Summary
Do you dream of a life under the sun, with a sea view, palm trees at your doorstep, and a relaxed lifestyle? Then Cyprus probably sounds like music to your ears. But... how much does it really cost to live there? Spoiler alert: it's more expensive than it was five years ago. Much more expensive, in fact.
In this article, we'll give you an overview of current prices in Cyprus in 2025. We'll cover rent, utilities, groceries, dining out, transportation, and real estate prices by city. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect.
This blog post is updated frequently and is a work in progress!
What does it cost to live in Cyprus? A mini-guide
A question I have been asked a lot since my move is, “How much does it actually cost to live in Cyprus?” Below, you can find a summary of some rental prices, utilities, groceries, transport, etc. This blog post is updated occasionally and was last modified on April 5, 2025.
Rental prices in Cyprus (2025)
Let's get straight to the point: rental prices have doubled in five years. For those who want to live to a Western European standard (read: clean, well-located, and comfortable), €1,000/month is the absolute minimum these days.
An overview of the average rental prices:
- Studio: from €550 to €1,600 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment: average €1,200 – €1,800
- 3-bedroom apartment: around €3,225 (Limassol)
- Houses/villas: €2,700 – €4,500 per month (depending on location & luxury)
Tip: Use Bazaraki or Facebook Marketplace to find rentals. Avoid real estate agents unless absolutely necessary. Commissions can reach 15% or more and are therefore absurdly high.
Here is a comparison per city
| City | Apartment (1 bedroom) | Apartment (3 bedrooms) | Average rental price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paphos | €750 – €950 | €1000 – €1.400 | €950 |
| Limassol | €1.200 – €1.500 | €2.000 – €2.500 | €1.500 |
| Larnaca | €700 – €850 | €1.200 – €1.500 | €800 |
Utilities: electricity, water & internet
Cyprus offers surprisingly fast internet, but other amenities are a little less wallet-friendly.
- Electricity, water & waste (for an apartment of 85 m²): average €184.59/month
- Electricity price: €150/m
- Water: €25/quarter
- Internet & Telephony: €50/m
Groceries: not everything is cheap
Anyone who thinks "the Mediterranean = cheap fruit" needs to adjust their expectations a bit. Prices can spike, especially in winter. Blueberries, for example, can cost €6 or more in winter for just 200g. In spring, everything becomes cheaper again.
In general, groceries are +/- 10% cheaper than in Belgium.
Other groceries such as bread, milk and local vegetables remain reasonably priced, but you quickly pay a high price for imported products.
Eating out & leisure
Cyprus has a vibrant restaurant scene – from chic rooftop bars in Limassol, cozy restaurants at Paphos harbor, to traditional tavernas in the mountains.
- Simple dinner (1 person): ± €20
- Two-course dinner with wine (2 persons): €60 – €80
- Beer on a terrace: ± €3
- Cappuccino: ± €2.5
- Cinema ticket: ± €10
So eating out can still be done at a fairly “OK” price.
Transport: taxi, own car or lease?
Without a car, you're often limited in Cyprus. Buses operate, but the network is unreliable and infrequent. Taxis are relatively expensive, and shared scooters and bikes are scarce and not particularly safe.
- Public transport: single journey between €1.50 and €2.40
- Leasing a new VW Golf (automatic): from €450/month
So definitely consider buying a (used) car or leasing one, especially if you don't live in a large city center.
Tip: RideNow
Don't need a car often? Then you can install the RideNow app and rent a car for a day. Create an account, pay through the app, scan the QR code on the car, and you're off.
RideNow is a popular app in Cyprus for those who occasionally need a car. Perfect for day trips or short-term travel.
Property prices per m²: Buying property in Cyprus (2025)
Looking to buy a house or apartment in Cyprus? Prices have also skyrocketed there. Especially along the coast, prices are high.
Average price per square meter per city:
- Limassol: €3,500 – €5,500/m²
- Paphos: €1,900 – €3,200/m²
- Larnaca: €1,500 – €2,900/m²
- Nicosia: €2,350/m² in the center, €1,850/m² outside
- Ayia Napa:
- Apartment: ± €1,867/m²
- House/villa: ± €2,599/m²
Please note: these prices are averages / guide prices for 2025. Location (sea, city, countryside), view, season, and finish make a big difference. In another blog post, I discuss the best regions to live in Cyprus specifically.
Comparison with 2020: what has changed?
The most important price increases at a glance:
| Cost item | 2020 (€) | 2025 (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent a studio | ± 400 | 700 – 1.600 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | ± 650 | 900 – 1.600 |
| Utilities (85 m²) | ± 100 | 185 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | ± 25 | 30 |
| Restaurant dinner (2p) | ± 25 | 50 – 120 |
| VW Golf lease | ± 350 | 550 |
is Cyprus still affordable?
Cyprus is no longer a budget-friendly paradise like it used to be. Especially if you want to live in the popular cities (Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos), you'll need to budget heavily. On the other hand, you'll save on your taxes.
Yet life remains more pleasant there than in many other European countries:
- More sun = less winter clothes, less heating
- Lower income tax and better tax structure
- Outdoor living and a healthier lifestyle
Tip: Plan a trial month in Cyprus via Airbnb before you move. That way, you'll really get a feel for what it's like to live here and how much it will cost you. I rented an Airbnb for two weeks myself and found a home I could move into immediately within a week.
is Cyprus expensive
Compared to Western Europe, Cyprus is relatively affordable, especially for food, drink, and nightlife. Groceries and restaurants are noticeably cheaper than in Belgium or the Netherlands. However, real estate in popular areas such as Limassol and Paphos has risen sharply in recent years, and rental prices are increasing enormously. Overall, Cyprus offers a high quality of life for a reasonable price.
How much does a beer cost in Cyprus?
A beer in Cyprus costs between €2.50 and €4 in a regular bar or taverna. In tourist areas such as Paphos Harbour or the Limassol Coastal Road, you will easily pay €4 to €6. In a supermarket, you can buy a bottle of local beer from brands like KEO or Leon for around €1.
How much does a taxi cost in Cyprus?
A taxi in Cyprus costs a starting fare of €3.50, followed by approximately €1 per kilometer during the day. A ride from Larnaca Airport to the city center costs about €20 to €25. Between cities, there are also shared taxis, known as service taxis, which are cheaper but operate on fixed routes. Bolt is a good alternative.
