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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Nicosia 2024
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Nicosia, Cyprus


Cost of Living in Nicosia

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Nicosia helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Nicosia
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €500 to €1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €1,000 to €1,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Nicosia can range from €100,000 to €400,000 depending on the size and location.
Transportation Public transportation in Nicosia is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs €1.50 and a monthly pass costs €30. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is usually around €10.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Nicosia is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, a liter of milk costs around €1.50, and a dozen eggs costs around €2.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Nicosia is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs around €30. A three-course meal for two people at a high-end restaurant costs around €60.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Nicosia is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 915 sq. ft. apartment is around €100.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Nicosia varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from €2,000 to €4,000 per year. Elementary school tuition can range from €3,000 to €6,000 per year. Middle school tuition can range from €4,000 to €8,000 per year. High school tuition can range from €5,000 to €10,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Nicosia

"The cost of living in Nicosia is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and utilities are generally lower than in other European cities. Rent prices can vary depending on the area, but are generally quite affordable. Nicosia also offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities, which can be enjoyed at a reasonable cost," said one expat living in Nicosia.

Can I live in Nicosia on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Nicosia for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Nicosia are Agios Dometios, Pallouriotissa, and Kaimakli. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but you can find apartments for around €500-€600 per month. On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Engomi, Strovolos, and Acropolis, as rents there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive in Cyprus, so try to conserve energy and water as much as possible. Also, consider using a pay-as-you-go mobile plan instead of a contract, as this can save you some money.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel prices and maintenance costs. Instead, consider using public transportation or even cycling to get around. Nicosia has a decent bus network, and a monthly pass costs around €40.For groceries, you'll need to shop smart. Local markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl and Orphanides can help you save on your grocery bills. Eating out can also be quite expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. If you do want to eat out, look for local tavernas and smaller restaurants, as they tend to be more affordable than the fancier places.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. Going out for drinks or to the movies can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Nicosia has plenty of parks, museums, and cultural events that you can take advantage of.In conclusion, living in Nicosia on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, using public transportation, shopping smart, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Nicosia.

Can I live in Nicosia on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Nicosia for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Aglantzia, Strovolos, or Lakatamia. These neighborhoods are more affordable than the more upscale areas like Engomi or Makedonitissa, but they still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment for around $800 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size and location. You might have to compromise on the size or the view, but you'll still be able to find a comfortable place to live. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $150 to $200 a month.Groceries can be a bit expensive in Cyprus, especially if you're used to shopping at discount supermarkets. However, if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce, you can save some money. I'd say you can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month on groceries.Eating out can also be pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. You can find good, cheap food at local taverns and cafes, where a meal will cost you around $10 to $15. If you want to eat at more upscale restaurants, you'll have to budget for that, as it can easily cost $30 to $50 per person.Transportation is relatively cheap in Nicosia. A monthly bus pass costs around $45, and taxis are also quite affordable. If you plan on having a car, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance, which can add up.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Nicosia. You can visit museums, parks, and historical sites, or take advantage of the city's many cultural events and festivals. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end bars, clubs, or attending expensive concerts and events, you'll need to cut back on those activities to stay within your budget.In conclusion, living in Nicosia on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending on groceries and dining out, and taking advantage of free or low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in Cyprus," said one expat living in Nicosia.

Can I live in Nicosia on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Nicosia for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Aglantzia, Strovolos, or Lakatamia. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a nice two-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,200 per month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out Engomi or Makedonitissa, but keep in mind that rents can be much higher there, sometimes reaching $2,000 or more for a two-bedroom apartment.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $150 to $200 per month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and mobile phone plans are quite affordable, with unlimited data plans costing around $40 to $50 per month.Groceries can be a bit expensive in Cyprus, especially if you're used to shopping at discount supermarkets. However, if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce, you can save some money. Overall, you can expect to spend around $400 to $500 per month on groceries for a single person.Eating out can be quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15 to $20 per person. If you're a fan of fast food, you'll be happy to know that prices are similar to those in the US, with a combo meal costing around $7 to $8.Transportation is another area where you can save some money. Public transportation is quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $40. If you prefer to drive, you should know that gas prices are higher than in the US, but not too bad – around $1.40 per liter.As for entertainment, there are plenty of options in Nicosia, from movie theaters and museums to bars and clubs. A movie ticket will cost you around $10, while a night out at a bar or club can range from $20 to $50, depending on how fancy the place is and how much you drink.In conclusion, living in Nicosia on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of your housing and transportation choices, and you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with all the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Nicosia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Nicosia, Cyprus

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