Is Living in Cyprus Expensive? TRNC Cost of Living

Thanks to its climate, natural beauty, and quality of life, the TRNC has become one of the most frequently mentioned destinations in recent years. The question of whether living in Cyprus is expensive is one of the topics many people research when considering moving to the TRNC or coming for purposes such as university or vacation.

Northern Cyprus, known for its natural beauty and climate, is one of the countries with a low unemployment rate. Its economy is based on the tourism and education sectors. Consequently, the TRNC—where the standard of living is high and crime rates are very low—is also attracting attention from those who wish to live in a different country. So, what are the living conditions like in Cyprus?

While living costs in Northern Cyprus may be slightly higher than in Turkey, they are significantly lower compared to many European and Mediterranean countries, making it a place where people of all ages and cultures can live comfortably. Additionally, the gross minimum wage in Northern Cyprus for 2021 is 4,400 TL. A couple living together or a single person working at the minimum wage can easily make ends meet.

Food Prices in Cyprus

Eating is one of our most basic needs. Therefore, food prices in Cyprus are among the most important expenses for those seeking information on the subject. Although Northern Cyprus meets its own agricultural and livestock production needs, as an island nation, it imports certain foods from other countries. The prices of imported foods are high. However, the prices of fruits and vegetables, meat, and dairy products are not expensive compared to other countries.

In addition, Cyprus has a highly developed food culture, and dining out is very common. Meal prices at restaurants, cafes, bistros, or taverns are cheaper than in many other countries.

In addition to the question of whether living or food is expensive in Cyprus, another topic of interest is the price of alcohol in Cyprus. You can assess this based on certain products:

TRNC Alcohol Prices: Whiskey

  • Ballantines Finest Whiskey 70 cc: 55.00 TL
  • Ballantines Finest 12-Year-Old Whiskey 75 ml: 94.90 TL
  • Ballantines Finest Whiskey 100 ml: 80.00 TL
  • Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Whiskey 85 ml: 105.00 TL
  • Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Whiskey 100 ml: 139.90 TL
  • Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Whiskey 75 ml: 230.00 TL
  • Jack Daniels Whiskey 70 ml: 72.00 TL
  • Jack Daniels Whiskey 100 ml: 90.00 TL
  • Jack Daniels Whiskey 175 ml: 163.90 TL
  • Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey 70 ml: 84.90 TL
  • Jack Daniels Single Barrel Whiskey 75 ml: 146.90 TL
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey 100 ml: 82.90 TL
  • White Horse Whiskey 75 ml: 39.00 TL
  • Talisker Malt Whiskey 75 ml: 209.90 TL
  • Bells Whiskey 70 ml: 35.90 TL
  • Cardhu 12-Year-Old Whiskey 70 ml: 179.90 TL
  • Dimple Whiskey 75 ml: 129.90 TL
  • Monkey Shoulder Whiskey 70 ml: 120.90 TL
  • Grands Whiskey 150 ml: 59.90 TL
  • Singleton Whiskey 70 ml: 169.90 TL
  • Johnnie Walker Red Label Whiskey 100 ml: 87.00 TL
  • Johnnie Walker Red Label Whiskey 75 ml: 45.00 TL
  • Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey 100 ml: 100.00 TL
  • Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey 75 ml: 82.00 TL
  • Johnnie Walker Gold Label Whiskey 70 ml: 193.90 TL
  • Johnnie Walker Double Black Label Whiskey 100 ml: 204.00 TL
  • Tullibardine Sovereign Whiskey 70 ml: 125.00 TL

Northern Cyprus Alcohol Prices: Raki

  • New Raki 70 ml: 38.90 TL
  • New Series New Raki 70 ml: 46.00 TL
  • Masters' Blend New Raki 70 ml: 58.00 TL
  • Tekirdag Classic Raki 70 ml: 47.90 TL
  • Tekirdag Classic Raki 100 cc: 69.90 TL
  • Tekirdag Thrace Series 70 cc: 56.90 TL
  • Tekirdag Roasted Anise Raki 70 cc: 49.90 TL
  • Tekirdag No. 10 Raki 70 cc: 99.90 TL
  • Tekirdag Gold Series Raki 70 ml: 71.90 TL
  • Efe Classic Raki 100 ml: 43.90 TL
  • Efe Classic Raki 70 cc: 33.00 TL
  • Efe Raki 70 cc Young Grape: 37.90 TL
  • Efe Raki Gold 70 cc: 42.90 TL
  • Efe Raki 70 cc Single Distillation: 56.90 TL
  • Efe Raki 100 cc Yellow Zeybek: 71.90 TL
  • Hünkar Diamond 70 cc: 67.90 TL

