Cost of living · Belfast · 2026
What salary do you need to live in Belfast?
What salary do you need to live in Belfast?
To cover the essentials living alone in Belfast — about £1,255 a month — you need to earn roughly £16,000 a year before tax. To live comfortably, with money left for savings and extras, closer to £23,500. Rent alone is £750 a month.
Verified 12 August 2026
To get by £16,000 Covers rent and essentials with little spare
To be comfortable £23,500 Essentials plus room to save and enjoy the city
What it costs to live in Belfast
| Monthly cost | |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bed) | £750 |
| Council tax | £0 |
| Utilities & bills | £180 |
| Transport | £60 |
| Food | £265 |
| Total | £1,255 |
On the £16,000 "get by" salary, your take-home is about £1,253 a month — just covering the £1,255 of essentials.
Sharing changes everything. Splitting rent and bills with a flatmate can cut the salary you need by thousands. Run your own numbers →