Cost of going to college in Limerick rises after largest increase in Ireland
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Limerick recorded the largest overall increase in the study, with students spending around €81 more per month in 2026
A study carried out by Switcher.ie has revealed an increase in the costs of attending college in Limerick.
Limerick recorded the largest overall increase in the study, with students spending around €81 more per month in 2026.
Rising living costs continue to weigh heavily on Ireland’s students, with accommodation, utilities and everyday expenses pushing the price of college higher again.
Switcher.ie’s Student Cost of Living Guide 2026 revealed the cheapest and most expensive places to study, the biggest price rises in each town and how much students may need to budget for the academic year ahead.
To show how costs have changed over a typical four-year degree, the study also compared 2026 expenses with 2023, when many students now entering their final year began college.
In 2026, students in Limerick could spend €16,520 over the academic year, 5% or €728 more than in 2025, and 8% or €1,265 more than in 2023.
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Limerick ranked as Ireland’s fifth-most expensive student town, costing €362 more than the national average, but €3,470 less than Dublin over the academic year.
That is €728 more than in 2025 and €1,265 more than in 2023.
Accommodation averaged €635 per month, while rent, food and socialising costs all added to the squeeze.
Limerick had the third-highest grocery and socialising costs in the study, averaging €252 and €386 per month, respectively.
While the overall increase was softer than last year, students are still paying more across most major expenses.
Average increases included: +9% utilities, +4% entertainment, +4% groceries, +3% accommodation and 3% non-EU university fees.
Accommodation remained one of the biggest costs facing students, with average annual rent up €183 on last year and €547 since 2023.
Students in private accommodation also paid around €976 more per year than those living on campus.
Overall, students could now spend an average of €16,158 going to college in 2026, around €479 more than in 2025 and €1,060 more than in 2023.
Letterkenny, Sligo, Dundalk, Waterford, Athlone and Tralee were recorded as Ireland’s six cheapest student towns in 2026.
Dublin, Cork, Maynooth, Carlow, Limerick and Galway remained the six most expensive places to study, with Dublin sitting firmly at the top.
Eoin Clarke, commercial director at Switcher.ie said the research shows that rent and everyday expenses have added "almost €500 to the average cost of college since last year."
"Even in towns traditionally viewed as affordable, higher bills are making it harder for students and families to stretch their budgets. Accommodation continues to take one of the biggest bites out of student budgets.
"Limerick recorded the largest overall increase in our study, with rising accommodation, food and socialising costs leaving students around €728 worse off than last year. Before considering education loans, students and parents should explore financial supports like SUSI grants, scholarships and the Student Assistance Fund first.
"And remember to claim any tax relief due for tuition fees and rent. Planning a realistic budget before term begins can also help identify any shortfall early and reduce the need for expensive last-minute borrowing," Mr Clarke concluded.