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 $924 including rent across North Macedonia.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,377 including rent across North Macedonia.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,830 including rent across North Macedonia.

Living costs in North Macedonia vary widely – from $785 in more affordable cities to $1,182 in major hubs, spanning a $397 range across 20 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.75 MKD 410

$4.27 MKD 225

$11.63 MKD 614

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.21 MKD 1,490

$18.81 MKD 994

$43.26 MKD 2,285

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.71 MKD 301

$4.76 MKD 251

$7.61 MKD 402

Cappuccino

$1.75 MKD 92.7

$1.12 MKD 59.2

$2.82 MKD 149

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

$1.74 MKD 91.9

$1.36 MKD 71.7

$2.73 MKD 144

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.21 MKD 64.1

$0.93 MKD 49.12

$1.85 MKD 97.7

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.25 MKD 119

$1.44 MKD 76.1

$3.38 MKD 178

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.78 MKD 147

$1.85 MKD 97.6

$4.07 MKD 215

Milk (1 liter)

$1.29 MKD 68.3

$1.11 MKD 58.5

$1.48 MKD 78.2

White Bread (500g)

$0.76 MKD 40.12

$0.59 MKD 31.33

$1.17 MKD 61.6

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.68 MKD 88.8

$1.25 MKD 65.8

$2.30 MKD 121

Eggs

$2.30 MKD 122

$1.67 MKD 88.4

$2.90 MKD 153

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.56 MKD 452

$6.67 MKD 352

$12.38 MKD 654

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.73 MKD 355

$3.71 MKD 196

$8.91 MKD 471

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.52 MKD 661

$7.60 MKD 401

$18.61 MKD 983

Apples (1kg)

$1.26 MKD 66.6

$0.58 MKD 30.59

$1.92 MKD 101

Banana (1kg)

$1.43 MKD 75.7

$1.10 MKD 58.2

$1.84 MKD 97.4

Oranges (1kg)

$1.34 MKD 70.5

$0.83 MKD 44.09

$2.04 MKD 108

Tomato (1kg)

$1.89 MKD 100.0

$0.96 MKD 50.5

$2.77 MKD 146

Potato (1kg)

$0.97 MKD 51.5

$0.68 MKD 35.77

$1.54 MKD 81.3

Onion (1kg)

$1.01 MKD 53.6

$0.58 MKD 30.56

$1.69 MKD 89.5

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.67 MKD 35.53

$0.48 MKD 25.30

$1.15 MKD 60.8

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.57 MKD 30.25

$0.39 MKD 20.53

$0.78 MKD 41.06

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.36 MKD 177

$2.98 MKD 157

$3.73 MKD 197

Wine (Bottle)

$5.79 MKD 306

$3.86 MKD 204

$11.57 MKD 611

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 MKD 54.4

$0.92 MKD 48.74

$1.47 MKD 77.5

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.42 MKD 75.0

$1.11 MKD 58.9

$2.24 MKD 118

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.80 MKD 42.05

$0.60 MKD 31.54

$1.18 MKD 62.5

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$28.57 MKD 1,509

$22.85 MKD 1,207

$50.4 MKD 2,662

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.34 MKD 70.9

$1.15 MKD 60.7

$1.92 MKD 102

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.75 MKD 39.85

$0.49 MKD 26.01

$1.58 MKD 83.6

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.23 MKD 382

$4.83 MKD 255

$9.64 MKD 509

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.54 MKD 81.4

$1.45 MKD 76.5

$1.68 MKD 88.9

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

$35.4K MKD 1.9M

$34.3K MKD 1.8M

$38.2K 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

$34.3K MKD 1.8M

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

$154 MKD 8,157

$96.4 MKD 5,090

$231 MKD 12.2K

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

$17.47 MKD 923

$9.41 MKD 497

$19.14 MKD 1,011

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.24 MKD 964

$12.97 MKD 685

$33.36 MKD 1,762

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$28.09 MKD 1,484

$18.86 MKD 996

$47.14 MKD 2,490

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.34 MKD 757

$5.64 MKD 298

$18.79 MKD 993

Cinema Ticket

$6.53 MKD 345

$4.67 MKD 247

$7.46 MKD 394

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

$290 MKD 15.3K

$188 MKD 9,952

$471 MKD 24.9K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,485 MKD 237.0K

$2,272 MKD 120.1K

$6,999 MKD 369.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$72.7 MKD 3,841

$28.91 MKD 1,527

$125 MKD 6,618

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.44 MKD 2,137

$19.06 MKD 1,007

$57.2 MKD 3,021

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$93.4 MKD 4,935

$57.6 MKD 3,042

$125 MKD 6,592

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$106 MKD 5,613

$57.3 MKD 3,025

$162 MKD 8,572

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$311 MKD 16.5K

$224 MKD 11.8K

$467 MKD 24.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$247 MKD 13.1K

$172 MKD 9,099

$383 MKD 20.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$551 MKD 29.1K

$347 MKD 18.3K

$948 MKD 50.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$370 MKD 19.5K

$262 MKD 13.8K

$655 MKD 34.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,895 MKD 100.1K

$1,208 MKD 63.8K

$2,972 MKD 157.0K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,352 MKD 71.4K

$956 MKD 50.5K

$2,294 MKD 121.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$750 MKD 39.6K

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 7, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $286 in North Macedonia. For reference, capital rent is $443 in Skopje, and $223 in Veles.

National average salary: $664. With average costs at $924, 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 $1,182 per month, while Veles offers the lowest costs at $785 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($924) is 33% below the global median of $1,379.

Average rent ($286) is 57% below the global median of $664.

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	$553	$875	$1,299	$1,746	146.55	64.54
2	Delcevo	17505	47	$649	$1,022	$1,618	$1,936	102.95	29.77
3	Gevgelija	20664	38	$520	$838	$1,318	$1,737	119.42	74.15
4	Gostivar	36000	40	$533	$875	$1,317	$1,732	105.13	58.38
5	Kavadarci	29320	37	$546	$802	$1,413	$1,646	38.41	59.89
6	Kicevo	31000	43	$559	$953	$1,329	$1,817	50.87	30.54
7	Kocani	29000	42	$528	$891	$1,341	$1,795	138.31	73.82
8	Kriva Palanka	14010	47	$650	$1,029	$1,562	$2,056	241.91	24.21
9	Kumanovo	75051	38	$467	$826	$1,379	$1,594	29.12	66.86
10	Ohrid	38940	46	$698	$1,012	$1,704	$2,221	26.12	61.25
11	Prilep	63308	37	$471	$811	$1,137	$1,589	320.78	52.33
12	Radovis	16690	44	$574	$962	$1,364	$1,836	124.83	61.72
13	Resen	8700	47	$647	$1,004	$1,594	$2,032	353.09	39.68
14	Skopje	422540	54	$666	$1,182	$1,617	$2,263	69.07	96.13
15	Stip	65000	39	$494	$853	$1,161	$1,667	54.61	74.84
16	Struga	33000	41	$622	$905	$1,523	$1,867	38.34	38.04
17	Strumica	36000	41	$425	$910	$1,081	$1,640	17.49	65.8
18	Sveti Nikole	13220	42	$573	$897	$1,484	$1,860	224.75	77.18
19	Tetovo	53000	48	$677	$1,044	$1,336	$2,048	163.12	65.57
20	Veles	43716	37	$501	$785	$1,224	$1,525	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 $1,182 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 $1,182 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. Veles 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.