Cost of Living in Cyprus: A Guide for New Residents

Cyprus is one of the most attractive places to live in Europe, attracting not only tourists but also people looking for a new place to live. The sunny climate, friendly atmosphere and favorable tax conditions make the island increasingly popular among expats, digital nomads and retirees.

However, before you decide to move, it is worth knowing the real cost of living in Cyprus. Is renting apartments expensive? How much do you have to pay for food, transport and entertainment? What is the situation with healthcare? In this guide, you will find a comprehensive overview of the expenses that await new Cypriot residents.

Apartment and rental costs – how much do you have to pay for accommodation?

The cost of renting or buying a property in Cyprus depends mainly on the location. Large cities and tourist resorts are the most expensive, while in smaller towns you can find cheaper offers.

Cost of renting an apartment in Cyprus

Rental prices vary depending on the region:

• Limassol (the most expensive city on the island):
  • Studio: €900-€1,500 per month
  • 2-room apartment: €1,200-2,000 per month
• Nicosia (capital, but cheaper than Limassol):
  • Studio: €600-900 per month
  • 2-room apartment: € 800 – € 1,500 per month
• Larnaca and Paphos (popular, but cheaper than Limassol):
  • Studio: €500-€800 per month
  • 2-room apartment: €700 – € 1,200 per month
• Smaller towns:
  • Studio: €400-600
  • 2-room apartment: €600 – €1,000

Cost of buying a property

For people planning to buy an apartment or a house, the prices are as follows:

• Apartment in the center of Limassol: €/m² 3,500-5,500
• Apartment in the center of Nicosia: €2,000-3,500/m²
• Larnaca/Paphos apartment: €1,800 – €3,000/m²
• House in a smaller town: €/m² 1,500–2,500

Additional housing costs

In addition to the rent, you have to take into account the costs of bills:

• Electricity: €80-150 per month (higher bills in summer when the air conditioning is on)
• Water: €15-30 per month
• Internet: €30-60 per month
• Property tax: None (Cyprus abolished it in 2017)

The cost of renting and buying apartments in Cyprus is relatively high, especially in Limassol, but compared to other European countries, it still remains competitive.

In the next section, we will look at the cost of daily shopping and food prices.

The cost of food in Cyprus depends on where you shop – supermarkets, local markets, or restaurants. In general, prices are comparable to those in Western Europe, although local products tend to be cheaper than imported ones.

Prices of basic food products

Here are some examples of supermarket prices (in euros):

• Bread (500 g) – 1.50–2.00 €
• Milk (1L) – €1.40–2.00
• Eggs (12 pcs) – €3.50–5.00
• Halloumi cheese (local specialty, 250 g) – €3.50–5.00
• Chicken breast (1 kg) – €6.00–8.00
• Beef (1 kg) – €10.00–15.00
• Fish (1 kg, e.g. sea bream) – €8.00–12.00
• Vegetables (e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers – 1 kg) – €1.50–3.00
• Fruit (e.g. oranges, bananas – 1 kg) – €1.50–3.00
• Coffee (250 g, ground) – €3.50–6.00
• Local wine (750 ml bottle) – €5.00 – €10.00
• Local beer (0.5 l) – €1.50–2.50

Where to shop?

🛒 Supermarkets – Popular chains include AlfaMega, Lidl, Papantoniou, and Sklavenitis. They have a wide selection of products, but the prices can be higher than at the fair.

🌿 Local markets (Laiki Agora) – Fresh vegetables, fruits, olive oil and cheeses can be bought cheaper directly from the farmers. Fairs are held in different cities several times a week.

🏪 Small grocery stores (periptera) – Open late into the night, but prices are higher than supermarkets.

Cost of eating out

🍽 Cheap restaurant: €12–20 per person
🍕 Fast food (e.g. gyros, souvlaki): €5–8
🥩 Lunch in a mid-range restaurant: €20-40 per person
🍷 Coffee in a café: €3–5
🍻 Beer at the bar: €3.50–€5.00

Food in Cyprus is not the cheapest, but buying local products and eating outside the main tourist areas can significantly reduce costs.

In the next section, we will discuss the costs of transport and communication on the island.

Transport and communication – car, public transport and fuel

In Cyprus, the most convenient mode of transportation is by car, as public transportation is limited and there is no rail network. Therefore, it is worth including in the budget the costs related to fuel, rental or purchase of a car.

Public transport costs

Cyprus has a well-developed bus network, but they do not run frequently and connections between cities are limited. Ticket prices:

• Single ticket: €1.50
• Day ticket (unlimited travel): €5.00
• Monthly pass: €40-50

The largest bus companies on the island are Intercity Buses (intercity) and EMEL (Limassol), OSEL (Nicosia), Zinonas Buses (Larnaca) and OSYPA (Paphos).

Fuel and car operating costs

• Petrol 95: €1.30–€1.50/l
• Diesel: €1.35–€1.55/l
• LPG: rare
• Car rental cost: from €25 per day
• Buying a used car: from €5,000 for an older model
• Car insurance: from €300 per year

Cyprus drives on the left, which can be a challenge for new residents. However, the roads are in good condition and driving is comfortable during off-peak hours.

