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Is life cheaper abroad? Look at the salaries

If these figures were included perhaps Ireland might not be as expensive as we are led to believe

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Thu Mar 19 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, - Conor Pope’s article on whether life is cheaper abroad (Pricewatch, March 16th) aboard makes for interesting reading.

However, surely for a more accurate assessment it is necessary to include the minimum hourly rate and/or average wages of a country too, because if a shop had to pay someone €13.50 per hour as in Ireland it must make up that difference, compared to say Spain, where the minimum is €9.40.

If these figures were included, perhaps Ireland might not be as expensive as we are led to believe, – Yours, etc,

GEMMA HENSEY,

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