Galway, Ireland
The Cultural Heart of Ireland, a bohemian city with a vibrant arts scene, colorful shop streets, traditional music pubs, and stunning Connemara scenery.
Overview
Galway is a city in Galway with a population of 83,000. The Cultural Heart of Ireland, a bohemian city with a vibrant arts scene, colorful shop streets, traditional music pubs, and stunning Connemara scenery. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs Ireland Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Galway vs Ireland Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 40.0%
- Sales Tax: 23.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €44,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 83,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 150/year
- Summer High: 66°F
- Winter Low: 37°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: €340,000
- 1BR Rent: €1500/mo
Cost of Living
Galway's cost of living index is 105 (Ireland average = 100).
| Category | Galway | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: CSO / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €340,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €226 |
Data source: Daft.ie / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Galway:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €101 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €50 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | €351 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CRU, ESB, Virgin Media 2025
Remote Work Score
Galway scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Galway has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 37°F | 2.5" |
| April | 51°F | 52°F | 2.8" |
| July | 66°F | 41°F | 1.5" |
| October | 46°F | 55°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Galway faces the following natural hazards:
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 4.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Galway 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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Mid-term breaks in October and February (1 week each).
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Galway is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
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 Galway, Ireland?
The cost of living index in Galway is 105, which is Higher the Ireland national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Galway?
The median home price in Galway is €340,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Galway is approximately €1500/mo.
Does Galway, G have income tax?
Galway is in G, which has an income tax rate of 40%.
What is the climate like in Galway?
Galway enjoys approximately 150 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 66°F, while winter lows can drop to around 37°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.