Irish families could be saving hundreds in 2026 with these seven household tips

While inflation may have eased, the cost of living crises if far from over for households across Ireland.

Energy bills food prices, insurance premiums and other everyday expenses are still putting pressure on family finances in 2026, leaving many wondering where savings can be found.

Switcher.ie has broken down seven key household costs still hitting pockets this year, and how consumers can reduce what they're paying.

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1. Energy

While wholesale energy prices have fallen, they remain well above pre-crisis levels, meaning household energy bills are likely to stay high in 2026. The average Irish household now pays around €1,729 a year for electricity and €1,498 for gas on standard tariffs.

Some households faced a wave of double-digit increases in 2025, as three of Ireland’s major electricity suppliers raised typical annual bills by between 10% and 14%.

At the same time, higher network and infrastructure costs have pushed up standing charges, which now make up a much larger share of energy bills. These fixed costs apply regardless of usage and limit how far bills can fall, even when markets become calmer.

The biggest opportunity to cut costs remains switching. Moving both gas and electricity to the cheapest discounted plans currently on the market could save around €817 a year compared with sticking to a standard deal.

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2. Broadband and mobile

Many broadband and mobile customers will see prices rise again in 2026 due to CPI-linked increases built into contracts, typically applied in spring. Under current rules, these increases don’t allow customers to cancel penalty-free mid-contract.

This follows similar annual price adjustments in 2025, when major Irish broadband providers applied increases of around 4.4% to 8%, adding roughly €48 to €60 a year to many customers’ bills.

New consumer protection laws expected later in 2026 will change this, but until they’re in force, CPI-linked increases earlier in the year may still apply. For now, switching once you’re out of contract remains the best way to avoid higher bills, as even modest increases can add €60–€120 a year to household costs.

3. Health insurance

Health insurance premiums are rising again and hitting many households in early 2026.

A number of insurers introduced price increases throughout 2025, and the average cost of a plan has climbed steadily with the typical adult premium reaching around €1,880, up about 8% since the start of 2025.

Depending on the level of cover, some families are now paying €160 - €250 or more per year compared with 2024, as a result of those increases.

With around half of all health insurance policies renewing between December and February, a large number of households are now feeling the impact. Anyone coming up to renewal should review their policy carefully, as switching to a better-value plan - while keeping the cover you need - can still deliver meaningful savings.

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4. Car insurance

Car insurance costs remain high following a sharp jump in recent years.

Central Bank figures show the average motor insurance premium rose by around 9% in 2024, reaching about €623 per policy. With repair costs and claims still high, the pressures that drove premiums up last year remain firmly in place for 2026.

Drivers looking to keep costs down in 2026 can shop around at renewal, pay annually instead of monthly where possible, and compare quotes from multiple providers rather than sticking with their existing policy.

5. Groceries

Food remains one of the highest day-to-day costs for households.

With the average family grocery shop costing around €400-€500 a month on supermarket food alone, groceries continue to put real pressure on household budgets. While price growth has slowed, shoppers are still paying far more at the till than they were just a few years ago.

The savings potential, however, is significant. Switcher.ie’s analysis of big-label versus own-brand items across Ireland’s major supermarkets shows families could cut their food bills by around 50% by choosing supermarket value ranges, freeing up around €2,750 over the course of a year, without compromising on quality for most everyday staples.

6. PRSI

Workers will also see changes to their take-home pay in 2026 as PRSI rates continue to rise under measures signed into law in 2024.

PRSI is increasing in stages each October until 2028. From October 2026, most employees will see their PRSI rate rise from 4.20% to 4.35%.

For someone earning around €50,000, that works out at roughly €75 extra per year. While these increases are designed to support future social welfare and pension payments, they do reduce take-home pay in the short term.

One way to soften the impact is to make sure you’re not overpaying tax. Many workers are entitled to refunds for credits and reliefs they haven’t claimed, with the average tax refund worth around €900; money that can help offset rising costs elsewhere.

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Switcher.ie consumer champion Eoin Clarke says:

“Inflation may be easing, but many households are still feeling squeezed as everyday costs remain high and some continue to creep up quietly.

In 2026, the key for consumers is to take action where they can. Reviewing energy, broadband and insurance regularly - and switching to a cheaper, suitable plan when possible - is still one of the most effective ways to keep costs under control.

When it comes to groceries, simple swaps like choosing own-brand products or shopping around between supermarkets can also make a real difference.”