How much will it cost to live in the TRNC in 2026?

Moving to the TRNC isn’t just about the sea, the sun, and a pleasant climate. One of the first questions prospective residents of the island ask is how much daily life costs. The good news is that living expenses here are often lower than in many European countries, and the quality of goods and standard of living are pleasantly surprising.

Let’s take a look at how much the main categories of expenses cost today—from groceries and utilities to transportation and the internet.

Grocery basket

The island is famous for its wide variety of local produce. Vegetables, fruits, olive oil, cheese, meat, and fresh fish are delivered directly to store shelves from local farmers and producers. As a result, these products are of high quality and are often cheaper than their imported counterparts.

On average, prices in 2026 are as follows:

• milk (1 liter) — about 55 Turkish lira (≈ 1.1 euros);
• bread — 25 lira (≈ 0.5 euros);
• chicken breast — 200 lira per kilogram (≈ 3.9 euros);
• eggs (12 pieces) — 120 lira (≈ 2.4 euros);
• potatoes — 30 lira per kilogram (≈ 0.6 euros);
• oranges — 50 lira per kilogram (≈ 1 euro).

At fish markets, a kilogram of sea bream costs about 540 lira, and sea bass costs about 625 lira.

Utility bills

The amount of utility costs depends on the size of the apartment, the number of residents, and the time of year. Electricity is usually the most significant expense in the summer—air conditioners run practically nonstop.

The cost of electricity averages between 0.09 and 0.27 euros per kWh. The higher the consumption, the higher the final bill.

Gas is most often used for cooking. One gas cylinder costs about 12 euros and, with normal use, lasts for several months.

Additional charges apply for water, residential complex maintenance (if applicable), and trash collection.

Internet and mobile service

High-speed home internet and high-quality mobile service are available practically in all cities in the TRNC.

Home internet costs an average of 25 to 88 euros per month, depending on the speed and the plan selected.

Mobile phone costs are typically 10-18 euros per month. Most plans include enough mobile data and calling minutes for everyday use.

Transportation

You can get around the TRNC by both public transportation and car. Regular bus routes operate between major cities and towns. The cost of a single trip is usually between 50 and 200 Turkish lira (approximately 1.3-5 euros), depending on the distance and the carrier. However, there is currently no unified ticket system — on most routes, fares are paid directly to the driver.

Despite the affordable fares, public transportation has its own quirks: schedules may be less regular, and the number of trips in the evening and to remote areas is limited.

For this reason, many residents choose to drive their own cars. A liter of gasoline cost about 1.10-1.14 euros in early 2026. The relatively affordable cost of fuel, short distances between cities, and good roads make this option the most comfortable.

Sample monthly budget

Of course, expenses depend on your lifestyle, habits, and family composition. Some people prefer to cook at home, while others dine out regularly. Some live in small apartments, while others live in spacious villas with swimming pools.

On average, you can use the following figures as a guide:

a single person will need about 350-650 euros per month;

a family of two will need approximately 600-950 euros per month, excluding rent or mortgage payments.

These amounts cover basic living expenses: groceries, utilities, communications, and transportation.

Conclusion

TRNC remains one of the most affordable places to live in the Mediterranean. Here, you can buy fresh local produce every day, enjoy modern communication services, and get around the island comfortably — all while keeping your expenses at a reasonable level.