Cost of Living in North Macedonia - Updated Prices & Insights

41.07
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $593 (excluding rent), and $995 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,423 (excluding rent), and $1,943 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.55 MKD 399
$4.34 MKD 229
$11.33 MKD 598
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$28.36 MKD 1,498
$18.66 MKD 985
$46.66 MKD 2,464
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.78 MKD 305
$4.82 MKD 255
$7.7 MKD 407
Cappuccino
$1.93 MKD 102
$1.16 MKD 61.1
$2.88 MKD 152
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.81 MKD 95.6
$1.34 MKD 70.8
$2.69 MKD 142
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.24 MKD 65.7
$0.97 MKD 51
$1.93 MKD 102
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.22 MKD 117
$1.29 MKD 68.4
$3.72 MKD 196
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.83 MKD 150
$2.01 MKD 106
$4.72 MKD 249
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.36 MKD 72
$1.16 MKD 61.2
$1.64 MKD 86.6
White Bread (500g)
$0.71 MKD 37.56
$0.54 MKD 28.42
$1.11 MKD 58.9
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.67 MKD 88.4
$0.95 MKD 50.4
$2.28 MKD 121
Eggs
$2.22 MKD 117
$1.6 MKD 84.3
$2.96 MKD 156
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.94 MKD 472
$6.71 MKD 354
$12.47 MKD 658
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.43 MKD 392
$4.79 MKD 253
$9.57 MKD 505
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.28 MKD 649
$7.43 MKD 393
$16.74 MKD 884
Apples (1kg)
$1.04 MKD 55.2
$0.57 MKD 30.28
$1.93 MKD 102
Banana (1kg)
$1.4 MKD 74.2
$1.1 MKD 58.2
$1.83 MKD 96.8
Oranges (1kg)
$1.34 MKD 70.8
$0.67 MKD 35.13
$2.09 MKD 110
Tomato (1kg)
$2.01 MKD 106
$1.16 MKD 61.3
$2.89 MKD 153
Potato (1kg)
$0.92 MKD 48.59
$0.57 MKD 30.24
$1.33 MKD 70.2
Onion (1kg)
$0.98 MKD 51.7
$0.55 MKD 28.94
$1.47 MKD 77.5
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.64 MKD 33.93
$0.36 MKD 19.24
$1.08 MKD 57.2
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 MKD 29.74
$0.39 MKD 20.55
$0.77 MKD 40.55
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.21 MKD 169
$2.84 MKD 150
$3.59 MKD 190
Wine (Bottle)
$6.4 MKD 338
$3.66 MKD 193
$9.15 MKD 483
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.08 MKD 57.2
$0.96 MKD 50.7
$1.45 MKD 76.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.43 MKD 75.4
$0.93 MKD 48.91
$2.22 MKD 117
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.71 MKD 37.75
$0.53 MKD 28.19
$1.11 MKD 58.4
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$27.72 MKD 1,464
$18.48 MKD 976
$33.26 MKD 1,757
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.11 MKD 58.8
$0.93 MKD 48.93
$1.85 MKD 97.9
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.58 MKD 30.6
$0.41 MKD 21.78
$0.99 MKD 52.4
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.64 MKD 403
$5.74 MKD 303
$9.55 MKD 504
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.46 MKD 77.2
$1.38 MKD 73
$1.66 MKD 87.5
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.5K MKD 1.8M
$29.8K MKD 1.6M
$37.3K MKD 2M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$30.8K MKD 1.6M
$28.3K MKD 1.5M
$34K MKD 1.8M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$147 MKD 7,763
$92.1 MKD 4,861
$221 MKD 11.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.49 MKD 923
$11.13 MKD 588
$22.26 MKD 1,175
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$18.43 MKD 973
$13.02 MKD 687
$27.9 MKD 1,473
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$31.82 MKD 1,680
$18.94 MKD 1,000
$47.36 MKD 2,501
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.12 MKD 746
$5.57 MKD 294
$18.54 MKD 979
Cinema Ticket
$6.59 MKD 348
$4.72 MKD 249
$7.54 MKD 398
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$283 MKD 14.9K
$199 MKD 10.5K
$391 MKD 20.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,141 MKD 218.7K
$2,243 MKD 118.5K
$6,729 MKD 355.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$70.6 MKD 3,730
$28.16 MKD 1,487
$131 MKD 6,940
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$41.96 MKD 2,216
$22.75 MKD 1,202
$56.9 MKD 3,004
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$97.1 MKD 5,128
$57.3 MKD 3,026
$141 MKD 7,450
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$112 MKD 5,928
$66 MKD 3,484
$172 MKD 9,068
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$345 MKD 18.2K
$225 MKD 11.9K
$526 MKD 27.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$261 MKD 13.8K
$170 MKD 8,991
$378 MKD 20K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$563 MKD 29.7K
$373 MKD 19.7K
$862 MKD 45.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$402 MKD 21.2K
$281 MKD 14.8K
$576 MKD 30.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,133 MKD 112.6K
$1,284 MKD 67.8K
$2,918 MKD 154.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,500 MKD 79.2K
$1,051 MKD 55.5K
$2,087 MKD 110.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$709 MKD 37.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.76
3.4
6.8
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Cost of Living in North Macedonia - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is North Macedonia for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who finds it good value?
North Macedonia offers a favorable balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want steady value without sacrificing access to culture. The Cost of Living in North Macedonia remains lower than Western European capitals and often similar to or cheaper than many Balkan cities, especially outside the capital. In Skopje you will find affordable rents in modest neighborhoods and plenty of affordable local meals, while seaside towns and smaller cities can be even gentler on the budget. Your comfort level and pacing will shape your costs, from apartment size to coworking needs. Tip: scout neighborhoods in person and test a week of errands before committing.
What does daily life look like for a traveler, expat, or digital nomad in North Macedonia, especially housing search, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in North Macedonia for a traveler, expat, or digital nomad centers on practical, variable costs and local rhythms. Housing searches in cities like Skopje and Ohrid favor shorter leases and flexible terms, while some neighborhoods offer better value for longer stays. Food options range from bustling markets to modern cafes, with fresh produce common and reasonably priced. Public transport is reliable in larger towns, with ridesharing and occasional taxis filling gaps. Co-working spaces are growing in urban cores, handy for remote work and meeting locals. North Macedonia living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so test options before committing. Tip: start with a longer trial stay to feel out commute times and neighborhood vibes.
What practical budgeting framework and lifestyle choices help maximize quality of life in North Macedonia, considering seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in North Macedonia benefits from a flexible budgeting approach that prioritizes essentials, local experiences, and sustainable savings. Build a simple plan that covers housing, food, transport, and a little for leisure, then adjust with the seasons and personal needs. Expect seasonal shifts in crowds and prices, with quieter periods offering better value for longer stays. For neighborhood fit, test a mix of central districts and residential pockets to balance walkability, safety, and access to markets. Embrace local markets for fresh produce, and choose public transport or bikes to keep costs predictable while you explore. Tip: set a monthly check-in to rebalance as needed.
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