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Balbriggan, Ireland

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,850
Retiree Score
61.0
Safety Index
70.4
Healthcare
4 facilities

With a population of just 21,722, Balbriggan is a small, coastal commuter town north of Dublin. The town's textile industry has long since declined, but it remains a hub for manufacturing and logistics, with a passport facility and proposed seaport. However, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the local schools have faced safety issues, and the town council was recently abolished. For those seeking an affordable alternative to Dublin's sky-high costs, with decent transport links, Balbriggan may be worth considering, but it's no picturesque paradise.

Can I afford Balbriggan?

$

Balbriggan

You could save

150/mo

Savings Rate5%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,750
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,100

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
5/100
Retiree Score
(i)
61/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Ireland Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
70
Safety
4
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$11

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$23
Meal (Mid-range) $64
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $174
Mobile Plan (mo) $17
Gym (mo) *$55
Cinema Ticket $14

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $700
1BR Outside (mo) *$609
3BR Center (mo) $1,180
3BR Outside (mo) *$970

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Town Centre, Flemington
Best For
Dublin workers, families, young professionals

Expat Life Notes

Balbriggan is a coastal town north of Dublin that has developed rapidly as a commuter and immigration hub. It has one of Ireland's most diverse populations and a small but real international community connected to Dublin's economy.

Pros

  • ✓ English-speaking
  • ✓ Close to Dublin by rail
  • ✓ Diverse and multicultural
  • ✓ Lower rents than Dublin

Cons

  • ✗ High cost of living by global standards
  • ✗ Rapid growth straining infrastructure
  • ✗ Commuter town character

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1034 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Balbriggan

Click any question to expand the answer.

Balbriggan has a population of approximately 21,722 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $4,375 per month in Balbriggan, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1750/month.

The nearest airport to Balbriggan is DUB, approximately 21km away.

Balbriggan is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 70.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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