With the cost of living in Ireland still putting pressure on households in 2025, finding clever ways to stretch your euro has never been more important. From rent and groceries to transport and utilities, everyday expenses are rising—but with the right tools and habits, you can still live well and save money.

Here are 10 practical cost-of-living tips for people living in Ireland, including savings tricks, government supports, and budget-friendly lifestyle hacks that actually work.

1. Claim All Available Government Supports

Many residents miss out on money they’re entitled to. Check your eligibility for:

• Fuel Allowance
• Rent Tax Credit (€500 per renter, per year)
• Working Family Payment
• Household Benefits Package
• Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

You can use the official gov.ie Benefits Checker to find out what schemes apply to you. Even part-time workers or students may qualify for support.

2. Reduce Rent with Sharing or Negotiation

Accommodation is a major expense, especially in cities like Dublin and Cork. Cut your rent by:

• Flatsharing or house sharing – search on Daft.ie and Rent.ie.
• Negotiating rent if you’re a long-term tenant.
• Exploring options outside cities with good public transport links.
• Applying for the Remote Working Grant to help set up a home office in rural areas.

3. Save Big on Groceries with Loyalty and Timing

Food shopping adds up quickly, but there are real savings to be had:

• Join loyalty schemes (Tesco Clubcard, Lidl Plus, SuperValu Real Rewards).
• Shop at Aldi or Lidl for basics, and use Clubcard discounts for brands.
• Look for yellow sticker items (reduced to clear), especially in the evenings.
• Try the Too Good To Go app for surprise food bags from restaurants and supermarkets at a fraction of the cost.

4. Switch Utility Providers and Save Hundreds

Use comparison tools like bonkers.ie and switcher.ie to find the best deals on:

• Electricity and gas
• Broadband and mobile
• Mortgage rates and insurance

Providers often offer cashback or discounts for switching, especially for new customers. Also, consider energy suppliers like Energia, Flogas, or Community Power for competitive rates.

5. Cut Commuting Costs with Leap Cards and Car Sharing

Transport is another area where smart choices can mean serious savings:

• Get a Leap Card and use the TFI 90-Minute Fare in Dublin.
• Use the Young Adult Leap Card (ages 19–25) for half-price fares across Ireland.
• Consider car-sharing options like Liftshare.ie or Blablacar.
• Use the Cycle to Work Scheme to save up to 51% on a new bike and accessories through your employer.

6. Access Free and Discounted Education

Upskilling can be a cost-effective way to improve your income. Consider:

• Springboard+ – offers free or subsidised part-time courses in tech, healthcare, and business.
• Back to Education Allowance – for people returning to full-time study while unemployed.
• Local libraries provide free access to LinkedIn Learning, language courses, and eBooks.

7. Spend Less While Still Having a Social Life

Enjoying yourself doesn’t have to be expensive:

• Bring your own coffee cup – many cafés give 10–50 cent discounts.
• Use apps like Revolut, Gaff, Groupon, and Pigsback for local deals and experiences.
• Explore student discounts even if you’re part-time or in adult education.
• Find free local events on Eventbrite.ie or your county council’s website.

8. Bulk Buy and Share Essentials

Buying in bulk can lead to savings—especially when done with others:

• Join or create a bulk buying group in your local area.
• Use platforms like NeighbourFood.ie to buy direct from Irish producers.
• Stock up on non-perishables like rice, pasta, and cleaning supplies during sales.

9. Track Your Spending with Budgeting Apps

You can’t manage what you don’t measure:

• Use apps like Revolut, Spendee, or YNAB (You Need A Budget) to track your spending categories.
• Set up savings vaults or pots to build an emergency fund or save for holidays.
• Review subscriptions (TV, music, apps) and cancel what you no longer use.

10. Use Free and Community Resources

Ireland has a strong sense of community—make the most of it:

• Look for Community Fridges (in places like Dublin, Galway, Cork).
• Join Freecycle, Buy Nothing groups, or local swap events on Facebook.
• Visit charity shops or car boot sales for clothes, books, and homewares.

It Pays to Be Proactive

Saving money in Ireland in 2025 isn’t just about cutting back—it’s about knowing where to look, what to claim, and how to get the most from what you already have. Whether it’s lowering your energy bills, avoiding overpriced groceries, or tapping into grants and schemes, these small actions can add up to big savings over time.

The time for savings is now. Stay informed and updated with itson.ie.