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 $866 including rent across North Macedonia.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,296 including rent across North Macedonia.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,726 including rent across North Macedonia.

Living costs in North Macedonia vary widely – from $767 in more affordable cities to $1,112 in major hubs, spanning a $345 range across 20 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.56 MKD 396

$4.35 MKD 228

$11.35 MKD 594

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.87 MKD 1,510

$19.00 MKD 993

$47.50 MKD 2,484

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.51 MKD 288

$4.60 MKD 240

$7.34 MKD 384

Cappuccino

$1.91 MKD 100.0

$1.14 MKD 59.8

$2.85 MKD 149

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

$1.80 MKD 94.3

$1.33 MKD 69.8

$2.68 MKD 140

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.20 MKD 62.6

$0.93 MKD 48.63

$1.86 MKD 97.3

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.31 MKD 121

$1.35 MKD 70.4

$3.86 MKD 202

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.85 MKD 149

$2.02 MKD 106

$4.75 MKD 248

Milk (1 liter)

$1.35 MKD 70.4

$1.14 MKD 59.8

$1.62 MKD 84.7

White Bread (500g)

$0.73 MKD 38.12

$0.55 MKD 28.84

$1.14 MKD 59.8

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.61 MKD 84.5

$0.92 MKD 48.12

$2.20 MKD 115

Eggs

$2.22 MKD 116

$1.59 MKD 83.4

$2.96 MKD 155

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.59 MKD 449

$6.44 MKD 337

$11.97 MKD 626

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.38 MKD 386

$4.75 MKD 249

$9.50 MKD 497

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.65 MKD 661

$7.65 MKD 400

$17.23 MKD 901

Apples (1kg)

$1.05 MKD 54.9

$0.58 MKD 30.16

$1.94 MKD 101

Banana (1kg)

$1.41 MKD 73.7

$1.11 MKD 57.8

$1.84 MKD 96.2

Oranges (1kg)

$1.37 MKD 71.6

$0.68 MKD 35.53

$2.13 MKD 111

Tomato (1kg)

$2.02 MKD 106

$1.16 MKD 60.8

$2.90 MKD 152

Potato (1kg)

$0.94 MKD 49.33

$0.59 MKD 30.69

$1.36 MKD 71.3

Onion (1kg)

$0.99 MKD 51.7

$0.55 MKD 28.97

$1.48 MKD 77.6

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.64 MKD 33.31

$0.36 MKD 18.89

$1.07 MKD 56.2

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.56 MKD 29.49

$0.39 MKD 20.38

$0.77 MKD 40.22

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.12 MKD 163

$2.76 MKD 144

$3.49 MKD 183

Wine (Bottle)

$6.49 MKD 339

$3.71 MKD 194

$11.12 MKD 582

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 MKD 54.3

$0.92 MKD 48.13

$1.39 MKD 72.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.47 MKD 76.8

$0.95 MKD 49.79

$2.28 MKD 119

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.76 MKD 39.81

$0.57 MKD 29.72

$1.18 MKD 61.6

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$27.63 MKD 1,445

$18.41 MKD 963

$33.15 MKD 1,734

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.15 MKD 60.1

$0.96 MKD 49.97

$1.91 MKD 99.9

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.61 MKD 31.88

$0.43 MKD 22.69

$1.04 MKD 54.6

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.43 MKD 388

$5.58 MKD 292

$9.28 MKD 486

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.45 MKD 76.1

$1.38 MKD 72.0

$1.65 MKD 86.3

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

$34.5K MKD 1.8M

$30.7K MKD 1.6M

$38.3K MKD 2.0M

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

$30.0K MKD 1.6M

$27.6K MKD 1.4M

$33.2K MKD 1.7M

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

$148 MKD 7,719

$92.4 MKD 4,834

$222 MKD 11.6K

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

$17.95 MKD 939

$11.42 MKD 597

$22.84 MKD 1,195

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.70 MKD 978

$13.20 MKD 691

$28.30 MKD 1,480

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$31.76 MKD 1,661

$18.90 MKD 989

$47.27 MKD 2,472

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.56 MKD 762

$5.74 MKD 300

$19.11 MKD 1,000

Cinema Ticket

$6.45 MKD 337

$4.61 MKD 241

$7.37 MKD 386

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

$281 MKD 14.7K

$197 MKD 10.3K

$388 MKD 20.3K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,094 MKD 214.1K

