Cost of Living in North Macedonia
Consumer prices in North Macedonia were 49.7 in 2025, with the EU average at 100, according to Eurostat, so about half the EU level. The cost of living index was 2.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, and rents rose 9.2%. The State Statistical Office does not publish an average rent in denars.
This page covers what living in North Macedonia costs, using official figures only: the cost of living index and the household budget survey from the State Statistical Office, and price levels, inflation and housing costs from Eurostat, which covers North Macedonia as a candidate country. The State Statistical Office does not publish an average rent in denars, so we leave that figure out.
Housing costs in North Macedonia, 2024 to 2026
Price levels in North Macedonia against the EU average, 2023 to 2025
Rent in North Macedonia
The State Statistical Office does not publish an average rent in denars, so this page gives the official figures on how housing costs move and what share they take. Rents rose 9.2% in the 12 months to September 2026, according to the cost of living index, much faster than prices overall. The wider housing group, with water, electricity, gas and other fuels, rose 3.7%: water supply 11.2%, gas 5.7% and electricity 1.7%.
Housing costs are low against the EU average. Eurostat puts the price level of housing, water and energy in North Macedonia at 36.5 in 2025, with the EU average at 100. In 2024, 5.6% of people lived in a household that spent more than 40% of its disposable income on housing, below 8.2% in the EU and down from 8.5% in 2023. For people below the poverty line the rate was 24.6%.
Consumer prices and inflation
The cost of living index was 2.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the State Statistical Office. On the EU harmonised measure, Eurostat puts inflation at 3.5% for the same month. Food rose 1.7% over the year and transport 3.3%, with fuels up 29.4%, while air fares fell 37.5%.
| Group, September 2026 | Change over 12 months |
|---|---|
| All items | +2.7% |
| Food and non-alcoholic beverages | +1.7% |
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco | +6.5% |
| Clothing and footwear | +2.7% |
| Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels | +3.7% |
| Furnishings and household maintenance | +2.2% |
| Health | +1.3% |
| Transport | +3.3% |
| Information and communication | +0.4% |
| Recreation, sport and culture | +6.3% |
| Education | +5.4% |
| Restaurants and accommodation services | +5.8% |
| Insurance and financial services | +0.3% |
| Personal care, social protection and other | +2.5% |
Overall, prices are about half the EU level. Eurostat puts North Macedonian consumer prices at 49.7 in 2025, with the EU average at 100, so about 50.3% lower. Food is at 74.8, information and communication at 84.9, and restaurants and hotels at 48.3.
Household spending
The 2025 household budget survey of the State Statistical Office shows how households split their spending. Food and non-alcoholic drinks took 50.5% of the total, rent and utilities 7.7% and transport 6.8%. Personal consumption made up 96.5% of what households spent.
| Household spending, 2025 survey | Share of spending |
|---|---|
| Food and non-alcoholic beverages | 50.5% |
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco | 5.4% |
| Clothing and footwear | 4.1% |
| Rent, water, electricity, gas and other fuels | 7.7% |
| Furnishings and household maintenance | 4.5% |
| Health | 3.5% |
| Transport | 6.8% |
| Communication | 2.9% |
| Recreation and culture | 1.3% |
| Education | 0.2% |
| Restaurants and hotels | 5.2% |
| Other goods and services | 4.3% |
| Other spending outside personal consumption | 3.5% |
| Total | 100% |
Transport, utilities and local costs
Transport takes 6.8% of household spending. Prices for transport were 3.3% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, with fuels up 29.4% and road passenger transport up 6.4%. No national figure for public transport fares is published, and fares are set locally. Utilities sit inside the rent and utilities group of the survey, 7.7% of household spending in 2025. Electricity prices were 1.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier.
What it means for pay and hiring
The average gross salary in North Macedonia was MKD 73,336 in August 2026 and the average net salary MKD 48,733, according to the State Statistical Office. Gross pay was 7.6% higher than in August 2025, or 4.8% after inflation. In information and communication the average was MKD 134,613 gross and MKD 88,686 net. Local pay is often quoted net, so compare offers on the same basis. See average salary in North Macedonia for pay by sector, and our guide to hiring in North Macedonia for employer costs and rules.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is rent in North Macedonia?
The State Statistical Office does not publish an average rent in denars. Its cost of living index shows rents 9.2% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier. Eurostat puts the price level of housing, water and energy at 36.5 in 2025, with the EU average at 100.
How expensive is North Macedonia compared with the EU?
Eurostat puts consumer prices in North Macedonia at 49.7 in 2025, with the EU average at 100, so about half the EU level. Food was at 74.8.
What is inflation in North Macedonia?
The cost of living index was 2.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the State Statistical Office. Eurostat's harmonised index gives 3.5%.
What do households in North Macedonia spend their money on?
In the 2025 household budget survey, food and non-alcoholic drinks took 50.5% of household spending, rent and utilities 7.7% and transport 6.8%.
What is the average salary in North Macedonia?
The average gross salary was MKD 73,336 in August 2026 and the average net salary MKD 48,733, according to the State Statistical Office.
Sources
- State Statistical Office, MakStat, cost of living indices by ECOICOP ver. 2, by month. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- State Statistical Office, MakStat, cost of living indices at detailed level, by month. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- State Statistical Office, MakStat, household budget survey, used funds by COICOP, by year. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- Eurostat, HICP annual rates of change. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- Eurostat, Price level indices. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- Eurostat, Housing cost overburden rate. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- State Statistical Office, Average monthly paid gross wage per employee, August 2026. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
