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 $940 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 $940 including rent across North Macedonia.

$940 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,393 including rent across North Macedonia.

$1,393 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,847 including rent across North Macedonia.

$1,847 /mo

Living costs in North Macedonia vary widely – from $730 in the most affordable city to $1,112 in the most expensive one, spanning a $382 range across 20 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.37 MKD 405

$4.05 MKD 223

$11.05 MKD 608

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.76 MKD 1,527

$18.50 MKD 1,018

$46.26 MKD 2,545

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.37 MKD 295

$4.47 MKD 246

$7.15 MKD 394

Cappuccino

$1.67 MKD 91.7

$1.06 MKD 58.5

$2.66 MKD 146

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

$1.62 MKD 89.0

$1.25 MKD 69.0

$2.52 MKD 138

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.18 MKD 65.0

$0.89 MKD 48.88

$1.78 MKD 97.8

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.15 MKD 118

$1.38 MKD 76.0

$3.22 MKD 177

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.69 MKD 148

$1.80 MKD 98.8

$3.95 MKD 217

Milk (1 liter)

$1.29 MKD 70.8

$1.10 MKD 60.8

$1.48 MKD 81.4

White Bread (500g)

$0.73 MKD 40.03

$0.57 MKD 31.46

$1.11 MKD 61.2

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.56 MKD 85.6

$1.07 MKD 59.1

$2.15 MKD 118

Eggs

$2.21 MKD 121

$1.60 MKD 88.1

$2.77 MKD 153

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.29 MKD 456

$6.54 MKD 360

$12.14 MKD 668

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.77 MKD 372

$3.72 MKD 205

$8.92 MKD 491

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.23 MKD 673

$7.69 MKD 423

$17.95 MKD 988

Apples (1kg)

$1.16 MKD 64.0

$0.54 MKD 29.57

$1.78 MKD 97.8

Banana (1kg)

$1.43 MKD 78.7

$1.11 MKD 60.9

$1.85 MKD 102

Oranges (1kg)

$1.33 MKD 73.2

$0.83 MKD 45.80

$2.04 MKD 112

Tomato (1kg)

$1.77 MKD 97.4

$0.89 MKD 48.72

$2.66 MKD 146

Potato (1kg)

$0.94 MKD 51.8

$0.64 MKD 35.31

$1.51 MKD 83.2

Onion (1kg)

$0.97 MKD 53.3

$0.54 MKD 29.93

$1.58 MKD 87.1

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.67 MKD 36.88

$0.56 MKD 30.54

$1.14 MKD 62.8

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.51 MKD 28.10

$0.35 MKD 19.09

$0.70 MKD 38.70

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.26 MKD 179

$2.90 MKD 160

$3.63 MKD 200

Wine (Bottle)

$5.48 MKD 301

$3.65 MKD 201

$10.95 MKD 603

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.99 MKD 54.7

$0.89 MKD 48.80

$1.42 MKD 78.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.34 MKD 73.9

$1.08 MKD 59.2

$2.15 MKD 118

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.70 MKD 38.48

$0.53 MKD 28.99

$1.04 MKD 57.5

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$25.31 MKD 1,392

$21.69 MKD 1,193

$45.19 MKD 2,486

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.26 MKD 69.1

$1.08 MKD 59.3

$1.80 MKD 99.1

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.68 MKD 37.38

$0.44 MKD 24.38

$1.44 MKD 79.1

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.68 MKD 367

$4.46 MKD 245

$8.91 MKD 490

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.47 MKD 80.8

$1.34 MKD 73.7

$1.79 MKD 98.7

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

$33.9K MKD 1.9M

$33.0K MKD 1.8M

$36.1K MKD 2.0M

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

$27.7K MKD 1.5M

$24.6K MKD 1.4M

$32.5K MKD 1.8M

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

$144 MKD 7,922

$91.3 MKD 5,022

$219 MKD 12.1K

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

$17.29 MKD 951

$11.06 MKD 609

$18.89 MKD 1,040

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.06 MKD 994

$12.86 MKD 708

$33.06 MKD 1,819

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$26.80 MKD 1,475

$17.83 MKD 981

$44.59 MKD 2,453

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.58 MKD 802

$7.30 MKD 401

$18.23 MKD 1,003

Cinema Ticket

$6.51 MKD 358

$4.65 MKD 256

$7.44 MKD 410

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

$289 MKD 15.9K

$181 MKD 9,980

$453 MKD 25.0K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,691 MKD 258.1K

