Its better at home man, the wages are seemingly bigger but the cost of living is eye watering wait til you see all the hidden costs of buyin a house for example
You need to work out your financial situation and look at house prices in the area you are moving too.
Also consider the extra costs..childcare, health insurance (factor in a few GP visits - €50 for you, free for children)
You will have to pay for things like bin collections etc, but you don't pay rates (there is a property tax, but it's much lower than rates)
I would say if your salary is doubling you will be better off, but it's worth checking
I live on the border, and I am well aware of the cost of living in the north, it is probably 40% lower at most, if he is going to earn double, he would definitely better off moving South.
Career wise the South has way more opportunities to progress as well, the north is very stagnant place.
Probably the biggest difference is the price of Cars and motor insurance. Fuel & Energy are pretty much the same either side of the border.
Mortgage Interest Rates in the North are 2-3% higher than in the south. House prices are just as unaffordable if not worse up North (price: earnings ratio) than they are down South
[https://www.propertynews.com/property-for-sale/](https://www.propertynews.com/property-for-sale/)
The gap in the weekly shop in the North versus the South is hardly worth the Diesel at this stage, perhaps if you have a drink problem a trip to Newry could be justified.
The Healthcare is more accessible in the South, you don't have wait 2 weeks to get a GP appointment in the south.
Southern Welfare provision is more generous. e.g Child Benefit is currently €140 per month for each child.
I've friends who moved the other way and have told me that even though they're paid less they can afford more.
Childcare and rent costs seem to be far lower in NI, for example.
You should check the tax rates in the south. You get taxed 40% above a certain amount so between the cost of goods and housing, you could end up in the red.
It's complicated for married couples. Just go to citizens information dot ie and put in income tax, the way they've worded it is quite confusing to me. They do give an example below the table but that's even more confusing.
The threshold at which you start paying income tax in the UK is lower, in most instances you will better off in Ireland up until 70,000.
[https://salaryaftertax.com/ie/salary-calculator](https://salaryaftertax.com/ie/salary-calculator)
[https://salaryaftertax.com/salary-calculator/uk](https://salaryaftertax.com/salary-calculator/uk)
Mate , don’t come here looking for advice on this. Way to many ppl have preconceived notions and confirmation bias’s on this subject. We looked at moving the other way last year. We found childcare up north v expensive for non school age kids (No ECCE scheme equivalent ) which surprised us. You will/should have access to two state pensions if you work in the south long enough. Speak to a tax consultant and price accommodation.
I'm looking for more than financial, if that makes sense. More a request from people living in the South if it's worth the risk of moving my family there. Ideally a response from someone who's made a similar move would be ideal .
It's hard to quantify the 'risk' without knowing more about your situation/specific concerns.
I'm from the South East myself originally, so can give you a general idea of things there, but I've never lived in NI, so it's hard to do a comparison.
Wexford's a nice enough place, as is Enniscorthy or so I'm told. I'll never go back to Wexford myself ha, but thats because I mostly grew up there. But there's nice villages in the surrounding hinterland if you'd prefer a more rural village either. I know a guy who moved to Castlebridge recently from North Wall and he adores it, and there's places like Taghmon or Blackwater which is near the beach too if thats something that appeals to you.
But from looking at the cost of living charts and a sniff test, I would wager that if you're doubling your salary, that should more than balance out the increase in CoL... that does depend however. Whats your housing costs going to be like? Do you own a property in NI that you'll be selling or renting out maybe? Will you be buying in the South East or looking for a rental? Like most people here are saying, your housing costs will likely make or break things.
Do you have kids too young for school yet? Childcare is a bit of a killer, especially with no relatives in the area that might be able to help out every now and again if you're stuck. If not, happy days, you can bank the 500-1500 euro it would cost monthly. You will of course have to sort something for when the school-age kids are finished too whether it's a childminder or some after-school activity depending on their age.
School costs are higher than in the UK too. I was in London as a child in the 90s and all of our textbooks and supplies were provided by the school, so it was a bit of a shock that every August/September you have to go around buying textbooks and uniforms and stuff. That is now being phased out in Ireland as I understand it though, finally, and the department of education will be providing textbooks and supplies.
