Prices in the country: how much does life cost in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is not the most expensive, but it is far from the cheapest country. And no matter how beautiful the island is, going beyond the “vacation budget” can spoil the impressions of the most pleasant vacation. Therefore, it is better to study and calculate possible expenses in advance. This is what we will help you with. This material contains prices for rent, utilities, food, lunch in cafes, clothing and entertainment in Northern Cyprus.

Housing costs in Northern Cyprus

Housing expenses

The average cost per square meter in Limassol, a developed business center and the second largest city in the country, ranges from €2,000 to €5,000. Real estate in small resort towns on the coast is cheaper – €1000-3500. Of course, not everyone can afford to buy their own home. But renting is another matter. Fortunately, there are enough offers on the island.

Rental prices vary in different parts of the island and, as in any resort country, greatly depend on the season. For example, in Limassol, rental housing is the most expensive. One bedroom apartment – €400-450 per month. And during the hot season, this amount can increase two to three times.

On average across the country, the monthly rent for an apartment in one of the central areas of the city is about €350.

Renting an apartment is simple: to do this, you need to contact any licensed realtor on the island. You don’t have to pay any commissions; the realtor’s services are paid for by the homeowner.

Utilities are most often paid separately, and their amount depends on the type of heating and the season. But we must keep in mind that most often the apartment is heated by the air conditioner. And this is additional electricity consumption, which means additional money.

Utility bills are issued every two months. A small apartment costs €45-60 if you save water and electricity, following the example of thrifty Europeans. Otherwise, the total amount will easily increase by 1.5-2 times. Utilities for a 100-meter house – from €150 per month.

Food expenses

Cypriot cuisine is Mediterranean, but with its own characteristics. The most significant influence on it was made by Greek and Turkish traditions. Therefore, if you like to eat tasty and satisfying food, then you will definitely like it in Cyprus.

Of course, here you can find prestigious establishments, order duck with honey and pepper (€24), beef fondue (€59 for two), roast veal (€24) and one of the most delicious desserts (from €10.)

Food prices in Northern Cyprus

But it will be no less pleasant and, most importantly, inexpensive to eat in more modest cafes and restaurants, where they offer not the most sophisticated, but tasty dishes. In most establishments you can have lunch for two (main course + salad + dessert + drinks) for €25-50.

If you wish, you can find places with lower prices. For example, in inexpensive restaurants “with plastic furniture” the cost of lunch varies from €6 to €15 per person. Drinks come separately: a glass of red wine will cost about €4, a cup of cappuccino – about €3, a bottle of water (0.33l) – €0.5-1.8, local beer (0.5l) – €1.75-3.5.

For ardent fans of fast food, a combo lunch at a famous American diner will cost €5-7. But we still advise you to indulge in local cuisine. Where can you eat seafood if not at the sea?

Typical prices in cafes in Northern Cyprus:

Moussaka (puff pastry): €10.5
Kleftiko (Cypriot lamb dish): €13
Grilled octopus: €15.5
Fried swordfish: €15
King prawns: from €17.5
Fried squid rings: €12

And note that the portions in Northern Cyprus are impressive. One dish may be enough for two.

Do you prefer food prepared by yourself? Excellent, there are many grocery stores and supermarkets in Northern Cyprus - the popular chains Papantoniou Carrefour, Froutaria, AlphaMega, LIDL.

There is a large selection of fresh seafood, cheeses and meats. They offer a lot of things to try before you buy. And in the Carrefour chain you can even find chilled free wine for tasting. If you are going to the island for a long time, then eating at home will be much more profitable.

Typical grocery prices in a supermarket:

Milk – €1-1.8
White bread (500g) – €0.7-2
Rice (1 kg) – €1-2.4
Eggs (12 pcs) – €1.5-3
Local cheese (1kg) – €5-10
Chicken breasts (1kg) – €4.5-9
Beef (1kg) – €6-10
Apples (1kg) – €1-2.2
Bananas (1kg) – €1-2
Oranges (1kg) – €0.9-1.8
Tomatoes (1kg) – €0.8-2
Potatoes (1kg) – €0.45-1
Onion (1kg) – €1-3
Lettuce leaves (head) – €0.4
Water (1.5l) – €0.4-1
Bottle of wine – €4-7
Local beer (0.5l) – €0.65-1.5
Cigarettes (pack) – €3-5

Transport prices in Northern Cyprus

Transport costs

Transport links on the island are not particularly developed. You can get around here by bus, taxi, rented or own car and motorcycle.

