Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Look after the pennies

How does the minimum wage (and the cost of living) in Ireland compare with Europe?

Better than Ukraine, anyway.

IT MAY NOT mean much for those on minimum wage, but Ireland has the fifth-highest minimum wage in Europe.

Here, those over 18 with experience are entitled to €8.65 an hour.

Only Luxembourg, France (including Monaco), Belgium and San Marino have higher hourly rates.

Hourly rates are the most useful measurement for wages as European countries having varying work weeks.

Here’s what Europeans earn an hour.

Minimum

Which is great, right? We’re raking it in, the Ukrainians are on 44 cent an hour and times are good.

Except…

As well as having a high minimum wage and a relatively high average industrial wage, Ireland is a comparatively expensive place to live.

In fact, only Luxembourg, Iceland, Denmark and Norway have higher costs of living, as of the middle of 2014.

PastedImage-93630

Added to that, Ireland ranks highly on the Numbeo Rent Index, with only the Dutch, Danish, Icelandic, British, Luxembourgians and Norwegians paying more.

Groceries  and restaurants are also comparatively expensive for Irish people.

Read: Minister: Strong argument for raising the minimum wage as economy recovers

Opinion: When the people lead, politicians are forced to follow – so let’s make our voices heard

Your Voice
Readers Comments
104
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.