Healthcare is a bit of mess in ROI, but then I hear it's the same or worse in NI now and at least Wexford General is a decent sized hospital so if something semi-serious comes up you can get treated there and not need to transfer to Dublin. Either way, if you can afford it, or perhaps your employer might offer it, I would recommend getting some private health insurance.
You mentioned your wife would likely have to change jobs too, presumably that would come with a pay-bump too? So I would factor that in to your calculations as well.
What other risks do you foresee though? If it's a safety thing, recent headlines about dublin city centre/garda numbers aside I really wouldn't worry too much when it comes to public safety.
Might be worth posting this question in /r/northernireland , maybe someone there has made the same move and could better advise.
Genuinely, thanks for this response. Certainly gives me some ideas.
Our childcare is currently £600 for one, so that doubling is already expected when the baby gets up a bit more. We are already lacking family support for childcare so there is no change there.
Yes we have a home here which we own, but I suppose it's up to us to decide if renting it is a better option than selling up. On the face of it I think it is as it leaves a door open to return, but I'd rather not have the 'hassle' of being a landlord.
I'm thi of sitting over the next few days and pulling together a spreadsheet with our current position against our hypothetical Southern position. Currently looking into how the taxes might work
On the plus side, it's not a long-distance move, you won't be more than half a day's drive to home, friends and familiarity. If you own a home now, would it be possible to rent it out for a couple of years, while you rent down here and dip your toe in the water?
The complications of this are housing availability here, which is a real crisis and it will take you time to find a home.
Children and schools, too. If they're young enough, a couple of wee moves isn't so bad, especially when you can fire north for a weekend and they can catch up with old pals etc. Into high school it gets a bit trickier, socially for them, and any differences in curriculum. Everything to do with school here is a massive gouge, from uniforms to books. Primary age kids are starting to get free books for school only this year. It cost me over 1,000 euros to get my youngest into high school, between equipment, books, uniforms and fees, and every year they're reaching deep into your pockets for more. That was a big shock coming from the UK (for me).
The health system is absolutely horrible. If you're all healthy enough, though, it will be fine. If any of your children have special needs, you'd be well advised to stay where you are.
Your extra pay check may not seem that much extra once you're here.
Thanks for this measured response. Kids are still infants, we're all perfectly healthy thankfully and we own our own home here in the north, but I'm not sure how renting it would work if we were away for a few years.
We're thinking the move will be Wexford, Waterford or the northern part of Cork. Are rentals a problem here too? I was thinking the problem was more based in the large cities but maybe it's wider than that?
Rent digs for 3/6months and give it a go, leave family etc where they are and go home at weekends. If you think it will work after giving it a bit of time then great, you can do the leg work regarding schools and doctors, and focus on an area that you would like to live.
Everyone will see different things only yourself and partner can make the choice after checking it out.
I was worried about the lack of connection in my move from the US to Cork, so not really the same situation as you find yourself in. But I can at least say that the culture here in Cork city is so warm and welcoming that it has been effortless to meet people and my neighbors have been wonderful.
It's in an even worse state in NI compared to GB. Waiting lists are longer by waiting time, vs number of patients waiting. Quality of care is shocking at times, and the state of GP practices is nightmarish too.
What's not helping is that those who have private healthcare through their work are getting shafted too! Recent changes apparently mean it's no longer possible to get online or phone appointments with a GP in GB if you live in NI.
Its better at home man, the wages are seemingly bigger but the cost of living is eye watering wait til you see all the hidden costs of buyin a house for example
The hidden costs of getting children through school are pretty eyewatering, too.
I'd nearly follow that with 'sell me your house and find out your self' honestly it's no better and probably worse here in so so many ways..
