Ireland's Housing Emergency & Cost of Living Surge
Evidence-based analysis on why Irish households face Europe's steepest housing costs and what solutions might actually work.
90%
Increase in Dublin home prices since 2015
55%
Of income spent on housing by Dublin renters
€600K
Average Dublin home price in 2024
62%
Of Irish millennials cannot afford to buy a home
The Reality of Wealth Inequality in Ireland
While statistics show growing inequality, its real impact is felt in everyday life. Explore how economic disparities affect Irish families across different income groups.
How Different Income Groups Spend Their Money
Select an income group below to see how their budget breaks down across essentials and discretionary spending.
Budget Breakdown
Selected Expense Comparison
Key Insight:
Low-income families in Ireland spend approximately half of their income on housing alone, leaving little room for savings or discretionary spending. This severely limits economic mobility and makes it nearly impossible to build wealth over time.
Source: Analysis based on Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, Irish Revenue data, ESRI research reports, and Irish Household Finance and Consumption Survey (2020-2025).
Ireland's Cost of Living Crisis: The Widening Gap Between Expenses and Income
Cost of Living vs. Wage Growth in Ireland (2015-2025)
An analysis of the disparity between housing costs, essential living expenses, and average wages in Ireland over the past decade.
Featured Analysis
Can't Afford a Home in Ireland? It's Not Your Fault
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Trump’s sweeping new tariffs will ripple through global trade—and Irish workers and families could be left footing the bill.
Why Is Everything So Expensive in Ireland?
From housing to groceries, Irish households are struggling under rising costs. But who's really to blame for this broken system? Let's take a closer look.
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Irish Housing Market Forecast for 2025-2026: A System Disadvantaging the Many
Discover the 2025–2026 forecast for the Irish housing market, revealing rising property prices and the growing inequality locking families out of homeownership.
Trump's 'Liberation Day' Tariffs: A Blow to Irish Households
Trump’s sweeping new tariffs will ripple through global trade—and Irish workers and families could be left footing the bill.
Why Is Everything So Expensive in Ireland?
From housing to groceries, Irish households are struggling under rising costs. But who's really to blame for this broken system? Let's take a closer look.
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Disclaimer:
Analysis and insights provided are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.