Cost of Living in North Macedonia - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: North Macedonia
Address: MK

Monthly Cost of Living

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $920 including rent across North Macedonia.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,376 including rent across North Macedonia.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,831 including rent across North Macedonia.

Living costs in North Macedonia vary widely – from $785 in more affordable cities to $1,168 in major hubs, spanning a $383 range across 20 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.73 MKD 408

$4.25 MKD 224

$11.61 MKD 613

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.94 MKD 1,476

$18.62 MKD 983

$42.83 MKD 2,262

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.73 MKD 303

$4.77 MKD 252

$7.64 MKD 403

Cappuccino

$1.79 MKD 94.8

$1.15 MKD 60.5

$2.87 MKD 152

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.66 MKD 87.7

$1.30 MKD 68.5

$2.59 MKD 137

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.22 MKD 64.4

$0.92 MKD 48.79

$1.86 MKD 98.1

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.22 MKD 118

$1.42 MKD 75.1

$3.33 MKD 176

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.77 MKD 146

$1.85 MKD 97.7

$4.06 MKD 214

Milk (1 liter)

$1.34 MKD 70.7

$1.15 MKD 60.5

$1.53 MKD 80.9

White Bread (500g)

$0.70 MKD 36.86

$0.54 MKD 28.78

$1.06 MKD 56.0

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.62 MKD 85.3

$1.20 MKD 63.6

$2.22 MKD 117

Eggs

$2.27 MKD 120

$1.65 MKD 87.3

$2.87 MKD 151

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.52 MKD 450

$6.63 MKD 350

$12.31 MKD 650

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.71 MKD 354

$3.71 MKD 196

$8.89 MKD 469

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.48 MKD 659

$7.57 MKD 400

$18.55 MKD 980

Apples (1kg)

$1.27 MKD 66.8

$0.58 MKD 30.71

$1.93 MKD 102

Banana (1kg)

$1.47 MKD 77.8

$1.14 MKD 60.2

$1.91 MKD 101

Oranges (1kg)

$1.38 MKD 72.8

$0.86 MKD 45.52

$2.11 MKD 111

Tomato (1kg)

$1.90 MKD 100

$0.96 MKD 50.7

$2.77 MKD 146

Potato (1kg)

$0.92 MKD 48.45

$0.64 MKD 33.66

$1.45 MKD 76.5

Onion (1kg)

$1.02 MKD 53.8

$0.58 MKD 30.66

$1.70 MKD 89.8

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.68 MKD 35.92

$0.48 MKD 25.58

$1.16 MKD 61.5

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58 MKD 30.37

$0.39 MKD 20.61

$0.78 MKD 41.22

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.36 MKD 178

$2.99 MKD 158

$3.74 MKD 197

Wine (Bottle)

$5.53 MKD 292

$3.69 MKD 195

$11.06 MKD 584

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 MKD 54.5

$0.92 MKD 48.35

$1.47 MKD 77.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.41 MKD 74.5

$1.11 MKD 58.5

$2.22 MKD 117

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.78 MKD 41.26

$0.59 MKD 30.94

$1.16 MKD 61.3

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$27.90 MKD 1,473

$22.32 MKD 1,179

$49.24 MKD 2,600

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.35 MKD 71.1

$1.15 MKD 60.9

$1.93 MKD 102

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.73 MKD 38.65

$0.48 MKD 25.23

$1.54 MKD 81.1

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.01 MKD 370

$4.68 MKD 247

$9.35 MKD 494

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.47 MKD 77.8

$1.39 MKD 73.7

$1.62 MKD 85.6

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$35.1K MKD 1.9M

$34.0K MKD 1.8M

$37.8K MKD 2.0M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$30.2K MKD 1.6M

$26.7K MKD 1.4M

$34.4K MKD 1.8M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$152 MKD 8,047

$95.1 MKD 5,021

$228 MKD 12.1K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$17.45 MKD 922

$9.40 MKD 496

$19.12 MKD 1,010

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.35 MKD 969

$13.05 MKD 689

$33.55 MKD 1,772

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$27.73 MKD 1,464

$18.61 MKD 983

$46.53 MKD 2,458

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.27 MKD 753

$5.61 MKD 296

$18.69 MKD 987

Cinema Ticket

$6.43 MKD 340

$4.59 MKD 242

$7.34 MKD 388

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$292 MKD 15.4K

$190 MKD 10.0K

$474 MKD 25.0K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,513 MKD 238.3K

