Letterkenny remains Ireland’s cheapest student town.

Letterkenny revealed as the cheapest town for students for the fourth year in a row.

On average, Letterkenny costs €5,925 less than Dublin and €2,093 less than the national average over the academic year.

Dublin, Cork, Maynooth, Carlow, Limerick and Galway remain the six most expensive places to study.

The study by switcher.ie tracks accommodation, utilities, groceries, transport, entertainment, gym costs and college fees across 12 Irish student towns, ranking the cheapest and most expensive places and highlighting where prices have risen most sharply.

In 2026, students in Letterkenny could spend €14,065 over the academic year, or €265 more than in 2025, and €1,274 more than in 2023.

Letterkenny recorded the second-smallest overall increase in the study, with students spending around €29 more per month in 2026.

Accommodation averages €463 per month, as do drinks, eating out, cinema trips, and other entertainment, averaging €330 per month.

Eoin Clarke, Commercial Director at Switcher.ie says:

“Our 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. Some of the highest rent increases were recorded in Tralee, Cork, Dundalk and Sligo, where rising private student accommodation prices pushed up the average student accommodation cost in each town.

“The location of study now has an even bigger impact on student pockets, with a gap of almost €6,000 over the academic year between Dublin and Letterkenny.

“Lower accommodation costs give students in Letterkenny and Sligo a valuable head start, while those studying in Dublin face much greater pressure before books, course materials or unexpected expenses are considered.

“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.”