A small island in the Mediterranean Sea - Cyprus - attracts not only with a magnificent beach holiday. The doors of its shops, restaurants and cafes are open to tourists all year round. They will remember the local cuisine and will have something to bring from souvenirs. In order to properly plan a Mediterranean vacation budget, travelers need to know the prices in Cyprus in different cities, the costs of accommodation and meals may vary. Information on prices and main items of expenditure will be useful for those who plan to emigrate to Cyprus.
Features of maintaining the budget of a resident of Cyprus
According to the data released by the local statistical office, the weighted average salary in Cyprus is:
- for men - 2,131 euros (161,002 rubles);
- for women - 1,998 euros (150,954 rubles).
However, almost every third working resident of the island earns less than 1000 € per month.
We will briefly indicate the main budget expenditures for a young family living in Cyprus without children who does not have their own car:
- Rent a 1-room apartment or studio up to 40 m2. On average, such housing on the first or second coastline or in the city center can be subleased for 350-400 euros, which is about 9% of the total salary of 2 people.
- Utility bills for such a dwelling are on average 400-800 euros (up to 20%).
- Food expenses. The most budget-friendly option is to buy groceries in supermarkets, cook your own meals and eat at home. Then a family of two will be well within 500 euros (12%).
- Transport. Renting a budget car with insurance will cost about 400-500 euros per month (9-12%). Using public transport is cheaper. Thus, the cost of two passes is 130 euros (3%).
- Medical insurance for 2 people costs about 140 euros (3.4%).
- Payment for services of Internet providers - 35 euros, mobile operators - 25 euros. The total is 60 € (1.45%).
- The purchase of clothes, shoes, medicines and other things costs a total of about 200 euros per month (4.8%).
As a result, we get that a family of two in Cyprus spends a monthly 2050-2900 euros. Of their total weighted average salary, this is 49-56%
Food costs
Food prices in Cyprus vary by region. In the north of the island, in its Turkish part, they are noticeably lower. The main resorts are located on the southern coast of the country, and in the small shops in this region, prices are always overpriced. Therefore, in order to buy food without overpaying, you need to go to large shopping centers.
Food prices in shops and supermarkets
In the country's resorts, there are supermarkets of such well-known European brands as Lidl, Metro and Carrefour. Local trade networks are also widely represented: Athienitis, AlfaMega, Orfanidis.
You will find out the average prices in shops and supermarkets in Cyprus by studying the table:
| Cost, € | Cost, rub | |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh bread, 0.5 kg | 1.36 | 102.63 |
| Beef, 1 kg | 8.91 | 672.35 |
| Chicken fillet, 1 kg | 5.79 | 436.91 |
| Pork, 1 kg | 5.5 | 415.03 |
| Eggs, dozen | 2.54 | 191.67 |
| Olive oil in a 4 liter canister | 5 / liter | 377.3 |
| Fresh fish, 1 kg | 6.99 | 527.47 |
| King prawns, 1 kg | 15 | 1131.9 |
| Cheese, 1 kg | 7.71 | 581.8 |
| Milk, 1 l | 1.31 | 98.85 |
The answer to the question of how much it costs to eat in Cyprus will be incomplete without mentioning the prices of one kilogram of certain types of vegetables and fruits in the island's large trade enterprises:
- potatoes - € 0.35 (₽ 26.43);
- carrots - € 0.3 (₽ 22.65);
- oranges - € 0.4 (₽ 30.20);
- apples - € 0.7 (₽ 52.85);
- bananas - € 0.6 (₽ 45.30).
Along with the cost of food in Cyprus, tourists are also interested in the prices of alcoholic beverages. The minimum prices for various types of alcohol are shown in the table:
| Cost, € | Cost, rub | |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Lambrusco Rоse, Rosso, Bianco, 750 ml | 2 | 151 |
| Stolichnaya vodka, 700 ml | 9 | 679.5 |
| Brandy KEO, VSOP, 1 L | 9 | 679.5 |
| J&B whiskey, 0,7 l | 10 | 755 |
| Bailey's liqueur | 13 | 981.5 |
| Beer Stella Artois (6? 0,33l) | 4 | 302 |
Cigarettes in Cyprus are very expensive. For example, a pack of Vogue here costs 5 euros on average, Marlboro - 5.6 euros, Parlament - 6.3 euros. The products of local brands are sold relatively cheaply (from € 3.5), but tourists-smokers do not praise them.
