Cost of Living in Skopje, North Macedonia
North Macedonia · Europe
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
26
Rent Index
NYC=100
58
Quality of Life
Moderate
58
Safety Index
Moderate
0.5M
Population
MKD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.6 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $16 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $20000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $16000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $100 |
| Mobile Plan | $7 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $12 |
| Fitness Club/month | $18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $380/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $240/mo |
| 3BR Center | $850/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $520/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $900/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.5% |
View Cost of Living in North Macedonia
Cost of Living in Skopje — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Skopje, North Macedonia is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Skopje has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Skopje costs around $240/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $380/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $850/month. The rent index is 26 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Skopje scores 58/100 on the quality of life index and 58/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 58/100. The climate index is 66/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Skopje is approximately $700/month. With a purchasing power index of 44/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is MKD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Skopje
The average monthly salary in Skopje is approximately $700. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 44/100.
Healthcare Costs in Skopje
Healthcare quality in Skopje is rated 58/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Skopje
Skopje has a quality of life score of 58/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Skopje
Students living in Skopje should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Skopje
Expats moving to Skopje often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Skopje, North Macedonia is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 32 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Skopje
Living in Skopje offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 32 and a quality of life score of 58/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $700 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Skopje provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in North Macedonia and around the world.
Key Facts About Skopje
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 32
- Rent Index: 26
- Average Salary: $700
- Quality of Life: 58/100
- Safety Score: 58/100
- Country: North Macedonia
- Currency: MKD
Is Skopje Expensive?
Skopje has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Skopje compare to other cities?
Skopje is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.5M. At a cost index of 32 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Skopje stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Skopje?
The average cost of living in Skopje, North Macedonia is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 32 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Skopje?
Rent in Skopje varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 26 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Skopje alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Skopje expensive to live in?
Skopje has a cost index of 32 compared to New York City (100). At 32, Skopje is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Skopje?
Skopje has a quality of life index of 58/100 and a safety index of 58/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Skopje compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Skopje with any city worldwide. Skopje's cost index is 32 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Skopje?
Many residents live comfortably in Skopje with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Skopje good for expats?
Skopje is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Skopje?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Skopje.
Is Skopje cheaper than New York?
Yes, Skopje has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Skopje?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Skopje.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Skopje
Cheapest Ways to Live in Skopje
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Skopje typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $240/month compared to $380/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Is Skopje Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 44/100 and a quality of life score of 58/100, Skopje is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 32 relative to New York City, Skopje remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living North Macedonia has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Skopje Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Skopje", "Skopje monthly expenses 2026", and "is Skopje affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 58/100, and healthcare rated 58/100, Skopje offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to North Macedonia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026