Pros and Cons of Living in Macedonia
Last updated on Oct 19, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Macedonia include its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and affordable cost of living. Macedonia is also known for its friendly people and vibrant nightlife. On the other hand, the cons of living in Macedonia include its lack of economic opportunities, high unemployment rate, and poor infrastructure. Additionally, the country is still recovering from a long period of political instability, which has caused a lack of investment in public services.
What are the pros and cons of living in Macedonia?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Macedonia responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Macedonia appreciate the low cost of living, the friendly locals, and the stunning natural beauty of the country. They also enjoy the vibrant culture, the delicious food, and the easy access to outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the infrastructure and public transportation to be lacking, and the language barrier can be a challenge. Additionally, the limited job opportunities and the slow internet speeds can be a source of frustration," said one in Macedonia.

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What do expats in Macedonia appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Macedonia appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, dance, and art. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Macedonian people, who are known for their welcoming attitude towards visitors. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its mountains, lakes, and forests providing a peaceful and picturesque backdrop to everyday life. Finally, expats enjoy the country's delicious cuisine, which is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors," said a person living in Macedonia.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Macedonia often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's complex history and the presence of multiple ethnic and religious groups can make it difficult for expats to understand the cultural nuances of the region. Furthermore, the country's traditional gender roles and expectations can be difficult for expats to navigate. Finally, the lack of English-speaking locals can make it difficult for expats to make meaningful connections with the local community," said a person living in Macedonia.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Macedonia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Macedonia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Macedonia
- Best Places to Live in Macedonia
- Guide to Real Estate in Macedonia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Macedonia
- Cost of Living in Macedonia
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Macedonia
- 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Macedonia
- Getting a Driver's License in Macedonia
- 15 Best Places to Live in Macedonia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Macedonia 2025