Limerick is now the fifth most expensive student town in Ireland

THE COST of attending third-level education in Limerick has jumped by 4% in 2025, placing the city as the fifth most expensive student town in Ireland, according to a new report by Switcher.ie.

Students in Limerick now face an average annual cost of €16,291, a significant increase of €572 from 2024 and a staggering €1,037 jump since 2023, marking a 7% rise over the past two years. 

The report highlights that students in Carlow, Letterkenny, Limerick, and Sligo experienced the sharpest increases in expenses this year, with monthly costs rising by up to €129.

READ MORE: Consultation opens on proposal to make a Limerick city park a designated Quiet Area

Despite these increases, Letterkenny remains the most affordable student town in the country, with students spending €1,256 per month, just €221 less than those in Limerick.

At the top of the cost-of-living list is Dublin, where students face a hefty monthly expense of €1,897, followed by Cork and Maynooth, maintaining their positions as Ireland’s most expensive towns for third-level education.

The rising costs are attributed largely to the soaring price of private student accommodation and ongoing pressures on the housing supply. While national inflation rates may have eased, students are still grappling with increased rent and daily living expenses.

“While inflation may have eased, students are still feeling the pinch.” said Eoin Clarke, the Commercial Director of Switcher.ie. “Private student accommodation costs have surged in the past year, and for many, the cost of college life is now at its highest point yet. Even towns that have traditionally been viewed as affordable are seeing sharp year-on-year increases, making it harder for students to stretch their budgets.”

Switcher.ie, an independent Irish price comparison and switching service, published the findings to help students, parents, and third-level institutions prepare financially for the academic year ahead.