Ireland Differential Rent Calculator 2026
Calculate Your Social Housing Rent for All 31 Local Authorities
Understanding how much you'll pay in differential rent can be confusing, especially when each of Ireland's 31 local authorities uses its own calculation method. Whether you're in Dublin City, Cork, Galway, or any county council area, your social housing rent is calculated based on your household income, family composition, and your council's specific rent scheme.
Our free Differential Rent Calculator covers every local authority rent scheme in Ireland, from Carlow to Wicklow. Did you know that rent rates vary dramatically across the country? Council rent charges range from as low as 10% of assessable income in South Dublin to 22.5% in Longford. Minimum weekly rents also differ significantly, starting from EUR 0 in some councils to EUR 40 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.
This calculator uses the most up-to-date differential rent schemes for all 31 local authorities, including Dublin City Council, Cork City Council, Galway City Council, Limerick City and County Council, and all county councils nationwide. Simply select your council area, enter your household details, and get an instant estimate of your weekly social housing rent.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select Your Local Authority – Choose your council from the dropdown menu (all 31 Irish councils included)
- Enter Household Details – Add the number of subsidiary earners and dependent children in your household
- Input Your Weekly Income – Use the slider or type your exact gross weekly household income
- Get Your Estimate – View your calculated differential rent with a full breakdown of deductions and rates
About Differential Rent in Ireland
Differential rent is the system used by Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in Ireland to calculate rent for social housing tenants. Your rent is based on your household income – if your income increases, your rent increases; if it decreases, your rent decreases. Each council sets its own rates, minimum rents, and deductions.
Select Your Local Authority
Each of Ireland’s 32 local authorities has its own differential rent scheme with different rates.
Household Information
Tell us about the people living in your household.
Some councils apply reduced rates or allowances for pensioners.
Other adults in household with income
Under 16 or in full-time education (age varies by council)
Income Details
Enter your weekly assessable income. This includes employment, self-employment, and social welfare payments.
Your total weekly income from all sources (employment, social welfare, pensions)
Usually Excluded: Child Benefit, Fuel Allowance, Living Alone Allowance, Foster Care Allowance, Working Family Payment (varies by council), Carer’s Allowance (varies by council).
Your Estimated Weekly Rent
EUR 0.00
When is your next rent review?
Differential rent is reviewed periodically (usually annually). You should notify your local authority of any income changes.
Projected New Rent: EUR 0.00/week
Change: EUR 0.00/week
All Local Authority Rent Schemes at a Glance
Compare differential rent schemes across all 31 Irish local authorities. Rates, minimum rents, and deductions vary significantly between councils.
Comparison Table: All 31 Local Authorities
Last Updated: January 2026. Data verified from official council sources, ESRI research, and government publications. Contact your local council for the most current rates.
Dublin Region
| Local Authority | Rate | Min Rent | Disregard | Child Ded. | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin City | 15%* | EUR 35.82 | EUR 32 | EUR 1 | *April 2026: 18%, EUR55 disregard, EUR3/child |
| Fingal | 12%* | EUR 25 | – | EUR 1 | *Increasing to 14.5% in 2026 |
| South Dublin | 10% + EUR3 | EUR 0 | – | – | LOWEST rate in Ireland |
| Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown | 16% | EUR 30 | EUR 35 | EUR 1 | 11% for subsidiary earners (max EUR18) |
Leinster (excl. Dublin)
| Local Authority | Rate | Min Rent | Disregard | Child Ded. | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlow | 18% | EUR 15 | EUR 102 | EUR 1 | Max EUR84/EUR110. EUR13 flat/subsidiary |
| Kildare | ~20% | EUR 0 | – | EUR 1.50 | Scale-based. No minimum rent |
| Kilkenny | 16.7%/20% | EUR 28 | EUR 38 | EUR 1.50 | Tiered: 1/6 to EUR114, 1/5 above |
| Laois | 22% | EUR 24 | EUR 70 | EUR 10 | HIGH child deduction EUR10/week |
| Longford | 22.5% | EUR 25 | – | EUR 1 | HIGHEST rate in Ireland |
| Louth | 10% + EUR3 | EUR 25 | – | EUR 1 | Similar to South Dublin formula |
| Meath | EUR28 + 25% | EUR 28 | EUR 152 | EUR 1 | EUR28 base + 25% over EUR152. Jan 2025 |
| Offaly | 15% | EUR 25 | EUR 30 | EUR 1 | Standard 15% scheme |
| Westmeath | 22% | EUR 25 | EUR 70 | EUR 1 | 22% after EUR70 disregard |
