Cost of Living in Cyprus

The cost of living in Cyprus varies depending on your lifestyle, location, and preferences, but overall, it is considered moderate compared to other European countries. Several factors contribute to this, including housing, healthcare, education, and day-to-day expenses.

Housing

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in city centers like Nicosia or Limassol can cost between ï¿½600 and ï¿½1,200 per month, depending on the area and the quality of the apartment. In contrast, in smaller towns and villages, you can find similar accommodations for around ï¿½400 to ï¿½800. Property prices have been on the rise in recent years, partly due to increased foreign investment, but they are still relatively affordable compared to other Mediterranean countries.

Utilities

Utility bills, including electricity, water, and garbage services, usually range from ï¿½100 to ï¿½200 per month for an average-sized apartment. The cost can be higher in the summer due to air conditioning and lower in winter.

Transportation

Public transportation is relatively inexpensive, with a single bus ticket costing around ï¿½1.50. A monthly pass typically costs around ï¿½40. Taxi fares start at ï¿½5 and increase based on distance. If you choose to own a car, gasoline costs are somewhat higher compared to the U.S but comparable to other European countries.

Food and Groceries

The cost of food can vary significantly depending on where you shop and eat. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, often lower than supermarkets. Dining out can range from ï¿½10 to ï¿½20 per person for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. International cuisine and fine dining are more expensive, with costs easily reaching ï¿½50 or more per person.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Cyprus is of good quality and relatively affordable. The country has both public and private healthcare sectors. Public healthcare is generally less expensive but may have longer waiting times. A standard doctor's visit in a public hospital can cost around ï¿½20, while in a private clinic, it could be between ï¿½50 and ï¿½100.

Education

Education is often a concern for expatriates with families. Public schools are generally free but primarily offer instruction in Greek. Private and international schools are available but can be costly, ranging from ï¿½5,000 to ï¿½10,000 per year.

Leisure and Entertainment

Leisure activities like cinema tickets, gym memberships, and weekend outings vary in price but are generally aligned with European standards. A movie ticket might cost around ï¿½9, and a gym membership can range from ï¿½30 to ï¿½70 per month, depending on the facilities.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Personal care items, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses can add to the cost of living but are comparable to other European countries. For example, a pair of branded jeans might cost around ï¿½80, and a decent pair of shoes could set you back ï¿½60 to ï¿½100.

In summary, the cost of living in Cyprus is moderate and offers options for various budgets. Whether you are a retiree, a digital nomad, or an investor, understanding the breakdown of expenses can help you

Healthcare System in Cyprus

Cyprus has a healthcare system that combines public and private services to provide medical care to its residents.

Public Healthcare System:

The Ministry of Health oversees the public healthcare system in Cyprus.
Public healthcare services are funded through social insurance contributions, taxation, and user fees.
Citizens and legal residents have access to public healthcare services.

Hospitals:

Cyprus has public hospitals that provide a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgeries, and specialized treatments.
Nicosia General Hospital, Limassol General Hospital, and Larnaca General Hospital are examples of major public hospitals.

Primary Care:

Primary healthcare services are provided through local health centers and clinics.
General practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals work at these centers to offer preventive care, basic medical services, and referrals to specialists when needed.

Private Healthcare:

Cyprus has a robust private healthcare sector that operates alongside the public system.
Private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers offer a variety of services, including specialized treatments and elective procedures.
Many residents choose to have supplementary private health insurance for additional coverage and faster access to certain medical services.

Pharmacies:

Pharmacies are widely available across the country, providing prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs.
Pharmacists are trained to offer advice on medications and minor health issues.

Public healthcare in Cyprus

The public system is closely regulated by the Ministry of Health. 933,000 beneficiaries were registered in the system by April 2023, making up three-quarters of the population.

Four categories of people are entitled to public health insurance in Cyprus:

Cyprus citizens;
employees from EU countries;
employees from non-EU states with permanent residence permits in Cyprus;
family members of the beneficiaries above.

The public system is funded by the government. Every Cyprus tax resident has to pay a health tax, depending on their income: 2,65% for employees and pensioners and 4% for self-employed individuals.

In return, GESY provides all medical services for citizens and residents of Cyprus, from a standard medical check to complex surgeries.

