Sometimes when people think about moving to Cyprus or buying property here, the sunny climate and the sea sound like the main arguments. But sooner or later a much more practical question appears: how much does everyday life actually cost? And this is where things get interesting, because the monthly budget on the island can surprise you - not always in the way you expect.
For a family of two or three people, the basic monthly expenses usually form a clear and predictable pattern. Let’s start with the most sensitive topic - utilities. Winter electricity bills can catch newcomers off guard: heating with air conditioners or convectors occasionally pushes the bill to 120-150 € per month. In summer the situation flips - cooling still costs money, but less painfully. On average, if you live in an apartment rather than a large villa, you can expect around 80-120 € per month throughout the year.
Next come water and waste fees. Water is reasonably priced: around 20-35 € per month depending on consumption and the district. Waste collection is paid yearly, usually 120-180 €, which becomes almost invisible when spread across months. Many people are pleasantly surprised that there are no hidden municipal taxes - everything is straightforward.
When it comes to groceries, nuances appear. If a family shops in supermarkets like Alphamega or Papantoniou and occasionally visits farmers’ markets, the monthly budget usually lands between 350-550 €. Meat and dairy are more expensive than in mainland Europe, while fruits, vegetables, and local produce are often better priced. Most expats gradually develop their own shopping routine: what to get in the supermarket, what to buy in the small shop downstairs, and what is worth getting directly from a farmer.
Another line in the budget is mobile plans and home internet. Everything is simple here: home internet typically costs 35-50 €, while mobile tariffs fall in the 20-30 € range per person. No hidden charges, no surprises - and that alone already feels refreshing.
Of course, there are expenses that don’t fit neatly into any list: dining out, coffee, transportation, kids’ activities. For some families this adds another 200 €, for others it can be 600 €. Cyprus subtly encourages a more relaxed lifestyle, and it shows in the way people spend.
When you add everything up, comfortable living for a family of two or three usually comes out to around 1,400-2,200 € per month, excluding rent or mortgage if applicable. For property buyers, this calculation is important: it shows that maintaining a home in Cyprus does not become a financial burden, and life itself remains predictable and quite affordable by EU standards.
Sometimes it feels like the cost of living here is shaped by a mix of habits, the mild climate, and the absence of expensive winter heating. In the end, Cyprus remains a place where you can understand your monthly budget clearly and live in a calm, easy rhythm that feels almost like home.
