DUBLINERS PAY an average of 4.5 per cent more for their goods and services than consumers in the rest of the State, according to the latest price comparison by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
While the gap has narrowed somewhat since the last survey, which showed a gap of almost 5 per cent in May 2008, there are still hefty differences between the prices of some goods and services.
Dublin gents have to pay 50 per cent more for a wash, cut and blow-dry than their provincial counterparts, for example, and almost 30 per cent more for a dry cut. Women, meanwhile, must fork out 25 per cent more for a wash, cut and blow dry in Dublin.
Following your visit to the hairdressers with a slap-up Irish breakfast could prove a costly experience in the capital, with best back rashers costing over 37 per cent more in Dublin compared to the rest of the State.
However, alcohol is the category showing the largest margins across most products; a pint of draught lager is 12.5 per cent dearer in Dublin, draught cider costs 11 per cent more and a small bottle of wine is 6.5 per cent dearer.
The difference arises because of the higher price of drink in Dublin pubs and hotels which charge, on average, over 9 per cent more than licensed premises outside the city. In contrast, average prices for take-home drink are broadly the same.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce blamed the disparities on higher rents and rates in the city and said that when pub prices were excluded, the margin was just 1.6 per cent. Chief executive Gina Quin said Dublin City Council’s decision to increase commercial rates by over 3 per cent this year was “out of touch” with what business could afford.
“Local authorities and central Government must face up to the economic realities and become leaner, more flexible, more creative, more resilient and radically revise their operations like every other business has had to.”
Going to the cinema costs about 10 per cent more in Dublin than in other cities or towns, the CSO figures also show.
Of the 79 items included in the analysis, average prices were higher in Dublin for 51 items, and lower for 26.
Prices for meat, and fruit and vegetables, are generally higher in Dublin. Nine out of the 10 fruit and vegetable items were more expensive in Dublin, but fish prices were generally comparable.
There was little difference in the price of petrol and tobacco. Dublin offered best value for self-raising flour (16 per cent cheaper), ham fillet (14 per cent) and sirloin steak (10 per cent).