The essential cost of living in Ireland has increased by 1.8% over the past year, marking a cumulative rise of 18.8% since 2020, according to new findings published by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP).
The figures were released in the charity’s annual Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) report, which analyses the real cost of a socially acceptable standard of living for various household types.
The 2025 report highlights that families with older children are facing significantly greater financial pressure, particularly when reliant on social welfare. The cost of living for children aged 12 and over is now the highest across all age groups, with weekly essential needs estimated at €158. By comparison, the cost for a primary school child stands at €98 per week, while a preschool-aged child requires €72 weekly.
Despite increases in social welfare payments in recent years, supports for households with older children are still falling short. The report shows that welfare payments currently cover only 64% of the weekly needs of a second-level child.
One-parent families continue to be among the most financially vulnerable. The report finds that the minimum weekly cost of living for a single parent with two children — one in primary school and one in secondary — stands at €555. When reliant solely on social welfare, these households receive just 82% of what is required to meet basic living standards.
Urban single adults, even in full-time employment at the minimum wage, are also feeling the squeeze. The cost of a minimum basket of essential goods for this group rose by 5.6% in 2025 alone. While employment typically improves household income, the report states that the national minimum wage still falls short of providing a fully adequate standard of living.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has called on the government to address income inadequacy through targeted increases in welfare payments and further adjustments to the minimum wage.
“The findings of this report show that despite improvements, many families, particularly those with older children, remain at serious risk of poverty and social exclusion,” said a spokesperson for SVP. “We urge policy makers to ensure that social supports and employment protections keep pace with the real cost of living.”
The report comes amid ongoing debates over welfare reform and wage policy, with cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households nationwide.