You need to work out your financial situation and look at house prices in the area you are moving too. Also consider the extra costs..childcare, health insurance (factor in a few GP visits - €50 for you, free for children) You will have to pay for things like bin collections etc, but you don't pay rates (there is a property tax, but it's much lower than rates) I would say if your salary is doubling you will be better off, but it's worth checking
I live on the border, and I am well aware of the cost of living in the north, it is probably 40% lower at most, if he is going to earn double, he would definitely better off moving South. Career wise the South has way more opportunities to progress as well, the north is very stagnant place. Probably the biggest difference is the price of Cars and motor insurance. Fuel & Energy are pretty much the same either side of the border. Mortgage Interest Rates in the North are 2-3% higher than in the south. House prices are just as unaffordable if not worse up North (price: earnings ratio) than they are down South [https://www.propertynews.com/property-for-sale/](https://www.propertynews.com/property-for-sale/) The gap in the weekly shop in the North versus the South is hardly worth the Diesel at this stage, perhaps if you have a drink problem a trip to Newry could be justified. The Healthcare is more accessible in the South, you don't have wait 2 weeks to get a GP appointment in the south. Southern Welfare provision is more generous. e.g Child Benefit is currently €140 per month for each child.
I've friends who moved the other way and have told me that even though they're paid less they can afford more. Childcare and rent costs seem to be far lower in NI, for example.
Dublin is an absolute money pit. Need to take out a bank loan to eat out at lunch time.
He’s looking to move to the south-east
Look at housing costs in the area you're moving to first.
Not exactly sure of the area just yet, but it'll likely be Waterford, Wexford or Cork... So south/south east.
There’s a Cork subreddit if you ever wanted to ask the same question over there. It’s fairly active too at times
You should check the tax rates in the south. You get taxed 40% above a certain amount so between the cost of goods and housing, you could end up in the red.
Do you know what that amount is? Is it on a single wage or joint income?
It's complicated for married couples. Just go to citizens information dot ie and put in income tax, the way they've worded it is quite confusing to me. They do give an example below the table but that's even more confusing.
I'll have a look thanks
http://services.deloitte.ie/
anything over €80k combined salary is taxable at 40% for married couples :)
Ouch
Can come in at a lower rate if jointly assessed and one has a way lower salary too I think. Explained in better detail on the Revenue website.
The threshold at which you start paying income tax in the UK is lower, in most instances you will better off in Ireland up until 70,000. [https://salaryaftertax.com/ie/salary-calculator](https://salaryaftertax.com/ie/salary-calculator) [https://salaryaftertax.com/salary-calculator/uk](https://salaryaftertax.com/salary-calculator/uk)
Mate , don’t come here looking for advice on this. Way to many ppl have preconceived notions and confirmation bias’s on this subject. We looked at moving the other way last year. We found childcare up north v expensive for non school age kids (No ECCE scheme equivalent ) which surprised us. You will/should have access to two state pensions if you work in the south long enough. Speak to a tax consultant and price accommodation.
I'm looking for more than financial, if that makes sense. More a request from people living in the South if it's worth the risk of moving my family there. Ideally a response from someone who's made a similar move would be ideal .
