The cost of living in Nicosia is much cheaper than in Limassol

NUMBEO, the world's largest database on the cost and quality of living, has conducted a new study comparing the cost of living in Cyprus' two largest cities - Limassol and Nicosia.

It found that a family of four needs an average of €3,500 (including rent) to live comfortably in Nicosia. In Limassol, on the other hand, at least €4,746.50 per month is needed to enjoy a similar standard of living.

Key points of the study:

1. The cost of living in Limassol is 10% higher than in Nicosia (excluding rent);
2. The cost of living including rent in Limassol is 35.6% higher than in Nicosia;
3. Rental prices in Limassol are 120.1% higher than in Nicosia;
4. Restaurant prices in Limassol are 23.7% higher than in Nicosia;
5. Food prices in Limassol are 8.3% higher than in Nicosia;
6. Local purchasing power is 8.2% lower in Limassol than in Nicosia.

Looking at individual categories in more detail, the average prices in Cyprus' two largest cities differ significantly:

1. Meals in restaurants (per person): Nicosia - €12, Limassol - from €20, a difference of 66.7%.
2. Local beer: Nicosia - €4, Limassol - €3, difference - 25%.
3. Imported beer: Nicosia - €5, Limassol - €4.5, difference - 10%.
4. Cappuccino: Nicosia - 3.4 euro, Limassol - 3.61 euro, difference - 6.4%.
5. Soft drinks: Nicosia - €1.51, Limassol - €2.15, difference - 4.98%.
6. Bottled water in small containers: Nicosia - €0.74, Limassol - €0.84, difference - 14%.
7. One litre of milk: Nicosia - €1.58, Limassol - €1.77, difference - 11.8%.
8. Bread (500g): Nicosia - €1.87, Limassol - €1.98, Difference - 5.7%.
9. Rice (1kg): Nicosia - €2.25, Limassol - €2.64, a difference of 17.6%.
10. A dozen eggs: Nicosia - €3.12, Limassol - €3.84, a difference of 22.9%.
11. Halloumi (1kg): Nicosia - €11.43, Limassol - €11.92, a difference of 4.3%.
12. Chicken fillet (1kg): Nicosia - €7.9, Limassol - €8.38, a difference of 6.1%.
13. Apples (1kg): Nicosia - €2.55, Limassol - €2.55.
14. Bananas (1kg): Nicosia - €1.8, Limassol - €1.92, a difference of 6.5%.
15. Oranges (1kg): Nicosia - €1.81, Limassol - €1.63, a difference of 13.33%.
16. Tomatoes (1kg): Nicosia - €1.96, Limassol - €1.97, a difference of 10.1%.
17. Potatoes (1kg): Nicosia - €1.15, Limassol - €1.34, a difference of 16.7%.
18. Onions (1kg): Nicosia - €1.05, Limassol - €1.31, a difference of 24.4%.
19. Bottle of wine: Nicosia - €7.50, Limassol - €7, difference - 6.7 per cent.
20. Cigarettes: Nicosia - €5, Limassol - €5,
21. Electricity: Nicosia - €188.12, Limassol - €207.07, Difference - 10.1%.
22. Internet (60 Mbps or more): Nicosia - €27.46, Limassol - €31.46, difference - 14.6 per cent.
23. Monthly gym membership: Nicosia - €58.75, Limassol - €66.18, Difference: 12.6 per cent.
24. Tennis court rental: Nicosia - 22 euros, Limassol - 24.44 euros, difference: 11,1%.
25. Kindergarten (1 month fee): Nicosia - €369.09, Limassol - €483.99, difference: 31.1%.
26. Public school (cost per year): Nicosia - €6,736, Limassol - €7,850, a difference of 16.5%.
27. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre: Nicosia - €631.4, Limassol - €1,512.5, difference -139.5%.
28. Renting a 1 bedroom apartment outside the city centre: Nicosia - €515, Limassol - €1,222.73, difference -118%.
29. Cost of buying an apartment in the city centre (per 1 m2): Nicosia - €2,240, Limassol - €4,521.43, difference - 101.8%.
30. Cost of buying an apartment outside the city centre (per 1m2): Nicosia - 1,716.67, Limassol - 3,328.57, difference - 93.9%.