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.
Overview
Waterford is a city in Waterford with a population of 53,000. Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings, famous for its world-renowned Waterford Crystal, a beautifully regenerated Viking Triangle, and a scenic waterfront. 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
Below Average vs Ireland Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Waterford vs Ireland Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 40.0%
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: €260,000
- 1BR Rent: €1200/mo
Cost of Living
Waterford's cost of living index is 95 (Ireland average = 100).
| Category | Waterford | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
Data source: CSO / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 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
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Waterford:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €93 | 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 | €343 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CRU, ESB, Virgin Media 2025
Remote Work Score
Waterford scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Waterford has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 37°F | 2.5" |
| April | 53°F | 52°F | 2.8" |
| July | 68°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| October | 48°F | 55°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Waterford 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 5.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Waterford 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 Waterford 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 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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.