Rent: Varies by location but probably unusual in that rent in the suburbs is often higher than city centre due to better standard of accommodation. An ensuite double room in the suburbs will generally cost between €300-€350 per month.

Utilities: I live in a four bedroom house in which we split bills. Electricity is about €100 pm. Gas ranges from €15 pm in the summer to €70 in the winter as our house uses GFCH. Bin charges work out at about €30 pm but this is pay by weight and we recycle a lot of waste which is collected free of charge. Telephone line and broadband cost €65 pm and sky digital tv with sports and movies costs around €65 as well. All bills are for the whole house but do not vary significantly whether there are 3/4 living in our house.

Transport: I drive in and out from work and use about a tank a month if i don't do much other driving. petrol is €1.05 per litre at the moment but has been much higher earlier this year (2008). Annual car tax for 1.5L car is around €360. Insurance varies widely depending on age/sex/driving experience. Men pay much higher premiums than women and premiums fall dramatically for over 25s.

Food: I spend about €100 a week on groceries and an occasional take away. Chinese €10 and or dominos meal deal for three €20. Lunch in the city costs around €10-15 in a restaurant. Dinner for 2 in a nice restaurant costs between €100-200.

Entertainment: Cinema ticket costs €10. Nightclub admission costs €12-15. A drink in a bar/nightclub will cost €4-6 depending on the bar/nightclub.