Three-in-five under-25s are considering emigration, with almost one-in-three strongly considering leaving Ireland to seek a better quality of life, according to a new survey.
Research conducted by Red C on behalf of the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) examined the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on young people, with rent and accommodation emerging as the single greatest financial challenge.
The polling found that 82% of young people aged 18–24 feel negatively impacted by rising costs.
A total of 84% of respondents agreed that the housing crisis disproportionately affects them.
Among full-time students, 94% cited rent and accommodation as a major financial burden.
Beyond housing, the research showed that young people under the age of 25 point to education fees, the cost of groceries and daily essentials, and healthcare as their most pressing financial challenges.
Alongside the new polling, NYCI has also published its pre-budget submission which calls for measures to address youth cost-of-living pressures including equalising jobseeker’s allowance for under-25s, abolishing sub-minimum wage rates for young workers and permanently reducing third-level fees.
“This isn’t just about hardship, it’s about young people feeling like Ireland is no longer a place where they can build a future,” said Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI.
“We need Budget 2026 to be a turning point,” Ms Walsh said.
“Young people are facing financial pressures across the board. We must stop penalising them for their age. Equalising welfare rates and abolishing sub-minimum wages are not just economic measures – they are statements of fairness,” she added.
Red C surveyed 1,004 people using a sample that was nationally representative by age, gender and region.