| Wexford | 20% | EUR 30 | EUR 25 | EUR 1 | 1/5 (20%) of net income |
| Wicklow | 3% | EUR 30 | – | EUR 5 | NEW 2026: Very low 3% rate |
Munster
| Local Authority | Rate | Min Rent | Disregard | Child Ded. | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clare | 17% | EUR 30 | EUR 40 | EUR 7 | HIGH child ded. EUR15 OAP allowance |
| Cork City | 15% | EUR 24.30 | EUR 39 | EUR 20 | HIGHEST child ded. EUR20/child |
| Cork County | 15% | EUR 25 | – | EUR 1 | Scale-based. 1/7 for subsidiaries |
| Kerry | 20% | EUR 15.50 | EUR 140 | EUR 2 | 20% over EUR140. Max rent EUR83 |
| Limerick | 14.5%/19% | EUR 30 | – | EUR 1 | Tiered: 14.5% to EUR275, 19% above |
| Tipperary | 15% | EUR 20 | – | EUR 1 | EUR20 min, EUR140 max rent |
| Waterford | EUR20 + 20% | EUR 26 | EUR 221 | EUR 1 | EUR20 base + 20% over EUR221 |
Connacht
| Local Authority | Rate | Min Rent | Disregard | Child Ded. | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galway City | 20% | EUR 25 | – | EUR 0 | NEW Jan 2026: 20% (was 17%). Child deductions REMOVED |
| Galway County | 17% | EUR 26 | EUR 30 | EUR 1 | Higher rents than Galway City |
| Leitrim | 20% | EUR 20 | – | EUR 1 | EUR14/person household deduction |
| Mayo | 15% | EUR 25 | EUR 25 | EUR 1 | Standard 15% scheme |
| Roscommon | 18% | EUR 22 | – | EUR 1 | 18% scheme. Rent cap removed 2019 |
| Sligo | EUR22 + tiered | EUR 22 | EUR 179 | EUR 1 | EUR22 on first EUR179, progressive to 20% |
Ulster (Republic of Ireland)
| Local Authority | Rate | Min Rent | Disregard | Child Ded. | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavan | 15% | EUR 30 | – | EUR 7 | HIGH child ded. EUR20 OAP allowance |
| Donegal | 14.3%/16.7% | EUR 17 | – | EUR 2 | Tiered: 14.3% to EUR200, 16.7% above |
| Monaghan | 15% | EUR 0 | – | EUR 1 | No minimum rent (with Kildare) |
Key Highlights
- Lowest Rates: South Dublin (10% + EUR3), Wicklow (3% new 2026), Fingal (12%)
- Highest Rates: Longford (22.5%), Laois/Westmeath (22%), Meath (EUR28 + 25%)
- No Minimum Rent: South Dublin, Kildare, Monaghan
- Best Child Deductions: Cork City (EUR20), Laois (EUR10), Clare/Cavan (EUR7)
- Major 2026 Changes: Dublin City (April), Galway City (January), Wicklow (new scheme)
Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only. Differential rent schemes vary significantly and may change. Always contact your local authority for official rates and to confirm your specific circumstances. Data sources include official council websites, ESRI research publications, and government circulars.
Differential Rent Rates by Council
Each local authority in Ireland sets its own differential rent scheme. Below are the key details for the most searched councils to help you understand how your rent is calculated.
Dublin City Council Differential Rent
Dublin City Council operates Ireland’s largest social housing portfolio with over 25,000 tenancies. The current scheme charges 15% of the principal earner’s net income with a minimum rent of EUR 35.82 per week. A major reform takes effect in April 2026, increasing the rate to 18% while raising the income disregard from EUR 32 to EUR 55 per week. Child deductions will also increase from EUR 1 to EUR 3 per child, providing relief for families.
15% (18% from Apr 2026) Min EUR 35.82/week New scheme Apr 2026
Cork City Council Differential Rent
Cork City Council manages over 8,600 rented properties across Ireland’s second-largest city. The differential rent is calculated at 15% of assessable household income with a minimum rent of approximately EUR 24.30 per week. Cork City stands out for having one of the highest child deductions at EUR 20 per child per week, making it particularly family-friendly.
15% rate Min EUR 24.30/week
Fingal County Council Differential Rent
Fingal County Council currently offers one of the lowest differential rent rates in Dublin at 12% of assessable income, unchanged since 2013. However, this rate will increase to 14.5% from 2026 following the November 2025 budget. Fingal uses a simplified calculation without standard income disregards, making it straightforward for tenants to estimate their rent.
12% (14.5% from 2026) Min EUR 25/week Rate increase 2026
South Dublin County Council Differential Rent
South Dublin County Council has Ireland’s lowest differential rent rate at just 10% of total household assessable income, plus a flat EUR 3 weekly charge. This makes SDCC one of the most affordable councils for social housing tenants. The 2025 scheme applies to over 11,100 households and has no minimum rent requirement.
10% + EUR 3 flat Lowest rate in Ireland
Galway City Council Differential Rent
Galway City Council introduced a revised rent scheme from January 2026. The rate increased from 17% to 20% of assessable income. Notably, child deductions have been removed in the new scheme. A hardship clause is included for tenants facing financial difficulties.
