Cost of Living in the UK, Ireland and Australia: A Comparison

Differences in the cost of living across the UK, Ireland and Australia

Ireland, the UK and Australia have much in common and one of their similarities is that a significant portion of their economies relies on the construction industry. These countries are popular expat destinations for young professionals seeking job opportunities and the benefits of living and working within these cultures. While the UK, Ireland and Australia share numerous cultural similarities, including traditions and sports, there may be variations in the cost of living among them. In this blog, we will share some insights into the cost of living and offer an average breakdown of expenses for each country.

Country overview

Ireland is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history and friendly people. The average monthly cost of living for a single person in Ireland is around €1,200 to €1,500, while a family of four can expect to spend around €2,800 to €3,200 per month. On the other hand, The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, Stonehenge and Buckingham Palace. The average monthly cost of living for a single person is around £1,200 to £1,500, while a family of four can expect to spend around £2,500 to £3,000 per month. Finally, Australia is a popular destination for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle and beautiful beaches. The average monthly cost of living for a single person in Australia is around AUD2,000 to AUD2,500, while a family of four can expect to spend around AUD4,000 to AUD5,000 per month.

First, it is important to understand what cost of living is. It is the money people need to live comfortably. Measuring the cost of a minimum standard of living is crucial when considering moving to a new country to have a general understanding of the basic expenses required to meet essential needs and maintain a reasonable quality of life.

The cost of living may vary depending on several factors, including the job opportunity you secure, the city or region where you will be working, and whether you are relocating alone or with your family. It’s important to note that many construction industry companies provide extensive coverage for expenses when they hire highly qualified professionals who are in line with their company values and requirements.

There are other factors that can also impact expenses, including increases in the cost of essential goods, fuel prices and the mode of transportation you choose. To provide a better understanding, the following table presents an average estimate of the cost of living for each country (one person):

  • Aspect

  • Apartment Rent (1 person, 1 bedroom) per month:

  • Market basket (Basic estimate):

  • Utilities (Monthly):

  • Local Transport- Monthly Pass (Regular Price):

  • Total in Euros (€)

  • Total in Pounds (£)             

  • Total in Australian Dollars (A$)

  • Ireland

  • 1,429.34 € (city centre)

    1,253.27 € (outside of centre)

  • 80.61 €

  • 269.58 €

  • 110.00 €

  • 1,889.53 € (+ city centre rent)

    1,713.46 € (+ outsite city centre rent)

  • 1,615.70 £ (+ city centre rent)

    1,466.56 £ (+ outsite city centre rent)

  • 3012.3 A$ (+ city centre rent)

    2,725.08 A$ (+ outsite city centre rent)

  • UK

  • 906.71 £ (city centre)

    706.57 £ (outside of centre)

  • 60.56 £

  • 246.3 £

  • 66.00 £

  • 1,496.32 € (+ city centre rent)

    1,261.15 € (+ outsite city centre rent)

  • 1,279.57 £ (+ city centre rent)

    1,079.43 £(+ outsite city centre rent)

  • 2,010.6 A$ (+ city centre rent)

    2,006.09 A$ (+ outsite city centre rent)

  • Australia

  • 2,306.75 A$(city centre)

    1,790.39 A$ (outside of centre)

  • 167.46 A$

  • 432.95 A$

  • 165.30 A$

  • 1,929.40€ (+ city centre rent)

    1,607.23 € (+outsite city centre rent)

  • 1,651.25 £ (+ city centre rent)

    1,375.38 £ (+ outsite city centre rent)

  • 3,072.46 A$ (+ city centre rent)

    2,556.1 A$ (+ outsite city centre rent)

When considering a move to a new country, it is important to take into account the cost of living. As we have seen, the cost of living can vary greatly between different countries and regions. Ireland, UK and Australia are all great countries to live in, but we have to consider the cost of living. It is important to do your research and plan according to your preferences before making the move. In addition to this, we highly recommend starting your journey to a new country by searching for job opportunities in advance and setting aside some money to cover your expenses for the first month after you move.

If you need assistance in discovering the job opportunities that await you, please don’t hesitate to contact us by clicking here

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Stay tuned to read Part 3 of our blog series about construction job opportunities in the UK and Ireland, and follow us on LinkedIn by clicking here to stay up to-date with similar information.