Figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that average prices remain higher in Dublin compared to the rest of the country, although the difference is getting smaller.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reveals that of the 73 items included, average prices were higher in Dublin for 40 items and lower for 33. On average, prices for a range of goods and services were 3.1 per cent higher in Dublin in November of this year. That compares with 3.2 percent for May of this year and 3.6 per cent for November, 2004.
Fish, fruit and vegetables are generally higher in Dublin compared to the rest of the country, but meat prices are lower for more than half of the items covered. In May, only four types of meat cost less in Dublin, but this had risen to ten out of 18 meat products by November.
The price of drink in Dublin pubs is consistently higher with an average of five per cent difference compared to pub prices outside the capital. However the price of drink from off-licences was generally comparable except for cider which cost 5.3 per cent less in Dublin and a six-pack of stout which cost around 3.4 per cent more.
Women in Dublin can expect to pay about €35 or 13.4 per cent more for a wash, cut and blow dry while it costs Dublin movie-goers around 20.9 per cent (€8.50) than their country counterparts to watch the latest blockbuster,.
Average unleaded petrol prices were 1.6 per cent lower in Dublin than the rest of the country, while average diesel prices were 1.1 per cent lower.