There are no problems with baby food on the island. Supermarkets offer:
- baby milk formula 0.5 l - € 2.45 (₽ 184.98);
- cheese 125 g - € 0.6 (₽ 45.3);
- applesauce, 0.5 l - € 0.6 (₽ 45.3);
- fruit juice, 0.5 l - € 0.8 (₽ 60.4).
Prices in local cafes and restaurants
For travelers, the question of whether food in Cyprus is expensive in cafes and restaurants is no less relevant. Usually, tourists in hotels only have breakfast, and have lunch and dinner in catering establishments.
The most expensive food in this country's catering is side dishes, snacks and specialties. But visitors will definitely not get up from the table hungry, since the portions are large.
After examining the list, you can find out how much lunch in Cyprus at a restaurant costs in euros:
- Mid-range restaurant, 3 course lunch for 2 people - 32.90 to 50.
- Inexpensive restaurant, lunch for 1 person - 8-15.
- Dish McMeal at McDonald's - 5-7.
- 0.33 L bottle of water - 0.72 on average.
- Bottle of "Pepsi" / "Coca-Cola" 0.33 l -1.47.
- 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer - 4.0.
- 0.5L bottle of homemade beer - 3.0.
- A cup of cappuccino coffee - 3.2.
The average bill in a cafe in Cyprus for a dinner for two (main course, side dish, dessert and wine) is about 40-50 euros.
Some cafes offer a set menu. In this case, the check will contain a figure from 10 to 15 euros. However, the serving size will be more modest. In addition, near the sea, where the beaches are crowded with vacationers, such establishments are practically not found.
Dinner, according to local traditions, is considered the most important meal of the day. Depending on your appetite, the cost of a meal for two with wine will be 50-60 euros.
Housing costs
The cost of living in Cyprus depends on whether you own your own home or leased it. The average monthly rent for Cyprus is shown in the following table:
| Cost, € | Cost, ₽ | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 bedroom apartment not in the city center | 748.71 | 56527.61 |
| Apartment with 3 bedrooms in the central area of the city | 945.35 | 71373.93 |
| One bedroom apartment not in the city center | 461.24 | 34823.62 |
| 1 bedroom apartment in the central area of the city | 567.17 | 42821.34 |
When renting, it is necessary to stipulate whether utility bills are included in the payment. In Cyprus, they are high.
Those who are considering buying housing on the island will need the following information:
| Price in Cyprus, € | Compared to RF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price for 1 m 2 of an apartment located not in the city center | 1418.97 | 0.8337 |
| Price for 1 m 2 of an apartment in the central area of the city | 1905.83 | 0.5679 |
Prices for holidays in Cyprus, in any case, increase due to the payment of utilities. The owner of the dwelling or its tenant must make the appropriate payments. This point is indicated in the lease agreement for the apartment / house.
Average cost of property maintenance:
- Power supply. The cost of electricity in Cyprus is one of the highest among the countries of the European Union. For 1 kW to be paid 0.24 euros (18 rubles). The average bill is approximately 30 euros (2,265 rubles).
- Gas supply. Gas is supplied in conventional cylinders, each of which costs 10-15 euros. Replacement frequency is 3-6 months.
- Water supply. The cost of the service depends on the tariff at the place of residence and the volume of consumption: an average of 10-20 euros.
- Garbage removal. Depending on the region, the cost of this service ranges from 60–90 € / year.
- Telephone. The subscription fee is 8 euros throughout the country. A minute of conversation on a landline phone costs 0.4 euro cents. Mobile communication is more expensive: 1 minute - 10 euro cents. Costs per year - about 200 euros.
