Student Housing in Cyprus: Where Is It Cheaper and How Much Does Rent Cost in 2026?

Housing costs are becoming one of the main factors when choosing a university in Cyprus. For students and their families, rental expenses are often comparable to other education-related costs, especially amid limited supply and high prices.

According to Total Valuations, as well as information from student representatives, rental costs vary significantly depending on the city and area. Limassol remains the most expensive destination, while demand for student housing continues to outpace supply.

Nicosia: rental prices depend on the area

In Nicosia, housing costs vary particularly strongly depending on proximity to universities. For example, prices in Engomi and Strovolos are:

1. student residences and studios — €650–700;
2. one-bedroom apartment — €750;
3. two-bedroom apartment — €1,100.

In Aglantzia:

1. student residences and studios — €575–650;
2. one-bedroom apartment — €650;
3. two-bedroom apartment — €900.

Against the backdrop of high prices, more students are choosing to share accommodation. According to Vasilisa Theodorou, president of a University of Cyprus student organisation, some students prefer to commute to Nicosia every day from other cities, including Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, rather than pay rent. Some students also combine their studies with work to cover at least part of their expenses.

University of Cyprus: only 207 places for 7,000 students

The situation with University of Cyprus student accommodation remains one of the most pressing issues. The university currently has 207 places for around 7,000 students, with 100 places allocated to new students this year. Supply is insufficient, so accommodation is allocated based on socio-economic criteria.

University of Cyprus representative Kleanthis Pissarides previously said that the university is working with the government to expand student accommodation. In August 2026, plans were reported for the construction of additional residences providing around 900 places, with the first 500 potentially ready within the next three years. Student representatives believe that increasing the number of places could not only directly help students, but also partially ease pressure on the private rental market by increasing supply.

Limassol: the most expensive city for students

Limassol continues to be the most expensive city in Cyprus for tenants. According to Total Valuations, indicative open-market rental prices are:

1. one-bedroom apartment — €1,200;
2. two-bedroom apartment — €1,900.

Current market estimates also show that one-bedroom apartments in Limassol can cost students as much as €1,500 in some cases. This is why CUT is developing alternative accommodation options.

CUT student residences

Accommodation costs in CUT student residences are:

1. social rent — €350;
2. standard rent — €550.

Students who do not receive a place in university accommodation can apply for a €250 rental allowance. For first-year students, it is provided for 10 months, while in subsequent years it is granted based on socio-economic criteria. In addition, CUT has created a private housing network connecting the university with property owners. The aim of the programme is to offer students accommodation at more affordable prices. Indicative prices through this programme are:

1. studio — €600–700;
2. two-bedroom apartment — €1,100;
3. three-bedroom apartment — €1,500.

By comparison, a two-bedroom apartment on the open market costs around €1,900. However, supply remains limited even here. According to CUT president Arsenios Savva, some apartments that were previously available to students have now moved into the short-term rental market or have already been rented to other tenants on a long-term basis.

From September 2026, CUT is expanding its student accommodation stock in the Verengaria area of Kato Polemidia. The first phase provides 150 rooms, while after completion of the second phase the complex will have a total capacity of 500 rooms. The entire project is expected to become fully operational in September 2027. In addition, CUT cooperates with the Apollonia residence, which provides another 200 rooms.

A new rule also gives priority to first-year students whose permanent place of residence is at least 25 km from their place of study. They are offered accommodation for their first year at a subsidised rate without going through the points-based system. In the longer term, the university also plans to develop a second CUT campus centre with additional student rooms.

Paphos and Larnaca: lower prices, but limited choice

In Paphos, CUT has 154 rooms:

1. 90 rooms — social rent of €350;
2. 64 rooms — standard rent of €550.

First-year students living 25 km or more from their place of study are also given priority for student accommodation. Students who do not receive a place may apply for a €250 allowance. On the open market, indicative prices are:

1. one-bedroom apartment — €650;
2. two-bedroom apartment — €1,000.

At the same time, conditions vary significantly across different parts of Paphos. In the city centre, where CUT’s School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship is located, studio rents can reach €800 in some cases. Through CUT’s Private Housing Network, prices are similar to those in Limassol:

1. studio — €600–700;
2. two bedrooms — €1,100;
3. three bedrooms — €1,500.

In Larnaca, indicative open-market rents are lower:

1. one-bedroom apartment — €600;
2. two-bedroom apartment — €800.

Overall, current market estimates show that one-bedroom apartments in Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos are generally cheaper than in Limassol. Demand for student housing in Cyprus continues to grow, while the number of organised student accommodation places remains insufficient.