Exchange in Ireland: Can you live on a minimum wage?
Do you dream of doing an exchange in Ireland, but are you wondering if you will be able to support yourself financially there? This is a common question among Brazilians who wish to combine studies and work in Terra do Trevo. The good news is that Ireland offers one of the highest minimum salaries in Europe, making it possible to afford your costs while studying and living a transformative international experience.
In this article, we will unravel whether it's really possible to live on a minimum wage during your Irish exchange and present strategies to make the most of this opportunity.
The Irish minimum wage in 2025
Ireland has one of the most attractive minimum salaries in the European Union, making the country a prominent destination for exchange students seeking to study and work. In 2025, the established value is €13.50 per hour, which represents approximately:
- €526.50 per week (considering 39 hours a week)
- €2,280 per month (considering an average of 4.33 weeks per month)
- Around R$ 14,570 monthly (at the current price)
For exchange students with a student visa, the legal work permit is 20 hours a week during the term of office and 40 hours a week during school holidays. This means that, during classes, you can earn around €1,170 a month - still a significant amount when compared to the Brazilian reality.
It is important to note that these amounts are gross, that is, before tax collection. In Ireland, the tax system withholds around 20% for new workers, depending on the salary range.
The real buying power of the exchange student
The value of the Irish minimum wage is especially impressive when compared to Brazil. With an estimated purchasing power of 4.5 times that of Brazilians, exchange students are able to maintain a comfortable standard of living even working only part-time.
The main factors that influence this purchasing power are:
- Access to quality products and services with proportionately lower prices than in Brazil
- Efficient public transport system with discounts for students
- Diversity of food options with affordable prices at local grocery stores
- Free or discounted cultural and leisure activities for students
It is worth remembering that this purchasing power varies significantly depending on the city chosen and individual consumption habits.
The cost of living in different Irish cities
Ireland offers several city options for exchange students, each with its own cost of living. Dublin, the capital, is significantly more expensive than other regions of the country.
Dublin: cosmopolitan and most expensive capital
As Ireland's economic and cultural center, Dublin is home to the majority of language schools and universities, but it also has the highest costs:
- Shared accommodation: €500-700 per month
- Food: €250-300 per month
- Transportation: €120 per month (monthly card)
- Leisure and extras: €150-200 per month
Cork: second largest city with the best value for money
Cork offers an excellent balance between quality of life and costs:
- Shared accommodation: €400-550 per month
- Food: €220-280 per month
- Transportation: €80 per month
- Leisure and extras: €130-180 per month
Galway: university city in western Ireland
Known for its youthful and cultural environment, Galway has even more attractive costs:
- Shared accommodation: €350-500 per month
- Food: €200-250 per month
- Transportation: €70 per month
- Leisure and extras: €120-150 per month
Limerick: most economical option for exchange students
University city with excellent value for money:
- Shared accommodation: €300-450 per month
- Food: €180-230 per month
- Transportation: €60 per month
- Leisure and extras: €100-130 per month
Is it possible to live on a minimum wage during the exchange?
The answer is yes! With the salary derived from the 20 hours of work per week allowed, exchange students are able to cover their basic expenses in most Irish cities. However, some factors significantly influence this experience:
Factors that facilitate:
- Choose smaller cities like Cork, Galway, or Limerick
- Share accommodation with other students
- Learn to cook simple dishes at home
- Use a bike or walk to save money on transportation
- Take advantage of student discounts and benefits
Factors that challenge:
- Living in Dublin, especially in the central areas
- Maintain consumption habits similar to those in Brazil
- Travel frequently during the exchange
- Relying solely on work without an emergency reserve
Working during the exchange program allows students good purchasing power in Ireland, thanks to the minimum wage, which is one of the highest in Europe. Combined with the legal work permit for students, this creates favorable conditions to cover basic expenses.
It is essential, however, to have a financial reserve for at least the first 2-3 months, during which time you will be adapting, looking for a job and establishing your routine.
Strategies for living well on minimum wage
Managing your finances well is essential to make the most of your exchange in Ireland. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Advance financial planning
- Have a emergency reserve for the first 2-3 months, during which period you will be looking for a job
- Create a detailed monthly budget even before boarding
- Search and compare accommodation prices in advance
- Consider opening a local bank account to avoid international fees
2. Smart housing
- Look for accommodations in neighborhoods further away from the center, with good transport connections
- Share an apartment with other students to share costs
- Search for accommodations that include bills (water, electricity, internet)
- Consider living with a local family (homestay) for the first few months
3. Economical food
- Cook most meals at home
- Take advantage of offers at supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi and Tesco
- Buy seasonal and local products
- Bring lunch box to school/work
- Limit restaurant meals to special occasions
4. Transportation and mobility
- Invest in a used bike (an extremely popular option in Ireland)
- Get the student transport card with discounts
- Share rides for longer trips
- Plan efficient routes by combining appointments on the same day
5. Affordable leisure and social life
- Take advantage of free events and public attractions
- Use student discounts at museums, cinemas and theaters
- Explore nature and local parks
- Look for happy hours and promotions in pubs
Sectors that employ the most exchange students
Ireland's strong and stable economy offers a variety of job opportunities for international students. The sectors that hire exchange students the most include:
Hospitality and Tourism
- Restaurants and coffee shops: positions such as attendant, barista, waiter
- Hotels and hostels: receptionist, maid, general assistant
- Tourist attractions: guide, box office, souvenir shop
This sector is one of the most accessible for those starting out, even with intermediate English, offering salaries starting at the minimum with the possibility of tips.
Customer Service
- International call centers: especially for Portuguese speakers
- Retail stores: attendant, cashier, stockist
- Delivery and services: deliveryman, assistant
Multinational companies often seek out Portuguese speakers to serve the Brazilian market, paying between €14-16 per hour.
Information Technology
- Level 1 Technical Support: for Portuguese speakers
- Data Entry and Systems Administration
- Software and quality testing
For students with technical knowledge, this sector offers the best salaries, often above the minimum, ranging from €16-25 per hour.
Specific Occupations
- Health: caregiver assistant, receptionist at clinics
- Construction: general assistant (for men)
- Cleaning: residential and commercial (hourly or daily payment)
Some of these jobs offer cash payments, but it's important to verify the legality so as not to compromise your visa.
Be Easy: make your exchange dream in Ireland a reality
At Be Easy, we specialize in transforming exchange dreams into transformative experiences. Get in touch with us! Our Study and Work in Ireland program is designed to offer the best value for money, with full support before, during and after your trip, permission to work legally, and access to the exclusive Be Easy Community to maximize your chances of professional and personal success during your Irish journey.
