How Much Does It Cost To Move to Ireland From the US?
Fact Checked by: The cost to move to Ireland from the US ranges from about $3,000 to more than $10,000. What you’ll pay to relocate to the Emerald Isle will depend on how much stuff you have, your shipping method, and the specific moving company and services you select.
Here’s how moving costs to Ireland break down:
- Hiring movers: An international mover will coordinate the shipment of your belongings. You can choose from sea freight, which is cheaper but takes longer, or air freight, a faster but much pricier method.
- Visa & immigration fees: You’ll pay anywhere from $65–$540 to live in Ireland, depending on which type of visa you need.
- Housing & living expenses: If you have already found a place to live in Ireland, you’ll likely need to pay your first month’s rent and set aside money for utility bills and groceries. Like anywhere, housing in Ireland’s major cities like Dublin are typically more expensive than smaller rural areas. You’ll need to budget for temporary accommodations at a hotel or Airbnb if you don’t have a permanent place to stay.
- Travel costs: This includes your airline tickets and transportation once you’re in Ireland.
When planning your move, getting quotes from multiple international movers (and car shipping companies, if applicable) will help ensure you get quality service without breaking your budget. We’ve outlined some basic costs to be aware of during and after your move, along with some moving tips to help you get the process started.
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Average cost of moving to Ireland from the US
You can expect to pay $7,000–$16,000 for your move from the US to Ireland. Costs vary depending on shipment size, shipping method, and other expenses like rent and airfare.
These are your two main shipping options:
- Sea freight: More affordable but takes longer (typically between 10 and 40 days).
- Air freight: Much faster (two to five days) but significantly more expensive.
Sea freight costs from the US to Ireland
Shipping a 20-foot container (fits a two-bedroom apartment) via ocean freight costs $2,900–$6,000. Rates are more uniform for Ireland, given the country’s small size. Shipments travel roughly the same distance to reach the ports below from any destination in the US.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline* |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Dublin | $2,900–$4,900 | 21–35 days |
| New York | Cork | $2,900–$4,900 | 21–35 days |
| New York | Limerick | $2,900–$4,900 | 21–35 days |
| Los Angeles | Dublin | $4,900–$6,000 | 35–49 days |
| Los Angeles | Cork | $4,900–$6,000 | 35–49 days |
| Los Angeles | Limerick | $4,900–$6,000 | 35–49 days |
*Cost and delivery timelines from iContainers and BR Logistics for a 20-foot container (March 2025).
Air freight costs from the US to Ireland
Air freight is ideal for essential goods but comes at a premium — $2.50–$5 per kilogram (or about 2.2 pounds), according to Freightos. Expect to pay $1,500–$3,000 for a 220-pound shipment.
This may not sound like a lot of money, but keep in mind that it’s not a lot of items, either. For context, a typical two-bedroom home has 5,000–6,000 pounds of furniture and other belongings. Even if you don’t plan on taking everything with you to Ireland, air freight will limit what you can bring even further, since planes have much lower weight limits than ocean carriers.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Dublin | $1,500–$2,500 | 2–5 days |
| New York | Cork | $1,500–$2,500 | 2–5 days |
| New York | Limerick | $1,500–$2,500 | 2–5 days |
| Los Angeles | Dublin | $2,000–$3,000 | 2–6 days |
| Los Angeles | Cork | $2,000–$3,000 | 2–6 days |
| Los Angeles | Limerick | $2,000–$3,000 | 2–6 days |
*Based on per-kilogram rates from Freightos for a 100-kilogram (220-pound) shipment.
How much does it cost to live in Ireland?
Ireland is generally less expensive than the US, but not by much. Numbeo estimates that the cost of living in the Emerald Isle is about 3% lower than America, and rent is slightly higher — about 2.5%, nationally.
You can live on about $1,100 a month (excluding rent) as a single person in Ireland, or $3,850 for a family of four.
Housing costs in Ireland
If you live in an expensive US city like San Diego or NYC, housing costs in Ireland are much more reasonable by comparison. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the Big Apple costs nearly 50% more than in Ireland’s capital city of Dublin, with respective average monthly rents of $3,983 and $2,050. Apartments in the middle of Dublin are slightly higher — nearly $2,200 — while just outside the city center, they run approximately $1,868.
According to Zillow, the 2025 median home value in New York City is $763,861 and $900,000 in San Diego, compared to $475,395 in Dublin.
But if you hold Dublin up against a similarly populated city like Dallas, housing in Dublin is more expensive. The average rent in Dallas is $1,850 and the median home value is $417,000.
| Apartment | San Diego | Dublin | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $1,626 | $2,194 | +35% |
| 3BR rental | $3,563 | $3,857 | –44.8% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $1,668 | $645 | –61.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Dublin and Dallas (March 2025)
If you’re in the market for a new home in Ireland and don’t know where to settle, here are a few of the most sought-after locales:
- Galway: Galway’s quaint buildings and narrow stone streets are home to many diverse restaurants and attractions. The city is easily walkable and offers residents access to nightlife and shopping options.
- Cabra: This affordable Dublin suburb has plenty of parks and outdoor amenities. Access to shopping, recreation, and a solid public transit system make this a popular destination.