$2,218 MKD 116.0K

$6,653 MKD 347.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$70.3 MKD 3,675

$28.02 MKD 1,465

$131 MKD 6,837

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.22 MKD 2,156

$22.35 MKD 1,169

$55.9 MKD 2,922

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$93.7 MKD 4,899

$55.3 MKD 2,891

$136 MKD 7,117

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 MKD 5,775

$64.9 MKD 3,394

$169 MKD 8,834

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$351 MKD 18.4K

$229 MKD 12.0K

$535 MKD 28.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$257 MKD 13.4K

$167 MKD 8,757

$372 MKD 19.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$574 MKD 30.0K

$381 MKD 19.9K

$879 MKD 46.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$409 MKD 21.4K

$286 MKD 14.9K

$586 MKD 30.7K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,022 MKD 105.8K

$1,252 MKD 65.5K

$2,924 MKD 152.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,441 MKD 75.4K

$1,038 MKD 54.3K

$2,244 MKD 117.4K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$797 MKD 41.7K

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.

Last update: April 19, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $284 across North Macedonia. For reference, capital rent is $435 in Skopje, and $204 in Stip.

National average salary: $684. With average costs at $866, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $189 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $26 for two.

In Skopje (capital), expect about $1,112 per month, while Stip offers the lowest costs at $767 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($866) is 35% below the global median of $1,340.

Average rent ($284) is 54% below the global median of $621.

Dining out ($26) is 46% below the global median of $48.

Public transport ($21) is 36% below the global median of $33.

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	45	$545	$883	$1,310	$1,796	146.55	64.54
2	Delcevo	17505	45	$598	$892	$1,445	$1,742	102.95	29.77
3	Gevgelija	20664	39	$517	$786	$1,321	$1,591	119.42	74.15
4	Gostivar	36000	40	$462	$820	$1,176	$1,600	105.13	58.38
5	Kavadarci	29320	40	$468	$786	$1,258	$1,589	38.41	59.89
6	Kicevo	31000	45	$481	$913	$1,153	$1,753	50.87	30.54
7	Kocani	29000	43	$581	$865	$1,096	$1,687	138.31	73.82
8	Kriva Palanka	14010	45	$535	$881	$1,407	$1,821	241.91	24.21
9	Kumanovo	75051	40	$484	$783	$967	$1,543	29.12	66.86
10	Ohrid	38940	47	$608	$939	$1,493	$2,141	26.12	61.25
11	Prilep	63308	38	$425	$769	$1,118	$1,565	320.78	52.33
12	Radovis	16690	45	$478	$913	$1,301	$1,794	124.83	61.72
13	Resen	8700	45	$573	$889	$1,393	$1,810	353.09	39.68
14	Skopje	422540	55	$625	$1,112	$1,496	$2,116	69.07	96.13
15	Stip	65000	39	$533	$767	$1,195	$1,491	54.61	74.84
16	Struga	33000	40	$529	$792	$1,238	$1,627	38.34	38.04
17	Strumica	36000	44	$440	$891	$1,369	$1,676	17.49	65.8
18	Sveti Nikole	13220	44	$478	$857	$1,468	$1,764	224.75	77.18
19	Tetovo	53000	49	$532	$1,002	$1,319	$1,940	163.12	65.57
20	Veles	43716	39	$504	$785	$977	$1,482	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 $767 to $1,112 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 $767 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 and tourist areas, costs in North Macedonia drop fast. Stip is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$1,500 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.