Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus has become a major talking point for anyone considering a move to the Mediterranean in 2025. Hello! I’m John Evans, a retired journalist from the UK, and I’ve been living in Northern Cyprus since 2019. After decades of grey skies and crowded trains in London, I swapped raincoats for linen shirts and settled into the slow, sunny rhythm of life here in Kyrenia. And let me tell you — it’s not just the weather that’s easier to live with.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the real, up-to-date cost of living in Northern Cyprus, from groceries and rent to healthcare, transport, and the occasional cheeky dinner out. I’ve kept a close eye on my budget, so these numbers aren’t guesswork — they’re my real monthly experience.

Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Rent and Housing in 2025

Rent is typically the largest monthly expense, but compared to the UK or even Southern Cyprus, it’s refreshingly manageable here. If you’re renting:

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre): €250–€400/month
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre): €450–€800/month
• Outside city centres: Prices drop by 15–30%

I personally rent a spacious 2-bedroom flat with a sea view in Kyrenia for £450 per month — and that includes furniture. Most landlords quote in GBP or EUR due to Turkish Lira fluctuations, which works just fine for most expats.

Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Grocery Prices in Kyrenia

Let’s talk food — both the delicious part and the budgeting side. While prices have crept up recently, it’s still possible to eat fresh and local without breaking the bank.

These days, I spend around €150–€200/month on groceries for myself. That includes plenty of local produce, fish, cheese, bread, and the occasional indulgence (looking at you, imported chocolate).

Sample grocery prices:

• Milk (1L): €1.10
• Bread (500g): €1.50
• Eggs (12): €2.50
• Chicken breast (1kg): €7.50
• Tomatoes (1kg): €2.70

Local markets are a delight — noisy, colourful, and bursting with freshness. €25 goes a long way if you stick to local, in-season items. Imported or brand-name goods will stretch your budget quickly, so I mix and match.

Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Dining and Leisure

Dining out is one of life’s pleasures here — and it won’t wreck your wallet. I usually eat out twice a week, sometimes more if I’m feeling lazy.

• Simple local meal: €5–€8
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €10–€15
• Coffee at a café: €1.50
• Beer (0.5L): €2–€3

Weekend entertainment? A movie ticket is around €3, and many cultural sites are €2–€5. Some of the best fun, though, is free: a beach walk, a picnic in the hills, or a sunset with friends on the balcony.

Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Transport Overview

Getting around is easy and inexpensive. Public transport is basic but works fine for city travel.

• Bus fare (local): €1
• Intercity ride: €2–€3
• Taxi (short ride): €5

I drive an old but loyal car. Fuel is around €1.50/litre, and I spend about €80–€100/month driving modest distances. Annual insurance? About €60–€100. Not bad compared to the UK, where I once paid more for parking permits.

Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Utilities & Internet

Monthly bills for a two-bedroom apartment:

• Electricity: €30–€50 (more in summer with A/C)
• Water: €5–€10
• Internet (fiber): €30–€50
• Mobile plan: €5–€10

All together, I spend just under €100/month. That includes fast Wi-Fi for streaming BBC News while I complain about politics like any proper Brit abroad.

Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Healthcare

Healthcare here is a pleasant surprise. Public hospitals are free or low-cost for residents. I prefer private clinics for faster service — and they’re very reasonable.

• GP visit: €20–€40
• Specialist consultation: €30–€60
• Dental cleaning: €20
• Private insurance (full coverage): ~€500/year

I once got a same-day appointment with a cardiologist. Try that in London!

Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Education and Childcare

Public schools are free and serviceable. International schools (English-taught) range from €3,000 to €8,000/year. Preschool or childcare runs around €200–€400/month.

Many expat families I’ve met say their kids are thriving here. Plus, they’re growing up bilingual and barefoot.

Monthly Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus: Example Budgets

Here’s what a typical monthly budget might look like in 2025:

Single Person:

• Rent: €300
• Utilities/Internet: €100
• Groceries: €175
• Transport: €60
• Dining/Leisure: €80
• Misc: €85 Total: ~€800/month

Couple: ~€1,100–€1,300/month

Family of 4 (with schooling): ~€1,800–€2,400/month

You can live more frugally — or splurge a little. But these are fair averages for a relaxed, comfortable lifestyle.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus

So, what’s the verdict on the cost of living in Northern Cyprus? In my view, it offers unbeatable value. While prices have nudged up over the years, life here is still dramatically cheaper than the UK or most of Europe — and you gain a lot more than just savings.

You gain time. Warmth. Community. The chance to enjoy your coffee instead of gulping it in a tube station.

If you’re thinking about relocating, come for a visit. Walk the markets, chat with locals, breathe the sea air. You might just fall in love — and find that your money, and your peace of mind, go much further here.

Cheers from Kyrenia. If you spot a sunburnt Brit in sandals grumbling about the price of cucumbers, that’s probably me.