Taxis and alternative means of transport

🚕 Taxi: They don’t have meters, so you have to set prices in advance. The average cost of a ride around the city is 10-20€, and between cities 50-100€.
🛴 Electric scooters: Available in larger cities, the rental cost is approx. €1 per unlock + €0.15 per minute of riding.
🚲 Bicycle: Popular in Larnaca and Paphos, renting a bike costs approx. €10 per day.

For most people living in Cyprus, a car is essential, especially if you plan to travel between cities or live outside the center.

In the next section, we will look at the cost of services and entertainment.

Costs of services and entertainment – bills, internet, restaurants and attractions

In addition to basic housing and transport expenses, it is also worth including the costs of services, entertainment and lifestyle in the budget. Cyprus offers a wide range of attractions, from restaurants and clubs to gyms and outdoor activities.

Utility and internet bills

📌 Electricity: €80–150 per month (lower in winter, higher in summer due to air conditioning)
📌 Water: €15-30 per month
📌 Fibre internet: €30–€60 per month (average speed 100 Mbps)
📌 Cable TV package: €20-€40 per month
📌 Phone subscription: €10-€30 per month (with unlimited calls and data)

Gym, sports and leisure costs

💪 Gym membership: €30-€60 per month
🏊 Public pool: €5–10 per entrance
🎾 Tennis court (hourly rental): €10–20
⛳ Golf course (Paphos, Limassol): €50–100 per round
🎟 Cinema ticket: €8-12

Prices in restaurants and bars

🍽 Lunch in a mid-range restaurant: €20-40 per person
🍕 Pizza at the pizzeria: €8–15
☕ Coffee in a café: €3–5
🍻 Beer at the bar: €3.50–€5
🍹 Drink at the nightclub: €7–12

Other services (hairdresser, beautician, babysitting)

💇 Hairdresser (men’s haircut): €10–20
💆 Hairdresser (women’s haircut): €25–60
💅 Manicure: €20–40
👶 Private nursery/kindergarten: €200-500 per month

In terms of the cost of services and entertainment, Cyprus is comparable to many Western European countries, although some things (e.g. gyms, hairdressers) may be cheaper.

In the next section, we will discuss the cost of healthcare and insurance.

Healthcare and insurance – how much does medical treatment cost in Cyprus?

The healthcare system in Cyprus combines the public and private sectors. Since 2019, GESY has been in place – a public healthcare system that offers affordable prices for residents and residents. At the same time, there is a wide range of private clinics and hospitals available that offer faster access to specialists.

Public health care – the GESY system

✅ Access for residents and residents (including those working in Cyprus)
✅ Low fees for medical appointments and treatment
✅ Financed by wage contributions

💰 Costs in GESY:

• Appointment with the general practitioner: free of charge
• Appointment with a specialist: 6 €
• Basic laboratory tests: €1–3 per examination
• Prescription drugs: €1 per drug
• Hospital stay: free in most cases

To use GESY, you must be a resident and register in the system.

Private healthcare

People who do not want to use GESA or want to avoid queues can choose private medical facilities.

💰 Average costs in private clinics:

• Visit to the general practitioner : €40-70
• Appointment with a specialist: €50–100
• Basic laboratory tests: €20-50
• Ultrasound, X-ray: €50–150
• Private hospitalization: from 300 € per night

Health insurance

If you are not covered by GESY, you may want to consider private health insurance.

📌 Monthly cost:

• Basic package: €50-100
• Full insurance (with hospitalization): €100-300

Both local and international insurance companies such as Cigna, Bupa, and Allianz are available in Cyprus.

In conclusion, healthcare in Cyprus is relatively affordable, and residents can use the public GESY system. Those who prefer faster access to treatment can use private clinics or buy additional insurance.

In the last section, we will summarize whether living in Cyprus is worth it.

Is living in Cyprus worth it?

Cyprus is an attractive place to live, offering a sunny climate, a high quality of life, and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries. However, expenses can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and the location you choose.

Key findings:

✅ Housing: Renting and buying properties are the most expensive in Limassol, while Larnaca and Paphos offer more affordable prices.
✅ Food: The cost of daily shopping is moderate, but eating out in restaurants can be more expensive in touristy locations.
✅ Transportation: A car is almost indispensable, and fuel costs are comparable to the European average.
✅ Service and entertainment: Costs depend on lifestyle – restaurants and gyms are reasonably priced, but entertainment in luxury venues can be expensive.
✅ Healthcare: GESY’s public system offers affordable medical care, but many people opt for private insurance for faster access to doctors.

💰 Minimum monthly budget for one person:

• Frugal living (Larnaca/Paphos, studio rental, simple expenses): €1,200-1,500
• Average standard of living (Limassol/Nicosia, comfortable housing, restaurants, transport): €1,800–2,500
• Comfortable lifestyle (Luxury apartments, frequent outings, private healthcare): 3,000+ €

In conclusion, living in Cyprus can be relatively cheap for those with a frugal lifestyle, but it can also be expensive if one opts for luxury real estate and active entertainment. The island’s greatest asset , however, is its beautiful landscapes, warm climate and high quality of life, which for many people compensates for the costs incurred.