Skyline of Waterford
Cost of Living: 95 53,000

Waterford, Ireland

Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings, famous for its world-renowned Waterford Crystal, a beautifully regenerated Viking Triangle, and a scenic waterfront.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs Ireland Avg (100)

Housing Index 100

Affordable

Median Income €40,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.5%

Job market health

Waterford vs Ireland Average

Cost of Living
Waterford: 95
Ireland Avg: 100
Housing Index
Waterford: 100
Ireland Avg: 100
Income Tax
Waterford: 40%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 40.0%
  • VAT: 23.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: €40,000
  • Unemployment: 5.5%
  • Population: 53,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 150/year
  • Summer High: 68°F
  • Winter Low: 37°F

Housing

  • Median Home: €260,000
  • 1BR Rent: €1200/mo

Cost of Living

Waterford's cost of living index is 95 (Ireland average = 100).

CategoryWaterfordNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing1001000.0%

Data source: CSO / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price€260,000
Median Rent (1BR)€1200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)€1,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft€173

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 Waterford:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity€120Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Irish household usage
Heating & Cooling€93Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water€40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)€50Broadband average
Garbage / Trash€25Private service
Total Utilities€328Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CRU, ESB, Virgin Media 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Waterford

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €1,440/mo.

Waterford Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €1,320/mo.

East Waterford

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €1,080/mo.

West Waterford

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €1,140/mo.

Remote Work Score

Waterford scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
€1200
Sunny Days
150
Tax
40%
Unemployment
5.5%
Climate
68°F / 37°F

Climate

Waterford has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January57°F37°F2.5"
April53°F52°F2.8"
July68°F43°F1.5"
October48°F55°F2.2"

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 5.5%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Waterford 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

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 Waterford, Ireland?

The cost of living index in Waterford is 95, which is Lower the Ireland national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Waterford is €260,000. The housing index is 100.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Waterford is approximately €1200/mo.

Does Waterford, WD have income tax?

Waterford is in WD, which has an income tax rate of 40%.

What is the climate like in Waterford?

Waterford enjoys approximately 150 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 68°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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.