Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus - Comparison between Northern Cyprus and the United Kingdom

There are many factors that make Northern Cyprus an attractive destination for those considering relocating or owning a holiday home. From the rich history and culture to the delightful cuisine and sunny climate, Northern Cyprus has a lot to offer. It boasts a blend of modern amenities with traditional charm, and the infrastructure is continually improving.

Moreover, living expenses in Northern Cyprus tend to be more affordable compared to countries like the UK. The following is a comparative breakdown of various expenses between the two regions.

It's important to consider that there might be variations in prices within different cities of Northern Cyprus. For instance, Famagusta might differ in pricing compared to Kyrenia. However, in terms of job opportunities, culture, and leisure activities, both have their unique offerings.

Restaurants
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
Meal, normal restaurant
7.52 € (220.00 TL)
13.71 € (12.00 £)
Meal for 2 people, three courses
20.51 € (600.00 TL)
57.11 € (50.00 £)
Domestic beer (0.5l draught)
1.70 € (50.00 TL)
4.34 € (3.80 £)
Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle)
2.85 € (85.00 TL)
4.57 € (4.00 £)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle or can)
0.50 € (15.07 TL)
1.52 € (1.33 £)
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
0.19 € (5 TL)
1.12 € (0.98 £)
Markets
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
Milk (normal), (1 liter)
0.67 € (20.57 TL)
1.05 € (0.92 £)
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
0.50 € (15 TL)
1.11 € (0.98 £)
Loaf of fresh bread (500g)
0.85 € (25 TL)
1.15 € (1.00 £)
Eggs (normal) (12)
2.21 € (65 TL)
2.19 € (1.92 £)
Rice (white), (1kg)
1.53 € (45 TL)
1.09 € (0.96 £)
Beef round (1kg) (or equivalent)
10.67 € (320 TL)
8.57 € (7.50 £)
Potato (1kg)
1.19 € (35 TL)
1.39 € (1.22 £)
Onion (1kg)
0.85 € (25 TL)
1.16 € (1.02 £)
Tomato (1kg)
1 € (30 TL)
2.05 € (1.80 £)
Apples (1kg)
0.50 € (15 TL)
2.07 € (1.81 £)
Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle)
2.17 € (65 TL)
1.95 € (1.71 £)
Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle)
1.00 € (30 TL)
2.21 € (1.94 £)

Please note that taxi tariffs can vary in different regions of Northern Cyprus, and the values mentioned below are averages. For instance, Famagusta, being a popular tourist destination, might have taxi tariffs that are considerably higher than in Lefkoşa. This could also be attributed to the fact that local residents in Famagusta might not use taxis as frequently as they do in Lefkoşa.

Transportation
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
One-way ticket (local transport)
0.50 € (15 TL)
2.86 € (2.50 £)
Monthly pass public transport (regular price)
26 € (777.00 TL)
74.24 € (65.00 £)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
0.30 € (9.00 TL)
3.43 € (3.00 £)
Taxi 1km (normal tariff)
0.45 € (13.40 TL)
1.42 € (1.24 £)
Gasoline (1 liter)
1.17 € (35.00 TL)
1.46 € (1.28 £)
Utilities (monthly)
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85 m2 apartment
33.95 € (1000 TL)
175.31 € (153.49 £)
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff Local (no discounts or plans)
0.10 € (3 TL)
0.09 € (0.08 £)
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited Data, cable/ADSL)
4 € (120.58 TL)
35.82 € (31.36 £)
Childcare
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
Preschool (or Kindergarten), all day, private, monthly for 1 child
400 € (11,700 TL)
1,058.98 € (927.16 £)
International primary school, yearly for 1 child
4,000 € (116,997 TL)
15,577.00 € (13,637.92 £)
Clothing and shoes
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
1 Summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, ...)
23.77 € (700.50 TL)
33.72 € (29.52 £)
1 Pair of jeans (Diesel or similar)
23.77 € (700.50 TL)
67.33 € (58.95 £)
1 Pair of leather business shoes for men
17.05 € (500.80 TL)
71.17 € (62.31 £)

The rents mentioned below represent averages across Northern Cyprus. Rents in the city centers of Famagusta, Kyrenia, Lefkoşa, or Morphou can be noticeably higher. The average figures don't necessarily favor newer constructions or prime locations but encompass all buildings regardless of their age or location.

For instance, in Kyrenia, a prime city in Northern Cyprus, it might be challenging to find a quality one-bedroom rental apartment at an affordable rate. If one desires an apartment with a good view in this city, the rent can be considerably higher.

Rent per month
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
Apartment (1 bedroom) city center
350.19 € (10,500.33 TL)
851.98 € (745.92 £)
Apartment (1 bedroom) outside city center
266.72 € (8,000 TL)
692.11 € (605.96 £)
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center
833.60 € (25,000.00 TL)
1,471.52 € (1,288.34 £)
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of city center
500.83 € (15,000.22 TL)
1,123.42 € (983.58 £)
Salaries and financing
Northern Cyprus
United Kingdom
Average monthly net salary (after income tax)
467.01 € (14,000.98 TL)
2,140.95 € (1,874.44 £)
Consumer inflation rate in %, per June 2023 (TCMB)
4.75%
1.5%
Mortgage interest rate in percentages (%), yearly, for 10 years fixed-rate
2.19 %
3.28 %

Update 11.10.2023

Timondro
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