Thinking of relocating to North Cyprus? Discover the 2025 cost of living for expats and digital nomads — from rent and food to internet and lifestyle expenses.
With its sunny climate, relaxed pace, and affordable lifestyle, North Cyprus is quickly becoming a hidden gem for expats and digital nomads. Whether you’re looking to work remotely near the sea or settle down for the long haul, understanding the cost of living is essential.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what life really costs in North Cyprus in 2025 — from rent and utilities to dining out and internet.
💸 1. Currency & Cost Overview
North Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TRY), which makes daily expenses significantly more affordable than in the Eurozone. As of mid-2025, exchange rates remain favorable for foreign currencies like EUR, USD, and GBP.
General Monthly Budget for a Single Person (Comfortable Living):
- Budget Lifestyle: €600–€800
- Mid-range Comfort: €900–€1,200
- Luxury Lifestyle: €1,500+
🏠 2. Rent & Accommodation
Whether you’re renting a small apartment or a seaside villa, housing in North Cyprus is much more affordable than in most parts of Europe.
| Type of Housing | Monthly Rent (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | €300–€450 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outside city) | €200–€350 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | €400–€600 |
| Villa with sea view (3–4 beds) | €700–€1,200+ |
Popular Expat Areas:
Kyrenia (Girne), Famagusta (Gazimağusa), Alsancak, Lapta, Bellapais
🍽️ 3. Food & Groceries
Groceries are affordable, especially if you buy local produce. Imported products cost more, but daily essentials remain cheap.
| Item | Average Price (TRY / EUR) |
|---|---|
| Fresh bread | 10 TRY (~€0.30) |
| Eggs (10) | 25 TRY (~€0.75) |
| 1 liter of milk | 20 TRY (~€0.60) |
| 1 kg of chicken fillet | 100 TRY (~€3.00) |
| Local cheese (hellim) | 120 TRY (~€3.50) |
| Coffee in café | 50–70 TRY (€1.50–€2.00) |
Dining out:
- Local kebab meal: €4–€6
- Mid-range restaurant: €10–€15 per person
- Fine dining: €20+ per person
🌐 4. Internet & Mobile
Internet is reliable and affordable, especially for digital nomads who rely on stable connections.
- Home internet (20–50 Mbps): €15–€25/month
- SIM card with 10–20GB data: €8–€15/month
Tip: Most cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, especially in expat-friendly areas like Kyrenia.
🚌 5. Transportation
Public transport exists (mainly minibuses or “dolmuş”), but many expats prefer to rent or buy a car.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Public bus ride | 10–20 TRY (~€0.30–€0.60) |
| Car rental (monthly) | €250–€400 |
| Fuel per liter |
Buying a car? Used cars are more expensive than in mainland Turkey, but still cheaper than in Europe.
🧘 6. Health & Lifestyle
Healthcare is high-quality and affordable, especially in private clinics. Many expats opt for private insurance, or pay out of pocket.
- GP visit (private): €20–€40
- Monthly gym membership: €25–€40
- Yoga classes / co-working spaces: €5–€10 per session
🛂 7. Residency & Visas
Most nationalities receive a 30–90 day tourist visa on arrival. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for residency, which is relatively straightforward and low-cost compared to EU countries.
Residency cost (annual):
- Application & health check: ~€200–€300
✅ 8. Summary: Is North Cyprus Affordable for Expats & Digital Nomads?
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | €300–€700 |
| Groceries | €150–€250 |
| Utilities | €50–€80 |
| Internet/Mobile | €20–€30 |
| Transport | €30–€100 |
| Leisure/Eating Out | €100–€200 |
Estimated Total:
- Budget lifestyle: €700–€900/month
- Mid-range comfort: €1,000–€1,300/month
🌍 Why Digital Nomads Love North Cyprus
- 🏖️ Affordable coastal living
- 🌞 300+ sunny days per year
- 🧘 Quiet lifestyle with low stress
- 📶 Reliable internet and mobile coverage
- 💰 Excellent cost-to-quality ratio
Whether you’re a solo freelancer, remote couple, or retiree, North Cyprus offers a high quality of life for much less than other Mediterranean destinations. investra.io
Need Help with Relocating or Investing in North Cyprus?
If you’re thinking about making North Cyprus your new home or exploring real estate investment opportunities, we highly recommend contacting northcyprusinvesting.com. They are recognized as one of the most professional and trustworthy agencies on the island, providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. From helping you choose the perfect property to guiding you through legal and administrative steps, their experienced team ensures a smooth and stress-free relocation or investment journey. With their expert advice and personalized service, you’ll feel confident every step of the way.