How much should I charge for a room or digs in 2026?
Setting a fair price for a room or digs: what rooms cost near you, Monday-to-Friday versus seven days, meals and bills, and staying under the Rent-a-Room Relief limit.
- Rent guide by area
- Rent-a-Room Relief
- Post your room free
- Revenue – Rent-a-Room Relief
- Budget 2027 – tax policy changes
- Citizens Information – renting a room in your home
- Department of Social Protection – rent-a-room income disregard
Start with what rooms cost near you
Our rent guide shows what rooms on StayLister cost in each area, and every ad shows how its rent compares with similar ads nearby. Price close to the middle for your area and you'll get more replies; far below it and renters may think it's a scam.
Size, an ensuite, a desk, parking and how close you are to college or public transport all move the price.
Monday to Friday, or seven days
Monday-to-Friday digs usually cost less than a seven-day room, because the student goes home at weekends. Many hosts price digs per week.
Say clearly which nights are included, and whether the room is kept for them at weekends.
Meals and bills
If you include meals (often breakfast and an evening meal on weekdays for digs), add their cost and say exactly which meals.
Say which bills are included: heating, electricity, broadband, laundry.
Stay under the Rent-a-Room Relief limit
Rent-a-Room Relief makes the income tax-free up to €14,000 a year for 2026. Budget 2027 raises it to €16,000 from 1 January 2027 (subject to the Finance Bill). At €16,000, that's about €1,333 a month.
The limit includes everything they pay you: rent, meals, utilities and laundry. If you go over it, the whole amount becomes taxable, not just the part above the limit.
If you get a means-tested social welfare payment or a medical card, up to €14,000 a year of rent-a-room income is currently not counted in the means test. Check with the Department of Social Protection or the HSE for your own case.
Common questions
How much can I charge tax-free for a room?
Up to €14,000 a year in 2026 and €16,000 from 2027 under Rent-a-Room Relief, including meals and bills, if you meet the conditions. Go over and the whole amount is taxable.
Should digs be cheaper than a full-time room?
Usually, yes: the student is only there on weekdays. Many hosts price digs per week.
Does rent-a-room income affect my medical card?
Currently up to €14,000 a year is not counted in the medical card means test. Check with the HSE for your own case.