Every person registered in GESY has a personal doctor or general practitioner. The latter provides primary health care free of charge and can issue a referral if a patient needs to see a consultant. A visit to a consultant with a referral costs â‚¬6; without a referral â€” â‚¬25.

Small co-payments of up to â‚¬10 may be charged for extra services, like buying a pharmaceutical product or having a laboratory examination.

There is no charge for women to visit an outpatient specialist in gynaecology or obstetrics or for people serving compulsory military service with a referral by an army doctor.

Depending on age, a person can only see a general practitioner a limited number of times per year.

Age group	Number of visits per year
birth to 1 year old	10
1â€”3 years old	8
3â€”6 years old	7
6â€”11 years old	4
11â€”18 years old	3
18â€”41 years old	4
41â€”51 years old	6
51â€”65 years old	8
over 65 years old	10

EU and UK citizens in Cyprus can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access the Cyprus public healthcare system. The cardholders have to pay â‚¬3 to visit a general practitioner and can receive urgent treatment related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a chronic illness.

Permanent residents in Cyprus are eligible for the public healthcare system, provided they have contributed to the countryâ€™s budget for at least three years. Permanent residents can issue a medical card online and submit a paper version at any Citizen Service Centre.

Source: https://imin-cyprus.com/guide/...(GESY).

Education System in Cyprus

The Ministry of Education and Culture manages the Cypriot education system at all its levels: pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary education. In Cyprus, there are state-owned as well as private educational institutions.

Compulsory education in Cyprus lasts for 9 years and is free at state schools. Compulsory education starts from primary school and concludes in the third year of secondary school, i.e. lower secondary level.

Pre-primary Education (Prodimotiki ekpaidefsi)

Children at the age of 3 may enter pre-primary education level. Pre-primary education in Cyprus is provided by nursery schools and kindergartens. This level is compulsory for children aged four-years-and-eight-months to five-years-and-eight-months.There are public, private and community pre-primary educational institutions in Cyprus.

Types of nursery schools in Cyprus:

Public nursery schools: The Ministry of Education and Culture along with the community authorities and parentâ€™s association manages public nursery schools.
Communal nursery schools: These schools are managed and controlled by the community authorities and parentâ€™s associations. The communal nursery schools are registered and supervised by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus (MOEC).
Private nursery schools: These schools are set up and owned privately, and run as per the Private Schoolsâ€™ Law, 1971. The Ministry of Education and Culture approves these schools.

Primary Education

Primary education in Cyprus lasts for 6 years and is compulsory to attend. The government of the Republic of Cyprus manages and finances the primary education in Cyprus. This level of education is split up into 2 cycles:

Cycle A: Children aged 6-8 attend cycle A. This cycle comprises of grades 1-3.
Cycle B: Children aged 9-12 attend cycle B. This cycle comprises of grades 4 to 6.

In Cyprus, every town or village has primary school with over 15 children. Also, there are regional schools operating in Cyprus catering to many communities that are selected by the local community in rural regions and by the government in urban regions.

Types of Schools

One teacher school: Maximum no. of students is 19
Two teacher school: No. of students range from 22 to 39
Three, four and five teacher schools: No. of students per teacher is below 35.

There are state and private primary schools in Cyprus. The state primary schools are managed by the Government and free. The private primary schools charge fees which vary from school to school.

Certificate awarded: Pupilsâ€™ performance is assessed on a continuous basis. Upon successful completion of the primary education, a primary school leaving certificate is given to the students which enable them to enter secondary education.

Secondary Education

Secondary education in Cyprus comprises of general secondary education and secondary vocational and technical education. In Cyprus, there are public and private secondary educational institutions that provide theoretical as well as specialised education. The private secondary education schools are financed by the foreign organisations, local entrepreneurs and religious groups.

General Secondary Education

General secondary education is divided into two levels:

Lower secondary education (Gymnasio)
Upper secondary education (Lykeio/Lyceum)

General secondary education focuses on the humanities and liberal arts, general science, aesthetics and social sciences.

Lower Secondary Education

Lower secondary education in Cyprus is mandatory for all children aged 12 to 15. This level of education marks the end of compulsory education period in Cyprus.

Duration: 3 years

Curriculum: Mathematics, history, physics, modern and classical Greek, chemistry, English, design and technology, natural sciences, French, nutrition, biology, health, religious education, geography, arts, civics, and environmental studies.