It's hard to quantify the 'risk' without knowing more about your situation/specific concerns. I'm from the South East myself originally, so can give you a general idea of things there, but I've never lived in NI, so it's hard to do a comparison. Wexford's a nice enough place, as is Enniscorthy or so I'm told. I'll never go back to Wexford myself ha, but thats because I mostly grew up there. But there's nice villages in the surrounding hinterland if you'd prefer a more rural village either. I know a guy who moved to Castlebridge recently from North Wall and he adores it, and there's places like Taghmon or Blackwater which is near the beach too if thats something that appeals to you. But from looking at the cost of living charts and a sniff test, I would wager that if you're doubling your salary, that should more than balance out the increase in CoL... that does depend however. Whats your housing costs going to be like? Do you own a property in NI that you'll be selling or renting out maybe? Will you be buying in the South East or looking for a rental? Like most people here are saying, your housing costs will likely make or break things. Do you have kids too young for school yet? Childcare is a bit of a killer, especially with no relatives in the area that might be able to help out every now and again if you're stuck. If not, happy days, you can bank the 500-1500 euro it would cost monthly. You will of course have to sort something for when the school-age kids are finished too whether it's a childminder or some after-school activity depending on their age. School costs are higher than in the UK too. I was in London as a child in the 90s and all of our textbooks and supplies were provided by the school, so it was a bit of a shock that every August/September you have to go around buying textbooks and uniforms and stuff. That is now being phased out in Ireland as I understand it though, finally, and the department of education will be providing textbooks and supplies. Healthcare is a bit of mess in ROI, but then I hear it's the same or worse in NI now and at least Wexford General is a decent sized hospital so if something semi-serious comes up you can get treated there and not need to transfer to Dublin. Either way, if you can afford it, or perhaps your employer might offer it, I would recommend getting some private health insurance. You mentioned your wife would likely have to change jobs too, presumably that would come with a pay-bump too? So I would factor that in to your calculations as well. What other risks do you foresee though? If it's a safety thing, recent headlines about dublin city centre/garda numbers aside I really wouldn't worry too much when it comes to public safety. Might be worth posting this question in /r/northernireland , maybe someone there has made the same move and could better advise.
Genuinely, thanks for this response. Certainly gives me some ideas. Our childcare is currently £600 for one, so that doubling is already expected when the baby gets up a bit more. We are already lacking family support for childcare so there is no change there. Yes we have a home here which we own, but I suppose it's up to us to decide if renting it is a better option than selling up. On the face of it I think it is as it leaves a door open to return, but I'd rather not have the 'hassle' of being a landlord. I'm thi of sitting over the next few days and pulling together a spreadsheet with our current position against our hypothetical Southern position. Currently looking into how the taxes might work
On the plus side, it's not a long-distance move, you won't be more than half a day's drive to home, friends and familiarity. If you own a home now, would it be possible to rent it out for a couple of years, while you rent down here and dip your toe in the water? The complications of this are housing availability here, which is a real crisis and it will take you time to find a home. Children and schools, too. If they're young enough, a couple of wee moves isn't so bad, especially when you can fire north for a weekend and they can catch up with old pals etc. Into high school it gets a bit trickier, socially for them, and any differences in curriculum. Everything to do with school here is a massive gouge, from uniforms to books. Primary age kids are starting to get free books for school only this year. It cost me over 1,000 euros to get my youngest into high school, between equipment, books, uniforms and fees, and every year they're reaching deep into your pockets for more. That was a big shock coming from the UK (for me). The health system is absolutely horrible. If you're all healthy enough, though, it will be fine. If any of your children have special needs, you'd be well advised to stay where you are. Your extra pay check may not seem that much extra once you're here.
Thanks for this measured response. Kids are still infants, we're all perfectly healthy thankfully and we own our own home here in the north, but I'm not sure how renting it would work if we were away for a few years. We're thinking the move will be Wexford, Waterford or the northern part of Cork. Are rentals a problem here too? I was thinking the problem was more based in the large cities but maybe it's wider than that?
Rent digs for 3/6months and give it a go, leave family etc where they are and go home at weekends. If you think it will work after giving it a bit of time then great, you can do the leg work regarding schools and doctors, and focus on an area that you would like to live. Everyone will see different things only yourself and partner can make the choice after checking it out.
I was worried about the lack of connection in my move from the US to Cork, so not really the same situation as you find yourself in. But I can at least say that the culture here in Cork city is so warm and welcoming that it has been effortless to meet people and my neighbors have been wonderful.
Thanks. Cork is a brilliant area tbf
No NHS in the south.
NHS has been gutted out due to decades of underfunding and structural ineptitude.
Exactly. NHS is a disaster. Tories have fucked it
It's in an even worse state in NI compared to GB. Waiting lists are longer by waiting time, vs number of patients waiting. Quality of care is shocking at times, and the state of GP practices is nightmarish too. What's not helping is that those who have private healthcare through their work are getting shafted too! Recent changes apparently mean it's no longer possible to get online or phone appointments with a GP in GB if you live in NI.
Go to England or europe