Cost of Living in Veles - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $770 monthly including rent, or $552 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,144 with rent, or $802 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,517 including rent, or $1,051 for daily expenses alone.

Veles sits 43–46% 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
$5.80 MKD 306
$3.86 MKD 204
$15.45 MKD 814
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$18.89 MKD 996
$17.01 MKD 896
$43.45 MKD 2,290
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.12 MKD 270
$4.74 MKD 250
$5.69 MKD 300
Cappuccino
$1.59 MKD 83.6
$1.52 MKD 79.9
$2.27 MKD 120
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.32 MKD 69.3
$0.98 MKD 51.7
$1.85 MKD 97.2
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84 MKD 44.50
$0.49 MKD 25.87
$1.47 MKD 77.6
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.47 MKD 77.7
$0.98 MKD 51.8
$2.77 MKD 146
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.65 MKD 139
$2.01 MKD 106
$4.39 MKD 231
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.05 MKD 55.2
$0.99 MKD 52.0
$1.39 MKD 73.4
White Bread (500g)
$0.55 MKD 28.91
$0.52 MKD 27.27
$0.97 MKD 51.3
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.49 MKD 78.3
$1.49 MKD 78.3
$1.86 MKD 98.1
Eggs
$2.09 MKD 110
$1.80 MKD 94.9
$3.04 MKD 160
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.10 MKD 163
$3.10 MKD 163
$15.47 MKD 815
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.05 MKD 214
$4.05 MKD 214
$8.54 MKD 450
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.42 MKD 707
$9.29 MKD 489
$18.37 MKD 968
Apples (1kg)
$1.07 MKD 56.1
$0.67 MKD 35.28
$2.03 MKD 107
Banana (1kg)
$1.40 MKD 73.7
$1.21 MKD 63.7
$2.98 MKD 157
Oranges (1kg)
$1.25 MKD 65.9
$0.92 MKD 48.39
$1.95 MKD 103
Tomato (1kg)
$1.59 MKD 83.8
$1.12 MKD 59.2
$1.99 MKD 105
Potato (1kg)
$0.99 MKD 52.0
$0.58 MKD 30.66
$1.56 MKD 82.1
Onion (1kg)
$1.40 MKD 73.8
$0.58 MKD 30.39
$1.94 MKD 102
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.57 MKD 30.27
$0.55 MKD 29.19
$0.57 MKD 30.27
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.53 MKD 27.78
$0.45 MKD 23.74
$0.96 MKD 50.5
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.03 MKD 160
$3.03 MKD 160
$3.60 MKD 189
Wine (Bottle)
$6.48 MKD 342
$4.81 MKD 253
$12.50 MKD 659
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.02 MKD 53.6
$0.99 MKD 52.0
$1.08 MKD 56.9
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.86 MKD 98.1
$0.95 MKD 50.1
$2.85 MKD 150
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.67 MKD 35.52
$0.48 MKD 25.30
$0.67 MKD 35.52
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$50.1 MKD 2,638
$13.14 MKD 692
$50.1 MKD 2,638
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.10 MKD 58.0
$1.10 MKD 58.0
$2.45 MKD 129
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.49 MKD 25.71
$0.40 MKD 21.17
$0.97 MKD 50.9
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.51 MKD 343
$3.72 MKD 196
$9.30 MKD 490
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.43 MKD 75.6
$1.41 MKD 74.5
$1.57 MKD 82.8
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.2K MKD 1.4M
$27.2K MKD 1.4M
$34.0K MKD 1.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.9K MKD 1.3M
$24.9K MKD 1.3M
$24.9K MKD 1.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$116 MKD 6,111
$115 MKD 6,039
$191 MKD 10.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.27 MKD 910
$11.18 MKD 589
$18.63 MKD 982
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$12.28 MKD 647
$9.44 MKD 498
$18.88 MKD 995
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$25.78 MKD 1,359
$23.94 MKD 1,262
$27.63 MKD 1,456
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$1.86 MKD 98.2
-
Cinema Ticket
$3.36 MKD 177
$2.99 MKD 158
$5.23 MKD 276
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$218 MKD 11.5K
$200 MKD 10.5K
$337 MKD 17.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,216 MKD 64.1K
$1,216 MKD 64.1K
$1,216 MKD 64.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.63 MKD 1,193
$22.63 MKD 1,193
$113 MKD 5,964
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.03 MKD 1,003
$19.03 MKD 1,003
$57.1 MKD 3,009
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$75.3 MKD 3,968
$56.6 MKD 2,981
$94.3 MKD 4,969
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$113 MKD 5,981
$66.2 MKD 3,489
$170 MKD 8,972
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$220 MKD 11.6K
$217 MKD 11.5K
$222 MKD 11.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$175 MKD 9,198
$169 MKD 8,900
$180 MKD 9,496
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$293 MKD 15.4K
$284 MKD 14.9K
$303 MKD 15.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$238 MKD 12.5K
$225 MKD 11.9K
$250 MKD 13.2K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,239 MKD 65.3K
$955 MKD 50.3K
$1,649 MKD 86.9K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$952 MKD 50.2K
$833 MKD 43.9K
$1,141 MKD 60.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$606 MKD 31.9K
-
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: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $220 for a central one-bedroom, or $175 outside the center. At 36% of the average salary ($606), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $606, while typical expenses reach $770. 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 $50.1 per month – roughly in line with the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

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

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

1-bedroom apartment, city center 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 36% 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 $770 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $552. 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 $606 technically covers the $770 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 $220; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $175. Overall, the market runs from $175 to $220 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Veles?
Fitness in Veles is cheap at around $25.78 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 $770. 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 $770 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 $770, so putting money aside takes more than $1,156 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 $770 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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