20% rate Min EUR 25/week New scheme Jan 2026
Limerick City and County Council Differential Rent
Limerick City and County Council operates a tiered rent scheme. The scheme charges 14.5% on income up to EUR 275 and 19% on income above that threshold. The minimum rent is EUR 30 per week.
14.5%/19% tiered Min EUR 30/week
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Differential Rent
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council charges 16% of the principal earner’s income with the highest minimum rent among Dublin councils at EUR 30 per week. Subsidiary earners are charged at 11% with a maximum contribution of EUR 18.
16% rate Min EUR 30/week
Meath County Council Differential Rent
Meath County Council’s 2025 scheme uses a tiered calculation: the first EUR 152 of weekly income is charged at EUR 28 flat rate, with each additional euro charged at 25%. A significant 2025 change removes means testing of Carer’s Allowance, providing relief for caring households.
EUR 28 + 25% Min EUR 28/week Carer’s Allowance exempt 2025
Kildare County Council Differential Rent
Kildare County Council uses a scale-based system with an effective rate of approximately 20% of assessable income. Notably, Kildare has no minimum rent requirement, making it one of only three councils (with South Dublin and Monaghan) with this feature.
~20% rate No minimum rent
Kerry County Council Differential Rent
Kerry County Council charges 20% of assessable income above a EUR 140 disregard with a minimum rent of EUR 15.50 per week. The scheme includes a maximum rent cap of EUR 83 per week, providing certainty for higher earners.
20% rate Min EUR 15.50/week
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about differential rent in Ireland, how it is calculated, and what affects your council housing rent.
What is differential rent in Ireland?
Differential rent is a social housing rent system used by Irish local authorities where tenants pay rent based on their ability to pay rather than the market value of the property.
The rent amount is calculated as a percentage of the household’s assessable income, meaning those with lower incomes pay less rent. This system ensures that council housing remains affordable for all tenants.
How is differential rent calculated in Ireland?
Differential rent is calculated using this formula:
Here is how it works step by step:
- Step 1: The council determines your gross weekly income from all household earners
- Step 2: They subtract any applicable disregards (a set amount that is not counted)
- Step 3: They subtract deductions for dependent children
- Step 4: The remaining assessable income is multiplied by the council’s rent rate (10-22%)
If the calculated rent falls below the council’s minimum rent threshold, you pay the minimum rent instead.
Which Irish councils have the lowest differential rent rates?
South Dublin County Council has the lowest differential rent rate in Ireland at just 10%, plus EUR 3 per week. They also have no minimum rent requirement.
Other councils with lower rates include:
- Fingal County Council: 12%
- Louth County Council: 10% + EUR 3
- Donegal County Council: 14.3% (tiered)
- Limerick: 14.5% (on first EUR 275)
Which councils have no minimum rent requirement?
Three councils have no minimum rent requirement:
- South Dublin County Council
- Kildare County Council
- Monaghan County Council
This means if your calculated rent based on income is very low, you pay that amount rather than a minimum threshold.
What income is included in the differential rent assessment?
Income included typically covers:
- Wages and salaries from employment
- Self-employment income
- Social welfare payments (Jobseeker’s, Disability Allowance, State Pension, etc.)
- Working Family Payment (varies by council)
- Maintenance payments received
- Income from subsidiary earners
Usually excluded: Child Benefit, Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Foster Care Allowance.
What is the difference between differential rent and Cost Rental?
Differential Rent:
- Based on your income – you pay 10-22% of assessable income
- Rent changes as your income changes
- For those who qualify for social housing
Cost Rental:
- Fixed rent covering building and management costs
- Not linked to your income
- For middle-income households (up to EUR 66,000)
- Typically 25-40% below market rates
How often is differential rent reviewed?
Differential rent is typically reviewed annually by local authorities. You must submit updated income documentation each year.
You can request an interim review if your circumstances change significantly:
- Job loss or redundancy
- Significant income reduction
- Household member moving out
- Changes to social welfare payments
Understanding Your Social Housing Rent Calculation
This differential rent calculator provides accurate estimates based on current local authority rent schemes across Ireland. Each council applies different rates, minimum rents, income disregards, and child deductions, making it essential to use a calculator specific to your area when planning your housing budget.
Important: 2026 Scheme Updates
Several councils are updating their differential rent schemes in 2026. Dublin City Council will implement new rates from April 2026, while Galway City Council has already implemented changes from January 2026. Fingal will increase to 14.5% during 2026. Check back regularly for the latest updates.
Remember, this tool provides estimates for informational purposes. Your actual social housing rent may vary based on your specific circumstances and any special arrangements with your local authority. For official rent assessments, always contact your council’s housing department directly.
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