$2,286 MKD 120.7K

$7,041 MKD 371.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$71.7 MKD 3,786

$28.51 MKD 1,505

$124 MKD 6,523

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.28 MKD 2,074

$18.52 MKD 978

$55.6 MKD 2,934

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$91.2 MKD 4,818

$56.3 MKD 2,971

$122 MKD 6,437

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$106 MKD 5,614

$57.3 MKD 3,026

$162 MKD 8,575

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$309 MKD 16.3K

$225 MKD 11.9K

$469 MKD 24.8K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$238 MKD 12.6K

$167 MKD 8,819

$371 MKD 19.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$532 MKD 28.1K

$340 MKD 17.9K

$929 MKD 49.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$369 MKD 19.5K

$264 MKD 14.0K

$661 MKD 34.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,907 MKD 100.7K

$1,215 MKD 64.2K

$2,991 MKD 157.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,319 MKD 69.6K

$933 MKD 49.2K

$2,238 MKD 118.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$770 MKD 40.7K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.72

6.9

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: September 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $284 in North Macedonia. For reference, capital rent is $445 in Skopje, and $243 in Prilep.

National average salary: $663. With average costs at $920, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $195 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $28.00 for two.

In Skopje (capital), expect about $1,168 per month, while Prilep offers the lowest costs at $785 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($920) is 33% below the global median of $1,374.

Average rent ($284) is 57% below the global median of $661.

Dining out ($28.00) is 43% below the global median of $49.00.

Public transport ($23.00) is 32% below the global median of $34.00.

By City in North Macedonia

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Bitola	74550	41	$543	$899	$1,327	$1,794	146.55	64.54
2	Delcevo	17505	47	$587	$1,005	$1,286	$1,907	102.95	29.77
3	Gevgelija	20664	38	$546	$826	$1,465	$1,701	119.42	74.15
4	Gostivar	36000	41	$479	$863	$1,205	$1,795	105.13	58.38
5	Kavadarci	29320	37	$488	$789	$1,248	$1,662	38.41	59.89
6	Kicevo	31000	43	$492	$954	$1,457	$1,817	50.87	30.54
7	Kocani	29000	42	$469	$905	$1,220	$1,836	138.31	73.82
8	Kriva Palanka	14010	47	$565	$1,023	$1,377	$2,080	241.91	24.21
9	Kumanovo	75051	38	$529	$839	$1,200	$1,603	29.12	66.86
10	Ohrid	38940	46	$702	$1,015	$1,670	$2,166	26.12	61.25
11	Prilep	63308	37	$479	$785	$1,157	$1,582	320.78	52.33
12	Radovis	16690	44	$663	$963	$1,231	$1,839	124.83	61.72
13	Resen	8700	47	$628	$1,027	$1,460	$2,008	353.09	39.68
14	Skopje	422540	54	$660	$1,168	$1,586	$2,308	69.07	96.13
15	Stip	65000	39	$572	$844	$1,408	$1,649	54.61	74.84
16	Struga	33000	42	$557	$900	$1,166	$1,838	38.34	38.04
17	Strumica	36000	41	$511	$877	$1,112	$1,611	17.49	65.8
18	Sveti Nikole	13220	42	$494	$894	$1,338	$1,811	224.75	77.18
19	Tetovo	53000	48	$569	$1,020	$1,241	$2,065	163.12	65.57
20	Veles	43716	37	$569	$804	$1,261	$1,555	51.54	67.53

North Macedonia Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in North Macedonia - Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

As of 2026, living expenses in North Macedonia span $785 to $1,168 monthly. Capitals and tourist hotspots sit at the top end; provincial towns offer substantially cheaper living.

North Macedonia covers a wide cost spectrum. As of 2026, monthly expenses run from about $785 in budget-friendly smaller cities to $1,168 in the priciest areas. The gap is big enough to meaningfully affect lifestyle for anyone on a fixed income.

Outside the capital and tourist areas, costs in North Macedonia drop fast. Prilep is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$1,000 a month goes far in North Macedonia, especially outside the big cities. It's a realistic single-person budget that covers housing, food, transport, and leisure comfortably.

Living in North Macedonia is cheap by global standards. Regional cities offer the best value, with the capital Skopje sitting higher. Low living costs are one of the country's main draws for expats, retirees, and anyone stretching a budget.