The cost of living in Ireland has increased dramatically in recent years. Dublin , in particular, has become one of the world's most expensive cities for expatriates. The most recent cost of living survey conducted by UBS found Dublin 's cost of living to be approximately 23 percent higher than New York , the most expensive city in North America . While some of this rise can be attributed to the rise in the Euro versus the US dollar, the cost of living in Dublin has also risen against other European capitals. Presently, only Oslo , Copenhagen and London are more expensive for expatriates than Dublin .

Food prices in Dublin are moderate by European and North American standards. A monthly market-basket survey of food costs showed Dublin 's average food cost to be 481 USD per month, which is 54 USD per month more than Amsterdam and 19 USD more than Brussels , but 74 USD less than New York and 51 USD less than Paris .