What It Means To Be Wealthy In Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare is the in place to visit in Ireland in 2025.
With its picturesque landscapes, and rich history and culture, Ireland has become a top destination for expats and travelers alike. But what does it mean being wealthy in Ireland? From average earnings and net worth to the cost of living and visa opportunities, understanding the Emerald Isle's wealth offers insight into its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
After the last presidential election, internet searches by Americans for moving abroad surged, and many of these were on Ireland—unsurprising considering the strong links the U.S. has to the Emerald Isle.
Ireland ranked number 23 in USA Today's ranking of the best countries in the world in 2024, primarily because of the friendliness of its people and its interesting Celtic heritage. Its quality of life and social purpose also ranks highly.
Likewise, CNTraveler's readers adored the country in 2024, ranking it the 9th best country in the world, for its history, yes, but also for how it has embraced the tech giants in Dublin and opened the first new whiskey distillery in 125 years. Beyond the capital city, there are sceneries for every occasion from the Giant's Causeway to the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1600-mile drive down Ireland's western seaboard, that takes in Michelin-starred dining and eco hideaways alike.
This western side of Ireland encompasses the coastline of County Clare. This place appears on CNTraveler's list of the best places to go in Europe in 2025 because it is reinventing itself as an eco-tourism destination. The Common Knowledge Center is a sprawling area of native forests and regenerative farmland where guests eat fresh bread from the sourdough bakery and munch on organic food prepared by an Ottolenghi-trained chef. Visitors can learn how to build furniture and drystone walls if they fancy.
Then the only challenge is working out what to pack for the ever-changing weather, as delightful and atmospheric as the landscapes themselves. This Lonely Planet guide could help.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ranks its 38 member states across various economic, social, and environmental factors and finds that in Ireland, the average household net-adjusted disposable income per capita is $29,488 a year, slightly lower than the OECD average of $30,490 a year. In the U.S., the average household net-adjusted disposable income per capita is $51,147 a year.
A 2023 Euronews study compared earning averages for single people across the 27 EU member states and found that the average was $31,588 (€28,217) on a like-for-like basis, and for Ireland, the average annual net earnings for a single person without children was $48,306 (€43,151), higher than the EU average.
As in many countries, it is also true that average earnings vary by region or county. Dublin has the highest median annual salaries, and in a report in 2024, the lowest salaries were in Donegal.
The cost of living in Ireland is on a par with the U.S., the U.K., and Germany, but approximately 2.5% higher than in France.
The cost for a single person per month, not including rent, is as follows:
However, the situation is slightly different when you factor in rent because in Ireland, the rent is almost 100% higher than in France, but about the same as the average U.S. rent. Groceries, however, are more expensive in the U.S. at about 15% higher than in Ireland.
Most of Ireland's top 1% of earners live in its capital, Dublin.
The Household Finance and Consumption Survey, 2020, published in 2022, said that the top 10% of wealthy households have more than approximately $881,00 (€788,400) in net wealth. In contrast, the lowest 10% of households have around $111 (€100) in net wealth.
The median gross wealth was just under €300,000 (€265,100).
As the Washington Post says, it can be expensive and complicated going "full expat" in any country, and many people do a dummy run by visiting a country first, using a golden passport or digital nomad visa.
If you want to live in Ireland, you must first secure a work permit to apply for either a short-term or long-term visa, and you will jump to the top of the queue if you work in specific fields in high demand, like healthcare and farming.
In contrast, a general work permit is available for positions with a minimum salary of €30,000 (around $32,000), though this doesn't cover every type of job. Wealthy individuals and some retirees who meet income criteria can also pursue residency through other paths. Additionally, U.S. citizens who are students or recent graduates may qualify for a year-long working holiday in Ireland. You might be eligible for Irish citizenship if you have an Irish-born grandparent.
Being wealthy in Ireland means more than financial stability; embracing a high quality of life, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. With competitive salaries, a reasonable cost of living, and opportunities for expats through visas, Ireland offers a compelling lifestyle for those seeking to live abroad. Whether you're drawn by its stunning landscapes, thriving cities, or welcoming people, the Emerald Isle remains a destination worth exploring for those looking to redefine wealth and success.
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