Many vacationers use buses. The schedule can be found at the stations, but there are many flights, so you can safely go straight to the stop; you definitely won’t have to wait long. A one-time trip on the route will cost €1.5. At night, travel is twice as expensive. The trip is paid directly upon boarding or you can buy a ticket in advance at the bus station.

For children under 6 years old, bus travel is free

By the way, it will be much more profitable to purchase a pass if you plan to travel a lot around Northern Cyprus by public transport. For a day – €5, for a week – €20, for a month – €40.

Taxis in Northern Cyprus are expensive. The daytime tariff is about €3.5 per landing and €0.73 per kilometer, the night tariff (from 20:30 to 06:00) is €4.3 per landing, €0.85 per kilometer.

For those who like to ride with the breeze, a bike is suitable. You can rent a motorcycle (from €30 per day) or a scooter (€12-20 per day).

And the most convenient mode of transport, as expected, is considered to be a car. You can rent a car in advance via the Internet or on site. The rental cost depends on the class of car, rental period and gearbox (manual or automatic), and starts from €15 per day.

During high season, car rental prices can rise 3-4 times.

And finally, in order not to depend on anyone and to move freely around the island, you can buy your own car. To be fair, local residents actually don’t use public transport. A liter of gasoline in Northern Cyprus costs €1.2 on average. A car like Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (90 KW) or another model of a similar class will cost €15,000, Toyota Corolla 1.6 (97KW) – €16,500.

Clothing prices in Northern Cyprus

Clothing expenses

Northern Cyprus is far from the most profitable place for shopping. Of course, all the famous world brands are represented in local stores, but their prices are similar to those indicated on the price tags in our local stores. The only way to save money is to get into one of the seasonal sales, during which you can buy things at a 50-70% discount.

The winter sale starts in February and lasts 45 days. Summer discounts in stores begin on July 15 and also last for 45 days. Plus, in the first half of autumn you can find the “remnants” of summer sales. Moreover, if you see the inscription “sale” in the window, you can be sure that the store will have discounts on all products.

If we talk about the standard set of things that you may need on vacation, then classic Levis jeans or similar models from other manufacturers in Northern Cyprus will cost €40-80. A summer T-shirt will cost €10, a swimsuit – €20, and for a summer dress you will have to pay from €25 to €45. Sports sneakers from one of the well-known brands in the middle price segment – €45-100, and classic leather shoes – €40-150. A leather women's handbag can be bought for €40-50.

Cost of living in Northern Cyprus

Other expenses

A modern person simply cannot exist without a mobile phone. Therefore, first of all, we include communication costs as additional expenses. A minute of conversation with local mobile operators costs about €0.1. Unlimited home Internet costs an average of €30-35 per month.

Next comes entertainment and excursions, of which there are a great many in Northern Cyprus during the summer season. For example, in the summer many Russian, Greek and British stars come to the island. A ticket to such a concert will cost you about €20-25 for a seat without a table. Can't miss the latest movies even on vacation? A ticket to a cinema costs on average €6–8 and, as elsewhere, depends on the show time.

Among the excursions on Kirpa, boat trips, safaris, entertainment excursions, gastronomic tours, and sightseeing tours are especially popular. Their prices range from €20 to €300 depending on the distance of the route.

Prices for excursions in Northern Cyprus:

Sightseeing tour of the island – €60
Trip to the city of Famagusta – €55
Trip to Akamas Nature Reserve – €55
Excursion “Ancient Cyprus” – €40
Winery tour – €60
Pilgrimage tour of the monasteries – €40
Cavo Greco Nature Reserve – €63

No one has canceled the ancient historical sights of Northern Cyprus. The average price of an entrance ticket to the museum is €4-5.