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A new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that living standards in the Republic of Ireland exceed those in Northern Ireland across several key economic and social indicators.

The report shows a clear income gap. In 2022 the average household in the Republic had disposable income of €36,900, compared with €33,400 north of the border. Wage levels followed a similar pattern, with hourly earnings around 29 percent higher in the Republic.

Life expectancy, often used as a broad measure of overall wellbeing, was also stronger in the South. Men in the Republic were living an average of two years longer than men in Northern Ireland, and women were living around 1.5 years longer. In 2022 life expectancy in the Republic stood at 80.9 years for men and 84.2 years for women, compared with 78.9 and 82.7 years respectively in the North.

Economic output per person showed one of the widest divides. Gross national income per capita reached €63,500 in the Republic in 2023, almost double the €34,500 recorded in Northern Ireland. Population growth also differed sharply, rising by 14.8 percent in the Republic between 2015 and 2024, compared with 3.9 percent in Northern Ireland.

Both economies continued to expand during the year to June 2025, although the Republic grew at a slightly faster pace. Domestic economic activity increased by 3.2 percent in the South, while Northern Ireland recorded growth of 2.8 percent.

Employment trends were positive across both jurisdictions. Ireland added almost 64,000 jobs in the year to Q2 2025, an increase of 2.3 percent. Northern Ireland added more than 20,600 jobs, growth of 2.5 percent over the same period. Despite this, the report noted that Northern Ireland still lags behind in core areas such as disposable income, education levels, labour force participation and export intensity.

Labour force participation in the Republic reached 78.5 percent in 2024 and the employment rate stood at 75.1 percent. Northern Ireland saw participation of 75.7 percent and an employment rate of 74.3 percent. Unemployment was lower in the North at 1.8 percent, compared with 4.4 percent in the Republic.

The study, Assessing Economic Trends in Ireland and Northern Ireland, forms part of ongoing research under the Shared Island initiative.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.