$2,196 MKD 120.8K

$6,954 MKD 382.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.4 MKD 3,654

$26.99 MKD 1,485

$117 MKD 6,434

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.71 MKD 2,130

$22.09 MKD 1,216

$55.2 MKD 3,039

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.1 MKD 4,848

$54.6 MKD 3,002

$118 MKD 6,505

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$103 MKD 5,675

$55.0 MKD 3,028

$156 MKD 8,579

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$306 MKD 16.8K

$219 MKD 12.1K

$457 MKD 25.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$241 MKD 13.3K

$163 MKD 8,944

$361 MKD 19.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$533 MKD 29.3K

$339 MKD 18.7K

$887 MKD 48.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$357 MKD 19.7K

$259 MKD 14.3K

$636 MKD 35.0K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,930 MKD 106.2K

$1,175 MKD 64.7K

$2,910 MKD 160.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,360 MKD 74.8K

$916 MKD 50.4K

$2,198 MKD 120.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$732 MKD 40.3K

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 25, 2026

Monthly budget structure

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

North Macedonia $940

Accommodation & Living

$241 25.6%

Groceries & Markets

$191 20.4%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$179 19.1%

Clothing & Footwear

$133 14.2%

Eating Out

$122 13%

Sport & Entertainment

$40 4.2%

Getting Around

$33 3.5%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $274 in North Macedonia. For reference, capital rent is $394 in Skopje, and $229 in Prilep.

National average salary: $639. With average costs at $940, it doesn’t cover a typical monthly budget. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $187 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $27 for two.

In Skopje (capital), expect about $1,112 per month, while Prilep offers the lowest costs at $730 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($940) is 31% below the global median of $1,361.

Average rent ($274) is 59% below the global median of $661.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($27) is 44% below the global median of $48.

Public transport ($24) is 27% below the global median of $33.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

17:25 5:25 PM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

1,836,713

💱 Currency

North Macedonian Denar MKD ден

📈 Exchange rate

100 MKD = 1.82 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	41	$526	$859	$1,278	$1,718	146.55	64.54
2	Delcevo	17505	47	$607	$966	$1,383	$1,795	102.95	29.77
3	Gevgelija	20664	38	$512	$791	$1,277	$1,631	119.42	74.15
4	Gostivar	36000	40	$515	$837	$1,268	$1,693	105.13	58.38
5	Kavadarci	29320	37	$500	$770	$1,214	$1,570	38.41	59.89
6	Kicevo	31000	43	$539	$880	$1,270	$1,720	50.87	30.54
7	Kocani	29000	42	$521	$874	$1,305	$1,793	138.31	73.82
8	Kriva Palanka	14010	47	$618	$993	$1,515	$1,973	241.91	24.21
9	Kumanovo	75051	38	$466	$789	$1,150	$1,527	29.12	66.86
10	Ohrid	38940	47	$670	$971	$1,621	$2,114	26.12	61.25
11	Prilep	63308	35	$442	$730	$1,090	$1,489	320.78	52.33
12	Radovis	16690	44	$552	$933	$1,301	$1,769	124.83	61.72
13	Resen	8700	47	$618	$957	$1,522	$1,965	353.09	39.68
14	Skopje	422540	53	$640	$1,112	$1,560	$2,202	69.07	96.13
15	Stip	65000	39	$524	$809	$1,253	$1,611	54.61	74.84
16	Struga	33000	42	$544	$861	$1,316	$1,772	38.34	38.04
17	Strumica	36000	41	$475	$866	$1,131	$1,579	17.49	65.8
18	Sveti Nikole	13220	41	$524	$820	$1,325	$1,761	224.75	77.18
19	Tetovo	53000	48	$566	$997	$1,362	$2,004	163.12	65.57
20	Veles	43716	37	$489	$766	$1,166	$1,507	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 $730 to $1,112 monthly. Which city you choose has a big effect on your budget.

North Macedonia covers a wide cost spectrum. As of 2026, monthly expenses run from about $730 in budget-friendly smaller cities to $1,112 in the priciest areas. The gap is big enough to meaningfully affect lifestyle for anyone on a fixed income.

Outside the capital, costs in North Macedonia drop noticeably. Prilep is one of the best budget options.

$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.