Carlow, Ireland
A historic market town in southeastern Ireland, known for Carlow Castle, the Brownshill Dolmen, and a growing commuter population serving Dublin.
Below Average vs Ireland Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Carlow vs Ireland Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 40.0%
- VAT: 23.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €34,000
- Unemployment: 6.0%
- Population: 25,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 150/year
- Summer High: 68°F
- Winter Low: 36°F
Housing
- Median Home: €200,000
- 1BR Rent: €1000/mo
Cost of Living
Carlow's cost of living index is 85 (Ireland average = 100).
| Category | Carlow | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
Data source: CSO / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €1000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €1,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €133 |
Data source: Daft.ie / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Carlow:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €120 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Irish household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €97 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €50 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €332 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CRU, ESB, Virgin Media 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Carlow
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €1,200/mo.
Carlow Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €1,100/mo.
East Carlow
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €900/mo.
West Carlow
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €950/mo.
Remote Work Score
Carlow scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Carlow has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F | 36°F | 2.5" |
| April | 53°F | 51°F | 2.8" |
| July | 68°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| October | 48°F | 54°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 40%
- VAT: 23%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Carlow per 100,000 residents:
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
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 Carlow, Ireland?
The cost of living index in Carlow is 85, which is Lower the Ireland national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Carlow?
The median home price in Carlow is €200,000. The housing index is 85.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Carlow is approximately €1000/mo.
Does Carlow, CW have income tax?
Carlow is in CW, which has an income tax rate of 40%.
What is the climate like in Carlow?
Carlow enjoys approximately 150 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 68°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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.