- Internet. Network access speed up to 50 Mbps. costs the user 30–40 euros per month.
- Insurance of real estate against destruction as a result of falling aircraft, vandal activity, seismic activity, etc. is calculated as 2.5 euros for each 1000 euros of the value of the insurance object. An average of 200 euros per year.
Thus, the average monthly utility bills in Cyprus are in the range of 400-800 euros. One and a half times more expensive - from 600 to 1200 euros - costs the maintenance of an apartment located in a luxury complex with landscaping and a swimming pool.
Transportation costs
The bus service provides the most convenient and cheapest transportation around the island.
Ticket prices:
- for 1 trip during the daytime - € 1.5;
- for 1 trip at night - € 2.5;
- for 1 day for trips within one settlement and its suburbs - € 5;
- for day trips within 1 week - € 20;
- for day trips around the city and suburbs within a month - € 40;
- intercity ticket for 1 day - € 15.
There are categories of passengers who are entitled to a 50% discount or free travel (schoolchildren).
You can get around the island by taxi. The cost of 1 km of travel varies in the range of 0.6–0.8 euros and depends on the amount of luggage, time of day, and also on the zone. The convenience of a taxi transfer is ensured by the fact that the driver meets customers at the airport lounge (Paphos or Hermes Larnaca) or at the hotel reception.
Car rental prices fluctuate in a very wide range: from € 11 / day in low season to € 57 / day in high season. The cost of gasoline in Cyprus is presented below. For the first time in 12 years, the price of fuel on the island has decreased:
- high-octane 98 Super Unleaded - 1.25–1.26 € / l;
- gasoline 95 Unleaded - 1.19–1.21 € / l;
- diesel fuel - € 1.18–1.19 / l.
Education system
The Government of Cyprus invests about $ 15 billion annually in the development of the country's education system. The system consists of three stages.
Preschool education is carried out in kindergartens. The age of the children is 3–6 years. The maintenance of a child in a public kindergarten costs the parents about € 150 / month, and in a private institution - € 170-250 / month.
Secondary education:
- primary classes for children 6–12 years old;
- gymnasium for adolescents 12-15 years old.
Immigrants from Russia usually place their children in private secondary schools. School fees can go up to € 250 / month.
Higher education in Cyprus is offered by 3 public universities and 5 private ones. Tuition fees range from 5,000 to 15,000 euros / year.
It is interesting that 30% of citizens of the republic have higher education and can confirm this fact with an official diploma.
Cypriot medicine cost
The cost of medical care in Cyprus is comparable to the value of this indicator for the treatment and admission of doctors in commercial institutions of the corresponding profile of activity in Moscow and St. Petersburg. So, for one day of stay (without treatment) in the clinic, the patient will have to pay about 150-200 euros, and for a regular visit to the doctor - 50 euros.
To obtain a visa to Cyprus, medical insurance is required, but you do not need to set a coverage limit of at least 30 thousand euros, as is customary for most EU countries. The average cost of a health insurance policy for a period of 10-14 days is 15-20 euros.
To get an idea of the level of prices for medicines in Cyprus pharmacies, see the data in the table.
| Drug type | Name | Cost, € | Cost, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic | "Chondroxil", 7 sachets, 5 g each | 2.96 | 223.5 |
| SUBLEX 150, 60 capsules 400 mg | 8.92 | 673.5 | |
| "Osteosanum" cream | 19.67 | 1485 | |
| Diabetes mellitus | "Dianormil" drops, 30 ml | 2.92 | 220.5 |
| Dialife, 10 ml | 13.11 | 990 | |
| Blood Sugar Support - Sugar Level Regulator, 60 Capsules | 29.14 | 2200 | |
| Antifungal | "Exomin", cream, 7 sachets | 1.95 | 147 |
| "Exolocin" from mycosis | 8.89 | 671.25 | |
| cream-wax "Healthy" | 13.11 | 990 |
Prices for clothing and household appliances
Cyprus is not the best country for shopping. The shops of the island will not please with either assortment or low prices. No, you can certainly find products of leading European brands here. Only the choice is small, and the prices for things in local boutiques are often even higher than in Moscow.
