Larnaca is the third largest city in Cyprus after Nicosia and Limassol. It is located at an altitude of 9 meters above sea level. It is believed that this is the best place for high concentration and simultaneous relaxation, lazy walks and unhurried life, therefore, unlike the energetic lifestyle in Limassol, it is easier to immerse yourself in work here.
With all of the above, the cost of living in Larnaca is slightly lower than the two larger cities in Cyprus. Let’s try to understand the prices of basic goods and services.
Housing
The cost of renting a home in Larnaca, as in the rest of Cyprus, depends on several factors:
- Seasonality – in the summer months the rent is traditionally higher, and in the winter – lower
- Duration of the lease – an annual contract will allow you to rent much cheaper than for a short period of time
- Proximity to the sea – traditionally, the closer to the sea, the more expensive. However, experienced expats do not recommend renting a house near the sea – it is humid, cold in winter and windy
- The size and equipment of housing with everything necessary for living
A one-bedroom apartment 10-15 minutes’ drive from the sea coast will cost 350-500 euros per month, a double apartment – around 600 euros, a three-bedroom apartment – from 700 to 1000 euros (in this case, you will receive a new renovation, a significant area and a convenient location). The lower level of the cost of renting a house or villa starts from 800 euros per month.
In general, it must be said that the cost of renting in Larnaca is 20% lower than in Limassol, and is approximately equal to the cost in Nicosia and Paphos.
Utility Bills
When concluding an annual contract with the owner of the home, you agree on all the conditions for living, pay at least 1 monthly rent and a deposit, which is either taken into account as payment for the last month, or goes towards paying utility bills.
However, more often than not, with long-term rentals, you transfer the water and electricity bills on your name, paying them subsequently every month.
The average bill for water for a family of 3 will be about 70 euros, for electricity – 80-100 euros per month. The Internet will cost 25 euros.
Grocery
The quality and variety of products, especially fruits and vegetables, amazes everyone who comes to Cyprus. On average, prices for food products are slightly higher than in large European cities, while prices for consumer goods are often lower.
The largest supermarkets often hold weeks of discounts and promotions, when you can buy the necessary products for 25% cheaper, but of the same quality.
The most popular and affordable supermarkets in Larnaca are Lidl, Metro, Sklavenitis and Alfamega.
Approximate prices:
- eggs – 2.3 euros / 12 pieces
- meat – 3 euros / kg
- milk – 1.2 euros / liter
- apples – 1 euro / kg
- cucumbers – 0.33 euros / kg
- whole chicken – 2.5 euros / kg
- chicken fillet – 6 euros / kg
- yoghurts – 2 euros / kg
- potatoes – 0.6 euro / kg
- pears – 1.3 euro / kg
- chocolate – 0.69 euros / 100 g
- flour – 0.5 euro / kg
- sugar – 0.6 euro / kg
- strawberries – 0.5 kg – 1 euro
Transport
Larnaca has an excellent public transport system, represented by intercity and suburban buses. Bus stations are located at various points in the city and allow you to find a convenient place to board. The cost of a single trip will be 1.5 euros, a pass for a day – 5 euros.
For those who prefer to travel by car, renting a car is available from 300 euros per month and buying your own – from 1500 euros.
There are also taxis in the city, usually black or white cars with a classic yellow beacon, landing costs 3.42 euros, a kilometer of travel – 0.73 euros.
Education
Cyprus is ranked 43rd out of 188 surveyed countries in terms of the education level index compiled by the UN annually. And in terms of national spending on education – 10th line.
For preschool children in Cyprus there are three types of kindergartens: Russian-speaking, English-speaking and Greek-speaking, the cost is from 150 to 500 euros per month, depending on the type and length of stay, the cheapest are the Greek one. There are various types of hobby-clubs and other extra activities.
Schools have a similar division, only Greek ones are also free. Russian-speaking – from 300 euros per month, English-speaking – from 4000 euros per year.
The parents prefer to combine the basic school with other additional, thus the child learns two or three languages.
Let’s summarize the expenses? For example, if you get a Full Stack developer salary of 3500 euros (gross), you get about 2800 euros in your hands. Renting a one-two-room apartment, taking into account utilities and the Internet, will cost 700 euros. Food and household expenses will cost another 800 euros. Another 300 euros will be spent on travel (petrol or public). In total, 1000 euros remain for entertainment, travel, clothing, home improvement and whatever your needs are.
