Ireland: cost of living

How much is petrol in Ireland?

The national average price of a litre of petrol in Ireland was €1.96 in September 2026, 24 cent more than a year earlier, according to the CSO, released on 8 October 2026. Diesel averaged €2.06 a litre, up 37 cent.

These are national average prices collected for the Consumer Price Index, so prices at individual stations vary. Higher costs for diesel and petrol, along with air fares, pushed transport prices up 7.5% over the year.

Official sources: CSO: Consumer Price Index September 2026

How much have electricity prices risen in Ireland?

Electricity prices in Ireland were 8.1% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the CSO Consumer Price Index. Gas prices were up 2.3%. The housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels division rose 9.5%, the largest increase of any division.

The CPI measures prices paid by households, including the effect of supplier price changes as they take effect. Individual bills depend on the supplier, tariff and usage. Overall consumer prices rose 4.1% in the 12 months to September 2026, the highest rate since January 2024.

Official sources: CSO: Consumer Price Index September 2026

How much has home heating oil gone up in Ireland?

Home heating oil prices in Ireland were 58.6% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, and rose 7.2% in the month alone, according to the CSO Consumer Price Index. Higher prices for heating oil, electricity, rents and mortgage interest were the main reasons housing and energy costs rose 9.5% over the year.

Home heating oil is used by many rural households and its price follows international oil markets. The CSO published a separate Insight release on fuel and home heating costs alongside the September CPI.

Official sources: CSO: Consumer Price Index September 2026

Are food prices rising in Ireland?

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in Ireland were 0.4% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the CSO Consumer Price Index, while overall prices rose 4.1%.

Among the national average prices the CSO tracks, a pound of butter fell 57 cent over the year, a kilo of Irish cheddar fell 22 cent, and two litres of full fat milk fell 10 cent. Sirloin steak, white sliced pan and a 2.5kg bag of potatoes each rose by 1 cent. Prices vary between shops, so individual baskets will differ from these averages.

Official sources: CSO: Consumer Price Index September 2026

What is core inflation in Ireland?

Excluding energy and unprocessed food, Ireland's Consumer Price Index rose 3.1% in the 12 months to September 2026, according to the CSO. Headline CPI inflation was 4.1%, and the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose 3.8%.

Core measures remove the most volatile prices to show underlying inflation. The gap between headline and core inflation in September reflects large increases in energy prices, especially home heating oil. The HICP excludes mortgage interest, which is included in the CPI and rose 10.2% over the year.

Official sources: CSO: Consumer Price Index September 2026

How fast are prices rising in Ireland?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Ireland was 2.2%, according to the IMF. The peak was 7.8% in 2022 and the low -4.4% in 2009. It is 39th highest of 48 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 3.7%. World rank, highest first: 105th of 165.

What is household spending per person in Ireland?

The World Bank puts household consumption per person in Ireland at $24,486 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: $11,266; Ireland is 8th highest of 44. World rank, highest first: 11th of 124.

How many people in Ireland live on under $3 a day?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Ireland was 0.1% in 2023. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 25th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.4%. Worldwide: 49th of 59.

What share of Ireland lives below the poverty line?

According to the World Bank, the share of people below the national poverty line in Ireland was 14.0% in 2021. It is 27th highest of 40 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 15.9%. World rank, highest first: 55th of 72.

How unequal are incomes in Ireland?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2023, is 29.0. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 31.5, and Ireland placed 24th highest of 34. World rank, highest first: 47th of 59.

How many people in Ireland face food insecurity?

The FAO puts moderate or severe food insecurity in Ireland at 6.2% in 2024. Since 2015 it has ranged from 4.2% (2022) to 8.9% (2015). Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; Ireland is 33rd highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 117th of 135.