Certificate awarded: Upon successful completion of the lower secondary education, a leaving certificate is awarded that enables students to enter upper secondary school.

Upper Secondary Education (Lykeio)

Upper secondary education is optional. Students who want to go for higher education must undertake upper secondary education. Admission to the upper secondary level is available to students who have passed lower secondary education cycle.

Ages: 15 to 18
Duration: 3 years

Curriculum: Comprises of general educational and optional subjects.

Certificate awarded: Upon successful completion of the upper secondary education, a school-leaving certificate is awarded which qualifies the students for higher education in Cyprus.

Secondary Technical and Vocational Education

Students who have completed compulsory secondary education, i.e. lower secondary educational level can go for secondary technical and vocational education. This educational level provides theoretical as well as practical education.

Duration: 3 years

The technical education emphasizes on sciences and vocational education emphasize on workshop training, industry and technology.

Certificate awarded: Upon successful completion of the course, a school leaving certificate (apolytirio) is awarded to the students which enables them to apply for higher education institutions in Cyprus.

Higher Education

Higher education in Cyprus is provided by the state-owned and private higher education institutions. The state and private higher education institutions in Cyprus operate at the university and non-university level.

Public universities: These universities are formed by law and are funded by government. In Cyprus, there are three public universities.

Private universities: These universities are formed and financed by non-governmental institutions. In Cyprus, presently there are 5 private universities.

Public institutions of higher education: The Cyprus government manages the public higher education institutions. These institution are supervises by: Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Ministry of Labour and Social insurance, Ministry of Justice and Police Order, and Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.

Private institutions of higher education: These institutions are non-university level institutions of higher education and offer a wide range of study programmes at the following levels-certificate, diploma, higher diploma, bachelor, master.

Adult Education Centres

The Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus provides adult education programmes (epimorfotika). Afternoon and evening classes are held at local public schools in Cyprus.

Curriculum: Vocational skills, foreign languages, computer skills, arts and crafts, cooking, dance, Greek language courses are provided to foreigners and other residents of Cyprus.

Public schools in Cyprus

Although expat children are able to attend public schools in Cyprus for free, many parents find the language barrier to be an obstacle. While younger children have the ability to adapt quickly, older students â€“ and parents themselves â€“ may struggle to adjust. That said, those who intend to stay for the long term often prefer their children being immersed in Cypriot culture, which is usually quickly achieved by attending a Cypriot public school.

The Apolyterion, the Cyprus school-leaving certificate, does not always match up to levels of international testing, such as in the UK and the US, and students who wish to attend tertiary institutions in these countries may need to sit for additional exams.

Private and international schools in Cyprus

Many expats living in Cyprus sends their children to private international schools. The most obvious benefit is that children will be surrounded by others who speak their language, and these schools tend to offer a higher standard of education and have a better selection of extra-curricular activities.

Private schools are present in larger cities such as Paphos, Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca, but curricula and standards may vary from school to school. The most popular curricula offered at international schools in Cyprus include the British and American, with many schools also offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

Private and international schools in Cyprus can be costly, with tuition depending on various factors, such as the prestige of the school, the curriculum taught, the quality of facilities and teachers, and of course the age of the child. Parents should also anticipate additional costs such as registration and enrolment fees, books, uniforms and school bus expenses.

Safety and Security

Cyprus is generally considered a safe destination for tourists and residents. However, like any country, it's essential to be aware of certain safety and security considerations.

Low Crime Rate:

Cyprus has a relatively low crime rate compared to many European countries.
Violent crime is rare, and most criminal activity is non-violent and involves petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas.

Political Situation:

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with the northern part of the island being under Turkish control. The situation is generally stable, but it's advisable to stay informed about any political developments.

Emergency Services:

The emergency services (police, ambulance, and fire) are accessible by dialing 112.
It's advisable to know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country.

Travel Advisories:

Check travel advisories issued by your government before planning your trip to Cyprus.
Stay informed about any updates or changes in local conditions.

Utilities and Services

Utilities Services

Utilities services in Cyprus cover essential amenities such as electricity, water, natural gas, telecommunications, and waste management. Here's a more detailed look at these utility services in Cyprus:

1. Electricity:

The Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) is the primary provider of electricity in Cyprus.
The electricity supply is reliable, and the standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.

