Cost of Living in Veles - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $765 monthly including rent, or $525 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,136 with rent, or $799 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,507 including rent, or $1,073 for daily expenses alone.

Veles sits 43–47% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are well below average (57% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.77 MKD 309
$3.85 MKD 206
$15.37 MKD 825
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$18.54 MKD 995
$16.70 MKD 896
$42.65 MKD 2,288
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.05 MKD 271
$4.68 MKD 251
$5.61 MKD 301
Cappuccino
$1.53 MKD 82.2
$1.46 MKD 78.5
$2.20 MKD 118
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.33 MKD 71.2
$0.99 MKD 53.1
$1.86 MKD 99.8
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.85 MKD 45.34
$0.49 MKD 26.36
$1.47 MKD 79.1
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.52 MKD 81.4
$1.01 MKD 54.2
$2.85 MKD 153
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.77 MKD 148
$2.11 MKD 113
$4.59 MKD 246
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.09 MKD 58.5
$1.03 MKD 55.1
$1.45 MKD 77.8
White Bread (500g)
$0.55 MKD 29.48
$0.52 MKD 27.81
$0.97 MKD 52.3
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.54 MKD 82.7
$1.54 MKD 82.7
$1.93 MKD 104
Eggs
$2.05 MKD 110
$1.76 MKD 94.4
$2.98 MKD 160
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.04 MKD 163
$3.04 MKD 163
$15.18 MKD 814
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.07 MKD 218
$4.07 MKD 218
$8.57 MKD 460
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.68 MKD 734
$9.47 MKD 508
$18.73 MKD 1,005
Apples (1kg)
$1.04 MKD 55.7
$0.65 MKD 35.03
$1.98 MKD 106
Banana (1kg)
$1.37 MKD 73.5
$1.19 MKD 63.6
$2.93 MKD 157
Oranges (1kg)
$1.26 MKD 67.5
$0.92 MKD 49.58
$1.97 MKD 105
Tomato (1kg)
$1.58 MKD 84.8
$1.12 MKD 59.9
$1.98 MKD 106
Potato (1kg)
$0.98 MKD 52.6
$0.58 MKD 30.99
$1.55 MKD 83.0
Onion (1kg)
$1.33 MKD 71.6
$0.55 MKD 29.47
$1.84 MKD 98.9
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.58 MKD 30.99
$0.56 MKD 29.88
$0.58 MKD 30.99
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.54 MKD 28.94
$0.46 MKD 24.73
$0.98 MKD 52.6
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.94 MKD 158
$2.94 MKD 158
$3.49 MKD 187
Wine (Bottle)
$6.17 MKD 331
$4.52 MKD 242
$11.74 MKD 630
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.00 MKD 53.7
$0.97 MKD 52.0
$1.06 MKD 57.0
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.83 MKD 98.0
$0.93 MKD 50.1
$2.80 MKD 150
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.68 MKD 36.66
$0.49 MKD 26.10
$0.68 MKD 36.66
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$49.96 MKD 2,680
$13.11 MKD 703
$49.96 MKD 2,680
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.16 MKD 62.4
$1.16 MKD 62.4
$2.58 MKD 139
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.49 MKD 26.40
$0.41 MKD 21.74
$0.97 MKD 52.3
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.43 MKD 345
$3.68 MKD 197
$9.19 MKD 493
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.45 MKD 77.7
$1.43 MKD 76.6
$1.59 MKD 85.1
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.0K MKD 1.4M
$27.0K MKD 1.4M
$33.7K MKD 1.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.6K MKD 1.3M
$24.6K MKD 1.3M
$24.6K MKD 1.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$115 MKD 6,154
$113 MKD 6,082
$189 MKD 10.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.17 MKD 921
$11.12 MKD 596
$18.52 MKD 994
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$12.10 MKD 649
$9.31 MKD 499
$18.61 MKD 998
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$26.15 MKD 1,403
$24.28 MKD 1,302
$28.02 MKD 1,503
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$1.92 MKD 103
-
Cinema Ticket
$3.35 MKD 180
$2.98 MKD 160
$5.21 MKD 280
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$223 MKD 12.0K
$204 MKD 10.9K
$344 MKD 18.5K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,210 MKD 64.9K
$1,210 MKD 64.9K
$1,210 MKD 64.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.39 MKD 1,201
$22.39 MKD 1,201
$112 MKD 6,005
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.06 MKD 1,022
$19.06 MKD 1,022
$57.2 MKD 3,068
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$75.1 MKD 4,030
$56.5 MKD 3,028
$94.1 MKD 5,047
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$113 MKD 6,048
$65.8 MKD 3,528
$169 MKD 9,072
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$226 MKD 12.1K
$224 MKD 12.0K
$229 MKD 12.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$174 MKD 9,319
$168 MKD 9,017
$179 MKD 9,621
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$291 MKD 15.6K
$281 MKD 15.1K
$300 MKD 16.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$242 MKD 13.0K
$229 MKD 12.3K
$255 MKD 13.7K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,201 MKD 64.4K
$920 MKD 49.4K
$1,588 MKD 85.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$957 MKD 51.3K
$832 MKD 44.6K
$1,139 MKD 61.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$603 MKD 32.4K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.1
4.2
8.5

