Rip-off Republic? Heating and rent have driven up the cost of living in Ireland

The cost of home heating and electricity has jumped by 5 per cent in a year, new figures show.

Rent, meanwhile, got a lot dearer in the past year too. It climbed by 7 per cent in the 12 months up to November, while mortgage costs increased by 1.2 per cent. These increases compares November this year to November 2017, as calculated in the CSO's Consumer Price Index. The cost of eating out and hitting the pub was up by two per cent. This, according to the CSO, reflected "higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed." The cost of alcohol and tobacco rose by 3.1 per cent due to higher tax. Entertainment also became more expensive, with the costs of trips to venues like nightclubs and the cinema rising by almost 2 per cent. Education prices increased by 1.7 per cent. It's not all bad news for consumers though as the cost of many products and services have actually decreased in the past year. Furnishings and household equipment fell by 4.1 per cent in cost, while the price of food and non-alcoholic drinks was down by 2 per cent. Health and car insurances premiums also became slightly cheaper this year. Comparing November to October of this year, there was an overall month-on-month 0.5 per cent decrease in the cost of living.