Living in Galway: A Practical Guide for Expats
What you need to know about establishing yourself in Ireland's west coast city, from administrative processes to neighborhood choices and everyday logistics.
Who This Guide Is For
- Expats seeking quality of life over big-city amenities
- Tech or medtech workers relocating to Galway-based companies
- People drawn to Irish culture, music, and coastal living
- Anyone researching smaller Irish cities as alternatives to Dublin
At a Glance
Typical ranges for Galway. These are estimates and vary based on location, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Typical rent (1BR central)
€1,200–1,600/mo
Tight market for a small city; limited central stock
Typical rent (1BR outer areas)
€900–1,300/mo
More availability; car often needed
Groceries (monthly)
€270–380
Similar to Cork; good local markets
Public transit
€50–80/mo
Limited bus service; many areas not well served
Internet + mobile
€40–65/mo
Fiber available in city; rural areas vary
Healthcare access
Public + private options
University Hospital Galway; GP registration required
What to Know Before You Arrive
Key considerations that affect your timeline and planning.
Galway is smaller than it feels
Galway city has roughly 80,000 residents, making it much smaller than Dublin or Cork. This creates a tight-knit community but also means limited housing stock, fewer job opportunities, and smaller professional networks. The city punches above its weight culturally but remains a small city in practical terms.
The rental market is surprisingly competitive
Despite its size, Galway has a competitive rental market driven by university students, hospital staff, and growing tech employment. Central properties are particularly scarce. Many people live outside the city and commute, which requires a car given limited transit options.
Weather is a genuine consideration
Galway sits on Ireland's Atlantic coast and receives significantly more rainfall than the east coast. Wind and rain are common year-round. This affects daily life, commuting choices, and housing considerations. Many residents adapt and appreciate the dramatic coastal scenery that comes with the climate.
The job market is specialized
Galway's main employers are in medtech, tech, healthcare, and education. The National University of Ireland Galway and University Hospital Galway are major employers. Several multinationals have operations here. Outside these sectors, opportunities are limited.
Neighborhoods & Areas
Galway is compact with the city center walkable within 20 minutes end to end. The west side near Salthill has seafront access. The east side connects to retail parks and newer developments. Suburbs like Knocknacarra and Salthill are popular with families. Areas like Renmore and Ballybane offer more affordable options. Many residents live in surrounding towns like Oranmore or Moycullen and commute.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see the Ireland cost of living guide.
City Centre
Walking distance to everything. Restaurants, pubs, shops at your door. Very limited residential options. Expensive when available; can be noisy.
Salthill
Seafront suburb west of center. Popular promenade, beaches, and amenities. Family-friendly. Mid-to-high pricing; walkable to center.
Knocknacarra
Larger suburb west of Salthill. More family housing options. Growing amenities. Requires car or bus; mid-range pricing.
Renmore
East-side suburb near the docks. More affordable than west side. Mix of housing types. Reasonable bus connections.
Newcastle/Westside
Established residential areas. University nearby. Student rentals mixed with family homes. Variable character by street.
Oranmore
Satellite town east of Galway. Lower housing costs. Growing population. Requires car; 15-minute drive to city center.
Setup Priorities
Key areas to research and plan for when setting up in Galway. Each involves tradeoffs worth understanding before you arrive.
Visas & Work Permits
Non-EU citizens need employer sponsorship. Galway employers in medtech and tech often sponsor permits.
Smaller job market means less mobility; but niche industries may have less competition.
View guideBanking
Major Irish banks have branches in Galway city center. Same documentation requirements as elsewhere.
Fewer branch options than larger cities; digital banking works identically.
View guideHealthcare
University Hospital Galway is the regional hospital. GP registration works the same nationwide.
Good public hospital; limited private options compared to Dublin.
View guideCost of Living
Generally lower than Dublin but housing has become expensive for a city this size.
Housing costs don't reflect city size; but daily expenses are reasonable.
View guideCommon Pitfalls & Misconceptions
Issues that frequently affect expats settling in Galway.
- Expecting big-city amenities—Galway is culturally rich but small; some services require Dublin trips
- Underestimating the housing competition—supply is limited relative to demand
- Moving without a car—public transit doesn't adequately serve many residential areas
- Not preparing for Atlantic weather—rain and wind are frequent; this affects daily routines
- Assuming job opportunities exist outside main sectors—the market is specialized
- Expecting Dublin salary levels—Galway salaries are often lower, though so are some costs
- Not understanding the seasonal population shift—students leave in summer, tourists arrive; city character changes
Key Things to Verify
Before committing to Galway, confirm these items based on your specific situation.
- Confirm your employer is based in Galway or supports Galway-based remote work.
- Research whether you need a car based on workplace location and housing areas.
- Check rental availability before committing to a move—supply is limited.
- Understand Galway's weather patterns and whether they suit your lifestyle.
- Verify your profession has opportunities in Galway's main industries. Learn more
- Consider visiting during non-summer months to experience typical conditions.
Common Next Steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Related Guides
Explore our topic guides for detailed information on each aspect of expat life.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Neighborhood characteristics, costs, and availability change frequently. Always visit areas in person, verify current information, and consult qualified professionals before making housing or financial decisions. This is not legal, tax, or real estate advice.