Cost of Living
Taking some time to research the cost of living in your study destination is an important part of the decision process. Carlow College students are treated to an exceptional third-level education in a location that is significantly cheaper than Ireland’s larger cities and towns.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing where to study is the financial side of things. And this doesn’t only mean the cost of your student fees, but also means all the other living expenses you’ll have week to week.
Each year, we produce an estimated Cost of Living Guide to provide some clarity to students and their parents and guardians in budgeting for college.
The cost of living can vary whether you are living away from home or based at home, as well as depending what type of accommodation you live in, such as digs versus private accommodation. You can find out more about the options for accommodation in Carlow here.
As most students live away from home only during the academic year, which is approximately 9 month, the estimated annual costs cover a 9 month period.
The tables below do not include programme fees or other course related fees
Cost of Living Guide 2024/25
| Monthly (€) | Annual (€) |
Accommodation* | € 612 – €900 | €5,508 – €8,100 |
Utilities (Electricity/Gas/Broadband) | €85 | €765 |
Food | €189 | €1,701 |
Travel | €137 | €1,237 |
Clothes/Medical | €50 | €450 |
College materials & books** | – | €50 |
Mobile Phone | €15 | €135 |
Entertainment | €75 | €675 |
Total | €1163 – €1,451 | €10,521 – €13,113 |
| Monthly (€) | Annual (€) |
Contribution to Utilities (Electricity/Gas/Broadband) | €40 | €360 |
Food | €66 | €594 |
Travel^ | €50 – €300 | €450 – €2,700 |
Clothes/Medical | €50 | €450 |
College materials & books** | – | €50 |
Mobile Phone | €15 | €134.91 |
Entertainment | €75 | €675 |
Total | €296 – €546 | €2,714 – €4,964 |
* Depending on accommodation option, some may include utilities and or some meals.
** Most College material and textbooks are available to borrow from the library. For more information on your specific programme, contact your Programme Director
^ Travel costs will vary depending on mode of transport. See Travel Costs section below for further details.
Other Expenses to be taken into consideration during the year |
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Travel Costs
If you choose to commute, Carlow is serviced by train and bus services that connect to Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Kildare, Laois and Dublin. Student fares in the Dublin Heuston – Waterford line range from approx €30 – €90 per week (or €91 – €300 per month) depending on where you commute from. Student bus fares from surrounding towns and counties range from approx €20 – €50 per month, depending on the distance. And, for those driving to campus, there is loads of parking on campus for an small annual fee of €10.
Food & Drink
There is plenty of student-friendly places to dine out within Carlow town. Our students can choose to shop at all the major supermarkets if you are developing your cooking skills at home. Within the campus, there is the Carlovian Dining Hall which offers subsidised tea/coffee and pastries, all-day breakfast for just €4.95, wide selection of sandwiches and hot food options and vending machines for your treat fix. Most importantly, you can get a delicious hot chicken roll for only €3.25!
Your Pass to Student Discounts
Your Carlow College student ID card is also your pass to student discounts for a range of goods and services around town. Many high street retailers offer student discounts and the cinemas offer discounts with tickets of just €5 or a meal deal and ticket for €8.