2. Water and Sewage:

The Water Development Department manages water resources in Cyprus.
Water supply and distribution in urban areas are typically managed by local municipalities.
The country has invested in wastewater treatment facilities to manage sewage.

3. Natural Gas:

Cyprus has been working on developing its natural gas infrastructure.
Plans have included the construction of a liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal.

Internet and Broadband:

High-speed internet and broadband services are widely available.
Various providers offer different packages to residential and business customers.

Waste Management:

Waste collection and management services are organized by local municipalities.
Recycling initiatives aim to reduce environmental impact, encouraging residents to separate recyclable materials.

Services

Services in Cyprus span various sectors and cover a wide range of essential and non-essential offerings. Here's a breakdown of some key services available in Cyprus:

Banking and Financial Services:

Retail banking, investment banking, and financial advisory services are provided by banks operating in Cyprus.
Cyprus has a well-developed financial sector, offering a range of services to residents and businesses.

Legal and Notary Services:

Law firms and notary public offices offer legal and notary services.
These services include legal advice, contract drafting, and notarization of documents.

Real Estate Services:

Real estate agencies assist with property transactions, rentals, and property management.
Construction and architectural services are also available.

Healthcare Services:

Public and private healthcare facilities provide medical services.
General practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and clinics offer a range of healthcare options.

Education Services:

Educational institutions, including schools and universities, provide academic and vocational education.
Private tutors and educational consultants may offer additional services.

Telecommunications Services:

Telecommunication companies provide services such as landline and mobile phone connections, internet, and broadband services.

Postal and Courier Services:

Cyprus Post handles postal services, including mail delivery and express courier services.
Private courier companies also operate in the country.

Utilities Services:

The Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) provides electricity services.
Water supply and sewage services are managed by the Water Development Department and local municipalities.

Transportation Services:

Public transportation services include buses, taxis, and car rentals.
Private transportation companies offer services such as airport transfers and chauffeur services.

Tourism and Hospitality Services:

Hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies provide services to tourists.
Tour guides and excursion services cater to visitors exploring the island.

Retail and Shopping Services:

Retail businesses offer a variety of goods and services, including clothing, electronics, and household items.
E-commerce platforms may provide online shopping services.

These services collectively contribute to the functioning of the economy and the well-being of residents and businesses in Cyprus. The availability and quality of services may vary, and individuals may choose between public and private providers based on their preferences and needs.

Cyprus has a diverse population with communities representing different ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. The social integration landscape in Cyprus reflects the historical and geopolitical context of the island. Here's an overview:

Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity:

Cyprus is divided into two main ethnic communities: the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. The division dates back to the events of 1974 when the island was divided into the Republic of Cyprus in the south (predominantly Greek Cypriot) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north (predominantly Turkish Cypriot).

Bi-Communal Initiatives:

Various bi-communal initiatives aim to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Cultural exchanges, joint projects, and people-to-people interactions contribute to building bridges between the two communities.

Language:

Greek and Turkish are the official languages of Cyprus. The majority of the population in the Republic of Cyprus speaks Greek, while Turkish is spoken in the north.
English is widely used and understood, particularly in urban areas and among the younger population.

Religious Diversity:

The majority of the Greek Cypriot population follows the Greek Orthodox Christian faith.
Turkish Cypriots are predominantly Sunni Muslims.
There are also smaller religious communities, including Maronites, Armenians, and others.

Expatriate Communities:

Cyprus hosts expatriate communities from various countries, including European Union member states, Russia, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Expatriates contribute to the multicultural fabric of Cyprus, especially in urban centers and tourist areas.

Cultural Events and Festivals:

Cyprus hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of the island.
These events often showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine from different communities.

Education and Schools:

The education system in Cyprus includes schools that cater to various communities, offering education in Greek, Turkish, or English.
Some schools adopt a bilingual or multilingual approach.

Social and Civic Organizations:

Various social and civic organizations work to promote social cohesion and understanding among different communities.
NGOs focus on issues such as human rights, peacebuilding, and reconciliation.

Tourism and Hospitality:

The tourism sector plays a role in social integration by bringing together people from different backgrounds.
Hospitality businesses often cater to a diverse clientele.

It's important to note that the situation may evolve, and developments could occur after my last update in January 2022. Social integration remains an ongoing process, and efforts to foster understanding and collaboration contribute to building a more cohesive and inclusive society in Cyprus.

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