Ireland, TFI 90 Minute Fare. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- Transport for Ireland, TFI Leap Card. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- Revenue, Local Property Tax: valuation bands and rates. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- CSO, Residential Property Price Index August 2026. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
