Skyline of Athlone
Cost of Living: 90 22,000

Athlone, Ireland

The heart of Ireland, a historic town on the River Shannon with a magnificent castle, a vibrant marina, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Ireland.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Athlone is a city in Westmeath with a population of 22,000. The heart of Ireland, a historic town on the River Shannon with a magnificent castle, a vibrant marina, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Ireland. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Sunshine is limited, with about 145 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 90

Below Average vs Ireland Avg (100)

Housing Index 92

Affordable

Median Income €36,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Athlone vs Ireland Average

Cost of Living
Athlone: 90
Ireland Avg: 100
Housing Index
Athlone: 92
Ireland Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Athlone: 40%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 40.0%
  • Sales Tax: 23.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: €36,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 22,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 145/year
  • Summer High: 67°F
  • Winter Low: 36°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: €230,000
  • 1BR Rent: €1100/mo

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Cost of Living

Athlone's cost of living index is 90 (Ireland average = 100).

CategoryAthloneNational AverageDifference
Overall90100-10.0%
Housing92100-8.0%

Data source: CSO / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price€230,000
Median Rent (1BR)€1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)€1,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft€153

Data source: Daft.ie / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Athlone:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity€150
Heating & Cooling€101Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water€50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)€50Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities€351Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CRU, ESB, Virgin Media 2025

Remote Work Score

Athlone scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
90
Rent
€1100
Sunny Days
145
Tax
40%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
67°F / 36°F
Safety
0.7 homicides/100k
Population
22,000
Internet Speed
120 Mbps

Climate

Athlone has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January56°F36°F2.5"
April52°F51°F2.8"
July67°F42°F1.5"
October47°F54°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Athlone faces the following natural hazards:

Blizzard Moderate Risk

Ireland experiences winter storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 40%
  • Sales Tax: 23%
  • Property Tax: ~0.18% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Athlone per 100,000 residents:

139.0
Violent Crime
1,606.1
Property Crime
0.7
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Eurostat

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Trimester — Autumn (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-Mar), Summer (Apr-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

Mid-term breaks in October and February (1 week each).

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Athlone is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
3.0%
Black
1.5%
Mixed/Other
9.5%
White Irish
76.0%
White Other
10.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
30.0%
High school graduate
30.0%
Less than high school
20.0%
Some college
20.0%

Religion

Christian (Catholic)
69.0%
Christian (Protestant)
3.0%
Other
14.0%
Unaffiliated
14.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Central Statistics Office (2022)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Athlone, Ireland?

The cost of living index in Athlone is 90, which is Lower the Ireland national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Athlone?

The median home price in Athlone is €230,000. The housing index is 92.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Athlone is approximately €1100/mo.

Does Athlone, WH have income tax?

Athlone is in WH, which has an income tax rate of 40%.

What is the climate like in Athlone?

Athlone enjoys approximately 145 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 67°F, while winter lows can drop to around 36°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: CSO / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Daft.ie / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: CSO Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities CRU, ESB, Virgin Media 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.