Cost of Living in Cyprus – How Much Does It Really Cost to Live Here?

I’m writing this based on my personal experience living in Cyprus. It’s important to note that we live in Limassol, which is considered the most expensive city in Cyprus, so there may be price differences—especially when it comes to rent.

Cost of Private Preschools

Most kindergartens here start accepting children from age two, but there are a few that take in younger toddlers. The general price range for private preschools is between €350–€650 per month. All kindergartens operate five days a week, Monday to Friday.
Opening hours vary from one preschool to another—some run from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, others from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Generally, preschools on the lower end of the price range don’t include meals or enrichment activities.
The preschool I send Sophie to costs us €620 per month, operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and enrichment activities such as yoga, music, and exercise for toddlers.

Recommended English-speaking private nurseries in Limassol

Cost of Private Schools

Most private schools here run from preschool age (some even from age two) through 12th grade. Tuition increases as the child progresses through the grades.
Prices usually start at around €600 per month, and for high school students, it can reach €1,000 per month or more.

You can also choose public schools to save money, but it’s important to understand that all instruction is in Greek.

Private English Schools in Limassol and Nearby Neighborhoods

Rent

This is based on our experience and varies depending on many factors: specific location in the city, type of property, condition of the building and unit, size, and more.
Rent prices in Limassol have increased significantly in recent years.

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: approx. €800–€1,300/month
• Two-bedroom apartment in the city center: approx. €1,200–€2,400/month
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: approx. €1,500–€3,500/month
• Villas and private homes: from €2,200 and up

When we moved to Limassol in 2021, we rented a three-bedroom apartment (four rooms by Israeli standards) in a new building with a pool, parking, and storage, close to the beach, for €1,800. When we moved out, the next tenant listed it for €2,700.

The farther you move from the city center, the lower the rent.

Grocery Shopping

When we first moved to Limassol, supermarket prices were lower, but we’ve seen increases over time.
Weekly shopping for our family—two adults and two small girls, including diapers and wipes—costs us around €200. So monthly, it’s about €900–€1,000. This includes meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, cleaning supplies, and more.

Some sample prices:

• Milk (1L): €1.60
• Fresh white bread (500g): €1.90
• Eggs (12): €3.50
• Local cheese (1kg): €12.00
• Chicken breast (1kg): €8.00
• Apples (1kg): €2.50
• Bananas (1kg): €1.90
• Tomatoes (1kg): €2.90
• Potatoes (1kg): €1.30

Buying a Car

Car prices in Cyprus are lower than in Israel mainly due to lower taxes, a vibrant second-hand market, cheaper import and maintenance costs, and a wider variety of simpler cars. Additionally, Cyprus has less strict regulations on emissions and fuel, which further reduces costs compared to Israel, where taxes and standards are higher.

We bought our car three years ago (in 2022): a 2017 BMW with seven seats for €17,000.

Leisure

Class fees for kids vary. Local classes are often cheaper than those aimed at expats.
Maya attends a ballet class that costs €40 per month for one session per week, though there are ballet classes that go up to €80/month.

She also takes English support classes at a local language center—most of the kids there are locals—at €40/month for one hour per week. Some tutoring costs €30–€40 per session, so prices vary.

Indoor play centers typically cost about €8 per child for two hours.

I take a Pilates class with a local instructor for €50 per month (once a week). But again, prices vary—I’ve seen classes that cost €100/month for one session per week.

Private Health Insurance

We’re covered by the public healthcare system here since we’re residents and pay social security. Honestly, it covers most treatments, and many locals use it without any additional private insurance.
However, because we want coverage for treatments in Israel and for more serious situations, we also take out a policy with a local private insurance provider. We pay €340 per month for our family of four.
From what I’ve heard, some international insurance companies charge double that.

Housekeeper

In Cyprus, many families have a housekeeper who comes daily or even lives with them, due to the relatively low cost.
There are two options: Live-out (coming for a few hours each day) and Live-in (living with the family). Live-in helpers are usually cheaper since housing is provided.

• Live-in: around €500–€600 per month (not including visa and social security payments)
• Live-out: around €800–€1,100 per month (not including visa and social security payments)

Most helpers come from the Philippines, India, or Nepal.