Cost of Living in Cyprus for Expats

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Cyprus, a Mediterranean island at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is increasingly attracting expatriates drawn to its sunny climate, sandy beaches, and quality of life. But what is the real cost of living on this paradise island? Between myth and reality, let’s dive into the financial details of relocating to Cyprus.

Cyprus: A Mediterranean Tax Haven?

Cyprus is often presented as a tax haven for expatriates. And for good reason! The Cypriot tax system offers significant advantages, particularly for retirees and investors. Expatriates can benefit from the non-domiciled regime, which exempts dividends, interest, and rental income from taxes for 17 years[1]. Additionally, a flat tax of 5% on foreign pensions is a real asset for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in the sun.

However, tax benefits should not be confused with a low cost of living. While Cyprus does offer attractive tax opportunities, daily life on the island comes with its own costs that need to be analyzed in detail.

Daily Budget: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Cyprus?

Contrary to what one might think, the cost of living in Cyprus is not particularly low compared to other Mediterranean destinations. According to recent data, the cost of living in Cyprus is about 14.8% lower than in France[6]. However, the local purchasing power is 27% lower, meaning that salaries don’t always compensate for the cost difference.

Take Nicosia, the capital, for example. An expatriate should plan a daily budget of about €90 per person for a comfortable stay, including accommodation in a 3-star hotel, two meals, and a transport ticket[6]. While this figure might seem high, it should be put into perspective with daily expenses in other European capitals.

Here are some specific price examples in Nicosia:

• A movie ticket: €10 (17% cheaper than in France)
• Monthly gym membership: €63 (94% more expensive than in France)
• One-hour tennis court rental: €28 (76% more expensive than in France)

These figures show that some leisure activities can be more expensive in Cyprus than in France, while others remain affordable.

Finding Accommodation in Cyprus: Between Mediterranean Dream and Real Estate Reality

One of the most significant expenses for an expatriate is undoubtedly housing. In Cyprus, real estate prices vary considerably depending on the region and city. Nicosia, as the capital, has higher rents than the national average.

Here’s an overview of monthly rental prices in Nicosia:

• 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €654
• 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €538
• 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,278
• 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,023

These prices are respectively 15%, 10%, 11%, and 9% cheaper than in France[6]. Although slightly lower than French prices, they remain relatively high for the Mediterranean region.

It’s important to note that prices can vary significantly between coastal tourist areas and inland regions. Seaside towns like Limassol or Paphos may have higher rents, especially during the peak tourist season.

Shopping in Cyprus: Between Local Products and Imports

An expatriate’s grocery basket in Cyprus holds a few surprises. While local products, especially fruits and vegetables, are generally affordable, imported products can quickly increase the bill.

Here are some examples of prices for common products:

• 1 liter of milk: €1.30
• 1 kg of tomatoes: €1.50
• 1 kg of apples: €2.00
• 1 bottle of average-quality local wine: €6.00
• 1 pack of cigarettes: €4.50

These prices are relatively similar to those found in France, or even slightly lower for some local products. However, it’s important to keep in mind that imported products, especially cheeses, meats, or cosmetics, can be significantly more expensive than in continental Europe.

An expatriate couple should plan a monthly budget of about €400-500 for food, including a few meals at restaurants.

Getting Around Cyprus: Between Public Transport and Personal Car

Mobility is a crucial aspect of daily life, and Cyprus has its own particularities in this regard. The public transport network, although constantly improving, remains less developed than in many European countries. As a result, many expatriates opt to buy or rent a car.

Here are some figures regarding transport in Cyprus:

• Single bus ticket: €1.50
• Monthly public transport pass: €40
• Taxi, starting fare: €3.50
• Taxi, per km: €1.00
• Gasoline, per liter: €1.30

These prices are generally lower than those in France. However, it’s important to consider that using a personal car is often necessary, which implies additional costs (insurance, maintenance, parking).

For an expatriate, it’s reasonable to plan a monthly budget of €150-200 for transport, including occasional taxi use and costs related to a personal car.

Health and Education: Quality Services at What Price?

Health and education are two fundamental aspects to consider when relocating, especially for families. Cyprus has a mixed healthcare system, with both public and private sectors. European expatriates can benefit from GESY (the public healthcare system) with a monthly contribution, or opt for private insurance for faster access to care[1].

In terms of costs, here are some examples:

• General practitioner consultation (private sector): €50-70
• Specialist consultation (private sector): €80-120
• Private health insurance for a family of 4: €200-300 per month

Regarding education, Cyprus offers a free public education system, but many expatriates choose international schools for their children. Tuition fees at these institutions can range from €6,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the school and level of education.

For an expatriate family, it’s prudent to plan a monthly budget of €500-700 to cover health and education expenses.

Leisure and Social Life: Enjoying the Cypriot Sun

One of Cyprus’s main attractions is undoubtedly its Mediterranean climate and numerous leisure opportunities. Between sandy beaches, archaeological sites, and vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of options to occupy your free time. But what budget is needed to fully enjoy these activities?

Here are some examples of costs for leisure activities:

• Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: €50-60
• Local beer (0.5L) in a bar: €3-4
• Cappuccino in a café: €3-3.50
• Museum entrance: €4-8
• Daily umbrella and sunbed rental at the beach: €10-15

These prices are generally lower or similar to those in France, allowing expatriates to fully enjoy Cypriot social and cultural life without breaking the bank.

For an expatriate couple, a monthly budget of €300-400 for leisure and outings allows for comfortable enjoyment of what the island has to offer.

Overall Budget: How Much Is Needed to Live Comfortably in Cyprus?

After reviewing the different aspects of the cost of living in Cyprus, it’s time to summarize the overall budget needed to live comfortably on the island. Although cheaper than some Western European countries, Cyprus is not a low-cost destination.

For an expatriate couple, here’s an estimate of the monthly budget:

• Housing (2-bedroom apartment in the city): €800-1000
• Food: €400-500
• Transport: €150-200
• Health and insurance: €200-300
• Leisure and outings: €300-400
• Miscellaneous (phone, internet, clothing, etc.): €200-300

Total: €2050-2700 per month

For a family of 4, expect about €3500-4500 per month, including tuition fees at an international school.

These figures can vary depending on lifestyle, location, and personal choices. It’s important to note that the average salary in Cyprus is about €1473 net per month[6], which is why many expatriates choose to work remotely for foreign companies or live off passive income.

Conclusion: Cyprus, a Mediterranean Paradise at What Price?

Cyprus undeniably offers an attractive quality of life for expatriates, with its sunny climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture. However, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the cost of living before making the leap.

While the favorable tax system can be appealing, especially for retirees and investors, the daily cost of living is not negligible. Although generally cheaper than in France, certain aspects like housing in tourist areas or international education can weigh heavily on the budget.

Therefore, relocating to Cyprus requires careful financial planning. It’s recommended to have a comfortable income, ideally higher than the local average salary, to fully enjoy what the island has to offer without financial stress.

Despite these budgetary considerations, many expatriates find that the quality of life in Cyprus is well worth the investment. Between turquoise seas, Mediterranean cuisine, and legendary hospitality, the island of Cyprus remains a top destination for those dreaming of living under the Mediterranean sun.