Last update: Oct 2026 1.8M

Cost of Living in North Macedonia

Name: North Macedonia
Address: MK

Across North Macedonia, living costs for one person average $931 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $18 a day.

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🇲🇰 North Macedonia

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in North Macedonia

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in North Macedonia actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $931 including rent across North Macedonia.

$931 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,382 including rent across North Macedonia.

$1,382 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,833 including rent across North Macedonia.

$1,833 /mo

Living costs in North Macedonia vary widely – from $728 in the most affordable city to $1,117 in the most expensive one, spanning a $389 range across 20 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.16 MKD 391

$3.94 MKD 215

$10.74 MKD 586

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.40 MKD 1,494

$18.27 MKD 996

$45.66 MKD 2,491

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.31 MKD 289

$4.43 MKD 242

$7.08 MKD 386

Cappuccino

$1.72 MKD 93.8

$1.10 MKD 60.1

$2.75 MKD 150

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

$1.66 MKD 90.6

$1.29 MKD 70.2

$2.57 MKD 140

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.18 MKD 64.5

$0.89 MKD 48.53

$1.77 MKD 96.5

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.13 MKD 116

$1.36 MKD 74.1

$3.20 MKD 174

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.66 MKD 145

$1.77 MKD 96.5

$3.90 MKD 213

Milk (1 liter)

$1.31 MKD 71.3

$1.12 MKD 61.2

$1.49 MKD 81.4

White Bread (500g)

$0.68 MKD 37.01

$0.52 MKD 28.55

$1.04 MKD 56.6

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.54 MKD 84.3

$1.07 MKD 58.1

$2.13 MKD 116

Eggs

$2.21 MKD 120

$1.60 MKD 87.2

$2.77 MKD 151

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.25 MKD 450

$6.50 MKD 354

$12.08 MKD 659

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.69 MKD 365

$3.67 MKD 200

$8.81 MKD 481

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.95 MKD 652

$7.52 MKD 410

$17.55 MKD 957

Apples (1kg)

$1.17 MKD 63.6

$0.53 MKD 28.87

$1.77 MKD 96.8

Banana (1kg)

$1.37 MKD 74.9

$1.06 MKD 57.9

$1.76 MKD 96.2

Oranges (1kg)

$1.31 MKD 71.7

$0.83 MKD 45.21

$2.02 MKD 110

Tomato (1kg)

$1.78 MKD 96.9

$0.89 MKD 48.47

$2.66 MKD 145

Potato (1kg)

$0.95 MKD 51.6

$0.64 MKD 35.13

$1.51 MKD 82.2

Onion (1kg)

$0.99 MKD 53.9

$0.55 MKD 30.03

$1.63 MKD 89.0

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.66 MKD 35.75

$0.54 MKD 29.61

$1.12 MKD 60.9

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.55 MKD 30.08

$0.37 MKD 20.43

$0.76 MKD 41.43

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.24 MKD 177

$2.87 MKD 157

$3.60 MKD 196

Wine (Bottle)

$5.59 MKD 305

$3.73 MKD 204

$11.20 MKD 611

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 MKD 57.0

$0.93 MKD 50.8

$1.48 MKD 81.0

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.32 MKD 72.2

$1.06 MKD 57.9

$2.12 MKD 116

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.75 MKD 40.81

$0.55 MKD 30.19

$1.12 MKD 60.9

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$25.99 MKD 1,418

$17.92 MKD 978

$49.37 MKD 2,693

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.23 MKD 67.3

$1.06 MKD 57.8

$1.76 MKD 95.9

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.71 MKD 38.80

$0.46 MKD 25.30

$1.49 MKD 81.5

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.76 MKD 369

$4.51 MKD 246

$9.00 MKD 491

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.50 MKD 82.0

$1.38 MKD 75.3

$1.84 MKD 100

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

$32.7K MKD 1.8M

$36.3K MKD 2.0M

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

$28.5K MKD 1.6M

$25.1K MKD 1.4M

$32.2K MKD 1.8M

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

$144 MKD 7,834

$91.0 MKD 4,966

$218 MKD 11.9K

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

$17.08 MKD 932

$10.92 MKD 596

$18.66 MKD 1,018

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$17.90 MKD 977

$12.75 MKD 695

$32.79 MKD 1,789

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$26.59 MKD 1,450

$16.15 MKD 881

$44.86 MKD 2,447

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.67 MKD 800

$7.33 MKD 400

$18.34 MKD 1,000

Cinema Ticket

$6.44 MKD 351

$4.60 MKD 251

$7.36 MKD 401

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

$267 MKD 14.6K

$179 MKD 9,739

$446 MKD 24.3K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,579 MKD 249.8K