After reading the numbers from the table, you will be convinced of this.
| Cost, € | Cost, ₽ | |
|---|---|---|
| Zara dress | 34 | 2567 |
| Swimsuit | 20 | 1510 |
| T-shirt | 10 | 755 |
| Leather men's shoes | 100 | 7550 |
| Jeans from leading brands | 60-80 | 4 530 -6 040 |
| Branded Reebok or Nike sneakers | 70 | 5285 |
| Leather ladies bag | 40 | 3020 |
In terms of prices for household appliances, Cyprus ranks 18th among the EU countries. The following table shows the cost of popular home equipment models among the local population.
| Appliance type and model | Cost, € | Cost, ₽ |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung TV UE43MU6100 | 397.2 | 29989 |
| Refrigerator POZIS-Sviyaga 513 | 205.17 | 15490 |
| Washing machine Bosch WLG2426FOE | 357.47 | 26989 |
| Akvilon MC-12 air conditioner | 385.7 | 29120 |
Other items of expenditure
In addition to relaxing on the beach, exciting excursions await tourists. For example, trips from Paphos to Orthodox monasteries, cathedrals and churches are especially popular. Usually the tour costs 40-60 euros for an adult and 20-30 euros for a child. Meals included. In total, for a family of 3 people, the costs will be 100-150 euros.
What else travelers can do in Cyprus, you can find out by studying the table:
| Cost, € | Cost, ₽ | |
|---|---|---|
| Diving | from 50 (2 dives per day) | 3775 |
| Amusement rides | from 3 | 226.5 |
| Boat trip | from 20 | 1510 |
| Tastings | from 30 | 2265 |
| Parachute flight | 30 | 2265 |
The difference in prices in different cities of Cyprus
The highest prices on the island are in Limassol. Taking into account the average rental costs (about € 800), the budget for a comfortable life in this city for a family with 1 small child should be about € 2000 / month.
But in Paphos, the same family should have an amount from 1400 to 1700 euros per month. To find out the difference in prices in other major cities of Cyprus, study the table:
| Product / Service | Price in Protaras, € | Price in Larnaca, € | Price in Ayia Napa, € | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food | Fresh white bread, 0.5kg | 1.37 | 1.46 | 1.37 |
| Milk, 1 l | 1.36 | 1.34 | 1.24 | |
| Eggs, 12 pieces | 2.27 | 2.27 | 2.27 | |
| Clothes and footwear | Jeans | 62.76 | 63.17 | 55.34 |
| Summer dress from a famous brand | 36.15 | 30.27 | 35.83 | |
| Leather shoes | 88.79 | 85.54 | 85.75 | |
| Restaurants | 3 dishes for 2 people in a mid-range establishment | 39.48 | 42.11 | 42.11 |
| Meals for 1 person in an inexpensive establishment | 10.53 | 10.53 | 12.63 | |
| Utilities | Living space 85 m 2, electricity, water supply, garbage disposal, cooling / heating | 106.42 | 92.85 | 106.41 |
North Cyprus price level
Today, prices in North Cyprus are significantly lower compared to the southern part of the island. For example, a dinner for two consisting of hot dishes (one costs about € 10), salads (up to € 3), a glass of homemade wine or beer (up to € 3) will cost less than € 40 in a cafe.
The same goes for food prices in supermarkets. In September 2021, the Turkish newspaper Halkin Sesi published the results of a study on this issue. A grocery basket of 46 varieties of daily consumption goods was taken as a basis. In the south, its cost was about 188 euros, and in the north - about 126.8.
However, in the southern part of Cyprus, prices for similar clothing and taxi services are lower.
Conclusion
The cost of living on the island of Cyprus is slightly lower compared to many EU countries. Its main tourist regions are the coastal resort towns of Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Protaras. The cost of food and other goods in the northern part of the country is noticeably lower than in the south.