Northern Cyprus Alcohol Prices: Beer

  • Efes Fici Beer 50 cl: 3.90 TL
  • Efes Extra Beer 50 cl: 4.00 TL
  • Efes Malt Beer 50 cl: 3.50 TL
  • Efes Extra Shot Beer 25 cl: 2.75 TL
  • Miller Beer 50 cl: 4.15 TL
  • Becks Beer 50 cl: 3.85 TL
  • Tuborg Fici Beer 50 cl: 3.75 TL
  • Amsterdam Beer 50 cl: 5.00 TL
  • Tuborg Red Beer 50 cl: 4.00 TL
  • Bomonti Beer 50 cl: 3.95 TL
  • Bomonti Unfiltered Beer 50 cl: 4.50 TL
  • Carlsberg Beer 50 cl: 4.00 TL

TRNC Alcohol Prices: Vodka

  • Red Square Lemon Vodka 275 ml: 7.90 TL
  • Red Square Vodka 100 ml: 25.00 TL
  • Absolut Vodka 50 ml: 39.90 TL
  • Absolut Vodka 100 ml: 70.00 TL
  • Absolut Vodka 70 ml: 47.00 TL
  • Absolut Mandarin Vodka 70 ml: 56.90 TL
  • Absolut Raspberry Vodka 70 ml: 56.90 TL
  • Absolut Vanilla Vodka 70 ml: 56.90 TL
  • Absolut Pear Vodka 70 ml: 56.90 TL
  • Absolut Peach Vodka 70 ml: 56.90 TL
  • Absolut Citron Vodka 70 ml: 56.90 TL
  • Absolut Lime Vodka 70 ml: 56.90 TL
  • Smirnoff Vodka 75 ml: 49.90 TL
  • Smirnoff Vodka 100 ml: 65.00 TL
  • Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka 75 ml: 54.00 TL
  • Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka 75 ml: 54.00 TL
  • Smirnoff Orange Vodka 75 ml: 54.00 TL
  • Smirnoff Citrus Vodka 75 ml: 54.00 TL
  • Smirnoff Electric Apple Vodka 75 ml: 54.00 TL

Northern Cyprus Alcohol Prices: Rum, Tequila, Gin, Liqueur

  • Bacardi Rum 100 ml: 72.00 TL
  • Captain Morgan White Rum 100 ml: 84.00 TL
  • Olmeca Blanco Tequila 75 ml: 81.90 TL
  • Olmeca Gold Tequila 75 ml: 84.00 TL
  • Gordon’s Dry Gin 75 ml: 42.50 TL
  • Beefeater London Dry Gin 75 ml: 57.90 TL
  • Bombay Sapphire Gin 100 ml: 86.00 TL
  • Sheridans Liqueur 75 ml: 102.90 TL
  • Baileys Liqueur 75 ml: 83.90 TL
  • Safari Liqueur 70 ml: 70.00 TL

Electricity and Water Prices in Cyprus

Another topic in the study on whether living in Cyprus is expensive is our basic necessities, such as electricity and water. Since Cyprus is an island nation and cannot meet its own energy needs, electricity and water prices are somewhat high. This situation encourages those who settle here to develop important money-saving habits.

Regarding internet prices in Cyprus, we can say that the monthly cost of an ADSL service with a 20 Mbps speed is 90 TL.

Transportation Costs in the TRNC

Taxis are generally used for urban transportation in Cyprus. Additionally, these taxis, which provide comfortable and fast transportation, are cheaper compared to taxi prices in many European countries. Residents of Cyprus generally prefer to use their private vehicles for transportation.

Rent Prices in Cyprus

Although it has a small land area, Northern Cyprus is a major education hub with over 120,000 students. With the opportunity for a 9-month vacation and over 1 million visitors coming throughout the year, people are considering options such as renting a house or villa.

For example, one of the topics of interest to students researching whether living in Cyprus is expensive is rental prices in the TRNC.

Home Prices in Cyprus

Home prices in Cyprus are quite affordable compared to other countries offering similar lifestyle advantages. Due to the ability to recoup the investment within 8–12 years and the low cost of homes, it is frequently chosen by foreign investors.

Due to the recent diversification of real estate projects in Cyprus and the resulting price advantages, real estate investment opportunities in the TRNC have increased. In Cyprus, where everyone can find a home suited to their budget and expectations, real estate is available for both living and investment purposes.

Additionally, there is no definitive answer to the question of whether living in Cyprus is expensive. Imported goods are generally sold at higher prices in every country due to taxation and operational costs. However, we can say that education, accommodation, food, and real estate prices are quite affordable.