$2,143 MKD 116.9K

$6,786 MKD 370.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$67.2 MKD 3,663

$27.28 MKD 1,488

$118 MKD 6,450

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$37.89 MKD 2,067

$21.63 MKD 1,180

$54.1 MKD 2,950

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.7 MKD 4,837

$54.9 MKD 2,996

$119 MKD 6,490

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$102 MKD 5,557

$54.4 MKD 2,965

$154 MKD 8,400

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$305 MKD 16.6K

$221 MKD 12.0K

$459 MKD 25.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$235 MKD 12.8K

$163 MKD 8,886

$362 MKD 19.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$527 MKD 28.7K

$331 MKD 18.1K

$904 MKD 49.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$352 MKD 19.2K

$252 MKD 13.7K

$629 MKD 34.3K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,837 MKD 100.2K

$1,163 MKD 63.4K

$2,859 MKD 155.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,309 MKD 71.4K

$922 MKD 50.3K

$2,212 MKD 120.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$721 MKD 39.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.69

6.9

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

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

North Macedonia $931

Accommodation & Living

$235 25.3%

Groceries & Markets

$190 20.4%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$179 19.2%

Clothing & Footwear

$133 14.3%

Eating Out

$121 13%

Sport & Entertainment

$39 4.2%

Getting Around

$34 3.6%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $276 in North Macedonia. For reference, capital rent is $422 in Skopje, and $233 in Prilep.

National average salary: $638. With average costs at $931, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $188 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $27.00 for two.

In Skopje (capital), expect about $1,117 per month, while Prilep offers the lowest costs at $728 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($931) is 31% below the global median of $1,350.

Average rent ($276) is 58% below the global median of $652.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($27.00) is 44% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($22.00) is 35% below the global median of $34.00.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

11:23 11:23 AM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

1,836,713

💱 Currency

North Macedonian Denar MKD ден

📈 Exchange rate

100 MKD = 1.83 USD

100 MKD = 1.63 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

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	42	$524	$859	$1,278	$1,714	146.55	64.54
2	Delcevo	17505	47	$614	$962	$1,399	$1,867	102.95	29.77
3	Gevgelija	20664	39	$500	$782	$1,248	$1,670	119.42	74.15
4	Gostivar	36000	41	$512	$835	$1,261	$1,689	105.13	58.38
5	Kavadarci	29320	37	$498	$763	$1,212	$1,563	38.41	59.89
6	Kicevo	31000	43	$536	$899	$1,265	$1,731	50.87	30.54
7	Kocani	29000	42	$515	$868	$1,297	$1,788	138.31	73.82
8	Kriva Palanka	14010	47	$620	$952	$1,526	$2,016	241.91	24.21
9	Kumanovo	75051	38	$469	$793	$1,158	$1,532	29.12	66.86
10	Ohrid	38940	47	$670	$968	$1,621	$2,110	26.12	61.25
11	Prilep	63308	35	$438	$728	$1,083	$1,475	320.78	52.33
12	Radovis	16690	44	$548	$875	$1,290	$1,711	124.83	61.72
13	Resen	8700	47	$614	$979	$1,511	$1,983	353.09	39.68
14	Skopje	422540	54	$635	$1,117	$1,549	$2,191	69.07	96.13
15	Stip	65000	39	$523	$806	$1,251	$1,605	54.61	74.84
16	Struga	33000	42	$542	$867	$1,316	$1,771	38.34	38.04
17	Strumica	36000	42	$472	$855	$1,129	$1,573	17.49	65.8
18	Sveti Nikole	13220	41	$524	$858	$1,318	$1,760	224.75	77.18
19	Tetovo	53000	48	$562	$995	$1,354	$2,001	163.12	65.57
20	Veles	43716	37	$489	$768	$1,166	$1,510	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 $728 to $1,117 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 $728 in budget-friendly smaller cities to $1,117 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.