- Bray: Nestled in County Wicklow, Bray is a short train ride away from Dublin. The scenery and ample access to recreation and entertainment make this a desirable place to call home.
The housing markets in some of Ireland’s more popular towns and cities are highly competitive. We recommend finding temporary housing of some kind before applying for a more permanent rental to ensure that you don’t go without a home.
Once you’ve obtained this, sites like MyHome and Daft can help you to begin searching for a rental or home to own.
Utilities costs in Ireland
Basic utility costs, such as electricity and water, cost almost 12.5% more in Dublin than in Dallas. However, that slight increase is more than offset by Ireland’s significantly cheaper internet and cell phone bills.
| Utility | Dallas | Dublin | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $239.40 | $269.32 | +12.5% |
| Internet | $72.40 | $54.94 | –24.1% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $76.58 | $22.95 | –70% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Dublin and Dallas (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (March 2025)
Food costs in Ireland
Eating out in Dublin will cost you more than in Dallas, but you’ll save big on groceries. While staples like milk and eggs are higher-priced, Dublin’s produce, meat, and other items are anywhere from 13%–62% cheaper.
| Food | Dallas | Dublin | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $12 | $11.99 | –0.1% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $72.50 | $92.68 | +27.8% |
| Gallon of milk | $3.51 | $5.74 | +63.4% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $4.84 | $2.82 | –41.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Dublin and Dallas (March 2025)
Transportation costs in Ireland
Like most EU countries, Ireland has high-quality, modern public transit. As such, you’ll pay a little more for routine use of a better connected, widely accessible transportation system. Still, it’s affordable when you consider the high price of gas in Dublin.
| Transportation Mode | Dallas | Dublin | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $3 | $2.18 | –27.3% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $91 | $125.39 | +37.8% |
| One gallon of gas | $2.98 | $7.36 | +147.2% |
| *New car | $27,643 | $37,894 | +31.1% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Dublin and Dallas (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (March 2025)
Education costs in Ireland
While Ireland does offer free schooling for non-permanent residents, its private options are also far cheaper than those in the US. Education at an international school costs 65% less annually in Dublin than in Dallas.
| Type of Education | Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | International primary school (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas | $1,144 | $26,633 |
| Dublin | $1,246 | $9,312 |
| % Difference | +8.9% | –65% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Dublin and Dallas (March 2025)
Ireland’s visa & immigration requirements
You’ll have to apply for a long-stay or multiple-entry visa with the Irish Immigration Service before your move, which will run $100–$300 Visa processing takes about two months.
A multiple-entry visa will allow you to come and go in Ireland for short trips within a five-year period.
Long-stay visas include:
- Work visa: If you plan on working for an Ireland-based organization or business
- Study visa: For education-related stays longer than 90 days
- Family/spouse visa: For family members of Irish citizens or permanent residents
- Retirement visa: For those wishing to spend their golden years in Ireland and can prove financial independence
Ireland also offers a path to immigration for high-wealth individuals through an investor program. To apply, you must be able to prove a net worth of approximately $2.6 million. Applicants are required to make a significant investment in Irish business, real estate, or an approved banking fund for three years or make a sizable charitable contribution to a public project or program.
Moving to Ireland from the US
Relocating overseas is a lengthy process that requires extensive planning. Once you’ve secured housing and employment and have an approved visa, you should hire an international moving company to assist you with the sometimes challenging process of overseas shipping.
The best international relocation providers can assist you with all the necessary paperwork, as well as customs clearance and other hurdles.
Top international moving companies
To keep overseas moving costs as low as possible, we recommend getting quotes from at least three movers. Experienced moving companies will be able to coordinate a relocation abroad through specific international services and provide resources to help you transition to life in a new country.
We think these are the best international movers, based on our analysis of pricing, customer satisfaction, and service offerings:
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Shipping your vehicle to Ireland
Shipping a car overseas is a logistical hurdle in international moves. Some of the best global moving companies — including International Van Lines and JK Moving Services. Booking a move through these providers will help minimize hassle, since you’ll have fewer points of contact during your transition phase.
If you’d rather book a separate company to ship your vehicle, we recommend these stellar car shippers:
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Tips for moving to Ireland from the US
International moves can be confusing and complex, so it’s best to start planning your move to Ireland from the USA by creating an overseas moving checklist. You’ll need to decide what to take with you (check out our guide to packing for an international move), apply for a visa, find a place to live, and figure out healthcare, transportation, and other key issues.
Here are a few more pointers to help your move to Ireland go smoothly:
- Downsize. Getting rid of larger or seldom-used goods can cut down on your overall moving costs, especially when shipping certain furniture overseas. Selling some of your goods will help you get a better price point for your move.
- Decide on your medical coverage. Ireland has a public healthcare system but you won’t have full access to it until you’ve lived in the country for a year. In the meantime, you’ll want to purchase a government or private insurance plan to ensure coverage.
- Gather up the necessary paperwork. This includes important documents like your immunization records, banking information, passport, and birth certificate.
- Make a budget. Since international moves involve a lot of adjacent expenses like airline tickets and visa fees, creating and sticking to a spending plan will ensure you don’t come up short. Be sure to factor in start-up costs like housing rental deposits, first month’s rent, groceries, and other living costs.
FAQ
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