According to the latest Numbeo statistics, compiled as of January 2026, Limassol remains the most expensive city to live in Cyprus. The study shows that Limassol outperforms Nicosia, Paphos, and Larnaca in most key spending categories, including restaurants, leisure, and private services.
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Residential real estate and rentals
Residential property is the most significant pressure on household budgets in Limassol. Rent here accounts for 32.2% of a family’s monthly expenses—the highest share among the island’s four largest cities.
In central Limassol , a one-bedroom property is offered for rent for an average of €1,338.64 per month, while a three-bedroom property is offered for rent for €2,350.00. By comparison, a similar one-bedroom property in the city center in Nicosia costs approximately €664.55 , in Paphos €922.22 , and in Larnaca €862.62 .
A similar situation is observed when purchasing real estate. The price per square meter in central Limassol reaches €4,536.49 , while in Nicosia this figure is €2,713.81 , in Paphos €3,742.00 , and in Larnaca €3,403.26. Outside the city centers, Limassol also holds the lead with a price of €3,555.38 per square meter.
However, mortgage terms show limited regional variation, with rates on 20-year fixed loans ranging from 3.52% in Paphos to 4.36% in Nicosia.
Income and consumer spending
Despite high prices, the average net salary in Limassol is the highest on the island at €2,449.46. In other cities, the figures are significantly lower: in Nicosia it is €1,547.36 , in Larnaca €1,594.57 , and in Paphos €1,919.93 .
Dining out costs are also higher in Limassol. Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant will cost €20 , compared to €13.50–€15 in other areas. A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range establishment costs around €80 , compared to €50 in Larnaca .
Transport and utilities
Interestingly, Limassol offers better deals in some categories. For example, a monthly public transport pass costs €40 here , compared to €50 in Nicosia, Paphos, and Larnaca. The starting price for a taxi is € 7 in Limassol, € 5.40 in Nicosia, and € 6.50 in Larnaca, while in Paphos it’s € 10. The highest hourly waiting fee is in Nicosia at € 45, compared to € 30 in Limassol, € 25 in Larnaca, and € 20 in Paphos. Petrol prices remain virtually the same across all districts, ranging from €1.40 to €1.42 per liter.
The cost of car ownership remains virtually unchanged. A new Volkswagen Golf costs € 25,000 in Limassol and € 29,400 in the other three cities. The price of a Toyota Corolla ranges from € 27,242.86 in Limassol to almost € 29,500 in Paphos.
Basic utility bills are distributed as follows:
- Limassol: €193.63
- Nicosia: €178.24
- Larnaca: €172.52
- Paphos: €150.12
Internet prices range from €28 to €32, while mobile plans cost €20.77 in Limassol and €12.80 in Paphos.
Education and lifestyle
The price gap between districts is most noticeable in private services. A monthly gym membership in Limassol costs €81.76 , significantly more than in Nicosia ( €63.46 ), Paphos, and Larnaca ( €61 ).
The private education sector also confirms Limassol’s status as the most expensive district:
- Private kindergarten: in Limassol on average €538.09 per month, in Larnaca – €327.11, in Paphos – €404, in Nicosia – € 94 .
- International school (annual tuition): in Limassol – €9,419.38 , in Nicosia – €7,870.59 , in Paphos – €5,583.33 .
Thus, despite high salaries, Limassol residents face the greatest financial burden, especially in terms of affording quality residential property and educational services.