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

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $226 for a central one-bedroom, or $174 outside the center. At 37% of the average salary ($603), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $603, while typical expenses reach $765. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $163 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $19.00 for two – well below the European average of $75.0.

Public transport is priced at around $49.96 per month – roughly in line with the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is cheaper than 99% of cities in Europe

3-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 99% of cities in Europe

White bread is cheaper than 99% of cities in Europe

Veles Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Veles - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Veles affordable for travelers and expats, and how does it compare to larger Balkan cities?
Veles offers a quiet, livable pace that many travelers and expats find good value for a Balkan town. When you weigh options, costs for housing, meals, and everyday services tend to be lower than in larger hubs, while essential amenities and a welcoming community remain easy to access. Cost of Living in Veles, North Macedonia often feels approachable for short stays and longer setups, especially if you choose a modest apartment near the center and shop at local markets. Public transit is straightforward, eateries outside tourist zones stay affordable, and neighborhood strolls reveal a mix of historic charm and practical convenience. Tip: Start with a flexible plan and test different neighborhoods on foot.
What does daily life look like in Veles for housing, food, transport, and remote work?
From a daily life angle, you'll map out housing by location preference: near the old town for walkability, or near the river for a calmer vibe. Rental options usually lean toward compact apartments in traditional blocks rather than ultra-new builds. Food comes from fresh markets and modest eateries where you can sample local dishes at predictable prices. Local transport is straightforward through buses and connections to nearby towns, while co-working spots or cafes can suit remote work needs. For a longer stay, plan how you'll run errands, do laundry, and access postal services. you'll notice the Veles, North Macedonia living cost remains manageable for most routines. Tip: Build a flexible weekly plan, use local markets for staples, and choose a neighborhood that suits your work rhythm.
How would you describe the overall quality of life in Veles, and what budgeting approach and seasonal factors should you consider?
You'll find the quality of life in Veles balances small-town charm with practical access to services. A simple budgeting approach works well here: allocate essentials first, keep a modest discretionary sleeve, and build a small buffer for seasonal needs. Summer days invite outdoor dining and festivals, while winter months emphasize heating costs and cozy indoor routines. Neighborhood fit varies by vibe: the historic center for easy walks and cafe culture, or quieter blocks near the park for longer work sessions. Practical ways to save include cooking at home, buying from local markets, and using public transport or bike-friendly routes. Tip: map a two-week trial in a couple of neighborhoods to feel the pace and timing of local services.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Veles?
About 37% of the average paycheck in Veles goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.
What is the average cost of living in Veles?
A single person in Veles typically spends $765 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $525. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Veles enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $603 technically covers the $765 monthly cost of living in Veles, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
What are typical rents in Veles?
Where you live in Veles makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $226; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $174. Overall, the market runs from $174 to $226 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Veles?
Fitness in Veles is cheap at around $26.15 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in Veles?
Veles is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $163, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in Veles?
$800 stretches far in Veles – all-in monthly costs average only $765. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What is quality of life like in Veles?
Veles offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, café culture, great local cuisine, and at around $765 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Can you save money living in Veles?
Monthly expenses in Veles run around $765, so putting money aside takes more than $1,147 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Veles good for backpackers on a budget?
Budget travelers love Veles – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $765 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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