Letterkenny cheapest town for students

LETTERKENNY is still the cheapest student town in Ireland, despite a slight increase in costs compared to last year.

This is according to Switcher.ie’s cost of living study published this week.

The survey calculates the total cost of college, including fees, accommodation, food, transportation and more, to help students budget.

In 2024, attending college in the cathedral city will cost 13,147 euros per year, three percent or 356 euros more per year than in 2023, according to the report.

Letterkenny remains Ireland’s cheapest student town, costing €1,127 per month, €39 more per month than in 2023.

Letterkenny, Sligo and Waterford remain the three cheapest cities, while Dublin, Maynooth and Cork are still the most expensive.

Letterkenny is €6,380 cheaper than Dublin, the most expensive student city.

Of all the cities in the guide, Letterkenny also turned out to be the cheapest accommodation, costing 373 euros per month – 521 euros less than Dublin, where it costs 894 euros.

The report also found that grocery stores in Letterkenny offer the best prices, while Sligo, Athlone, Dundalk and Tralee also performed well.

Students in Cork, Maynooth, Dublin and Waterford could pay up to 50 percent more for their weekly shopping.

Students in Letterkenny were also found to be frugal when it came to drinks, eating out, cinema, takeaways and nightclubs. Spending in these areas was also lowest in Dundalk, Carlow and Sligo.

Eoin Clarke, commercial director at Switcher.ie, said that while inflation had eased, the cost of living was still rising sharply, forcing hard-pressed students to skip meals to make ends meet.

“The costs of rent, grocery shopping and energy have skyrocketed in recent years, and the additional costs of gym membership, cheap food and the price of a beer are also rising.

“Our study found that students will have to pay around €536 more per year in 2024, while students outside the EU could spend up to €924 more.

“The good news is that with support like grants, tax credits, scholarships and student discounts, students can avoid breaking mum and dad’s bank account. At the same time, weekly budgets, tracking spending and smart shopping can help their income go a little further.”

The fees for Letterkenny are as follows:
• Total + fees per year: €13,147
• Average per month: €1,127
• Monthly increase: +3% (39 €)
• Accommodation: 381 € per person
• Food: €172 per month.
• Entertainment: 310 € in the afternoon
• Transport: €138 per person

Posted: 12:00, August 24, 2024

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