Cost of Living in Veles - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $804 monthly including rent, or $569 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,180 with rent, or $915 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,555 including rent, or $1,261 for daily expenses alone.

Veles sits 41–47% 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
$8.81 MKD 465
$3.71 MKD 196
$14.74 MKD 778
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$19.06 MKD 1,007
$17.16 MKD 906
$47.67 MKD 2,517
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.62 MKD 297
$5.62 MKD 297
$8.43 MKD 445
Cappuccino
$1.60 MKD 84.3
$1.53 MKD 80.6
$2.88 MKD 152
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.37 MKD 72.1
$0.96 MKD 50.6
$2.69 MKD 142
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.90 MKD 47.36
$0.52 MKD 27.53
$1.97 MKD 104
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.54 MKD 81.6
$1.02 MKD 54.0
$3.09 MKD 163
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.24 MKD 171
$2.10 MKD 111
$4.58 MKD 242
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.09 MKD 57.6
$1.02 MKD 53.8
$1.45 MKD 76.4
White Bread (500g)
$0.51 MKD 26.91
$0.48 MKD 25.39
$1.27 MKD 67.0
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.53 MKD 80.6
$1.33 MKD 70.5
$2.30 MKD 121
Eggs
$2.56 MKD 135
$1.83 MKD 96.5
$3.43 MKD 181
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.03 MKD 160
$3.03 MKD 160
$11.43 MKD 604
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.10 MKD 216
$4.10 MKD 216
$9.67 MKD 511
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.58 MKD 823
$5.77 MKD 305
$19.21 MKD 1,014
Apples (1kg)
$1.45 MKD 76.8
$0.74 MKD 39.16
$1.95 MKD 103
Banana (1kg)
$1.44 MKD 76.2
$1.22 MKD 64.2
$2.96 MKD 157
Oranges (1kg)
$1.43 MKD 75.4
$0.95 MKD 50.3
$2.03 MKD 107
Tomato (1kg)
$1.98 MKD 105
$1.12 MKD 59.2
$2.81 MKD 148
Potato (1kg)
$0.86 MKD 45.62
$0.74 MKD 38.95
$1.47 MKD 77.4
Onion (1kg)
$0.88 MKD 46.25
$0.78 MKD 41.35
$1.95 MKD 103
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.65 MKD 34.31
$0.48 MKD 25.60
$0.78 MKD 41.39
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.63 MKD 33.14
$0.49 MKD 25.96
$1.05 MKD 55.2
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.32 MKD 175
$3.32 MKD 175
$3.69 MKD 195
Wine (Bottle)
$6.52 MKD 345
$4.84 MKD 256
$12.59 MKD 665
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.05 MKD 55.6
$0.92 MKD 48.83
$1.21 MKD 63.9
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.59 MKD 83.7
$1.14 MKD 60.3
$2.29 MKD 121
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.66 MKD 34.72
$0.54 MKD 28.32
$0.66 MKD 34.72
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$24.44 MKD 1,291
$11.28 MKD 596
$24.44 MKD 1,291
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.14 MKD 60.4
$0.95 MKD 50.2
$2.53 MKD 134
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.68 MKD 36.11
$0.49 MKD 25.71
$1.17 MKD 61.8
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.04 MKD 425
$5.82 MKD 307
$11.62 MKD 614
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.43 MKD 75.4
$1.39 MKD 73.3
$1.66 MKD 87.7
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.5K MKD 1.5M
$27.5K MKD 1.5M
$37.8K MKD 2.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.3K MKD 1.3M
$25.3K MKD 1.3M
$32.5K MKD 1.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$114 MKD 6,011
$114 MKD 6,011
$187 MKD 9,900
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.69 MKD 934
$13.41 MKD 708
$22.99 MKD 1,214
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$12.16 MKD 642
$9.39 MKD 496
$37.57 MKD 1,984
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$26.41 MKD 1,395
$24.53 MKD 1,295
$28.30 MKD 1,495
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.12 MKD 957
$2.80 MKD 148
$18.12 MKD 957
Cinema Ticket
$3.37 MKD 178
$2.98 MKD 157
$9.38 MKD 495
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$224 MKD 11.8K
$224 MKD 11.8K
$516 MKD 27.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,664 MKD 299.1K
$4,804 MKD 253.7K
$7,303 MKD 385.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.50 MKD 1,188
$18.74 MKD 990
$131 MKD 6,931
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$18.61 MKD 983
$18.61 MKD 983
$55.9 MKD 2,949
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$75.3 MKD 3,978
$65.9 MKD 3,481
$151 MKD 7,955
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$114 MKD 6,030
$85.6 MKD 4,522
$171 MKD 9,044
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$220 MKD 11.6K
$217 MKD 11.5K
$223 MKD 11.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$177 MKD 9,369
$172 MKD 9,100
$182 MKD 9,637
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$294 MKD 15.5K
$286 MKD 15.1K
$303 MKD 16.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$239 MKD 12.6K
$227 MKD 12.0K
$250 MKD 13.2K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,245 MKD 65.7K
$961 MKD 50.7K
$1,654 MKD 87.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$969 MKD 51.2K
$849 MKD 44.8K
$1,160 MKD 61.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$607 MKD 32.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.25
3
6

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

Last update: August 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $220 for a central one-bedroom, or $177 outside the center. At 36% of the average salary ($607), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $607, while typical expenses reach $804. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $176 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $19.00 for two – well below the European average of $77.0.

Public transport is priced at around $24.44 per month – among the cheapest in Europe (average $50.0).

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

3-bedroom apartment, outside 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 $804 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $569. 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 $607 technically covers the $804 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 $177. Overall, the market runs from $177 to $220 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Veles?
Fitness in Veles is cheap at around $26.41 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 $176, 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 $804. 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 $804 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 $804, so putting money aside takes more than $1,207 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 $804 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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