Cost of Living for Tourists in Cyprus — a Step-by-Step Holiday Budget
Cyprus is more expensive than Greece, but cheaper than Malta or Western Europe. But that’s too general an answer. The real holiday budget depends on your travel style, the time of year, and the region you choose. This guide breaks down costs into factors — from the airport to the last coffee before returning home.
![Comparison of different accommodation options in Cyprus from hostel to luxury hotel]
Accommodation — the Biggest Expense
Accommodation is usually the biggest item in your budget. Here's a realistic overview of prices in season (June–August):
Budget Options (20–60 EUR/night)
- Hostels and shelters: 20–35 EUR for a bed in a dorm
- Cheap hotels and guesthouses: 45–65 EUR for a double room
- Apartments through local platforms: 50–80 EUR
- Larnaca Bay Comfort — affordable price in a good location
Mid-Range Options (80–180 EUR/night)
- 3–4 star hotels: 90–160 EUR for a room with a sea view
- Aparthotels with a kitchen: 80–140 EUR (savings on food!)
- Coral Bay Grand Limassol
Luxury Options (200–800 EUR/night)
- 5-star hotels: 200–500 EUR for a standard room
- Suite with a private pool: 400–800 EUR
- Properties like Elysium Hotel Paphos
Off-season (October–April) prices drop by 30–50%. That’s a huge difference for a savvy traveler.
![Hotel on a beach in Cyprus with a blue pool and sun loungers — a mid-range option]
Food and Drink — from Tavern to Restaurant
Breakfast
- Coffee + croissant in a cafe: 3–5 EUR
- Full English breakfast (British legacy): 8–12 EUR
- Groceries in a supermarket (e.g., Lidl, Sklavenitis): 3–5 EUR for a set
Lunch
- Pita with souvlaki to go: 3–5 EUR — best value for money
- Beach taverns: 10–18 EUR for a dish + drink
- Tourist restaurants: 15–25 EUR
Dinner
- Local tavern outside the center: 15–25 EUR per person with wine
- Mezze for 2 people (a full meal, 15–20 dishes): 35–55 EUR total
- Restaurant with a sea view on the promenade in Limassol: 25–45 EUR per person
- Fine dining: 60–120 EUR per person
Drinks
- Local beer (KEOS, Leon): 2,5–4 EUR
- Glass of Cypriot wine: 3–6 EUR
- Water in a restaurant: 1–2 EUR (often free)
- Coffee (freddo espresso): 2,5–3,5 EUR
Tip: At markets like Laiki Geitonia in Nicosia, you can buy fruits, halloumi cheese, and local sausages at wholesale prices.
Transport — Car or Buses?
Car Rental
This is an absolute must-have for exploring Cyprus beyond the resorts. Prices:
- Small car (Hyundai i10, Fiat Panda): 25–45 EUR/day in season
- SUV or minivan: 55–90 EUR/day
- Off-season: 15–30 EUR/day
Note: In Cyprus, they drive on the left (British legacy). For many Polish drivers, this is a new experience — a few hours of adaptation.
Public Transport
The intercity bus network connects the main cities. One-way ticket:
- Larnaka → Limassol: approx. 3,5 EUR
- Limassol → Pafos: approx. 3 EUR
- Limassol → Nicosia: approx. 4 EUR
Local buses (within the city): 1,50 EUR per ride.
Taxi / Uber
- Uber operates in the main cities
- Taxi from Larnaca airport to the center: 20–35 EUR
- Pafos airport → Pafos center: 15–25 EUR
Attractions and Entertainment
Free Attractions
- Beaches: free entry (sun loungers and umbrella: 8–15 EUR per set)
- Cape Greco — walks in the park: free
- Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou): parking 2 EUR, entry free
- Old town in Nicosia — walk: free
Paid Attractions
- Kourion Site: 4,50 EUR
- Paphos Archaeological Park: 4,50 EUR
- Cyprus Museum: 4,50 EUR
- Royal Tombs (Paphos): 2,50 EUR
- Aphrodite or Fasouri Water Park: 25–35 EUR/adult
- Guided tour of the island: 45–80 EUR
Daily Budget — Summary of Three Styles
Budget (40–70 EUR/day/person)
- Hostel or cheap hotel: 20–30 EUR
- Food: souvlaki, supermarket, cheap taverns: 15–20 EUR
- Transport: bus + walking: 3–5 EUR
- 1 attraction per day: 4–10 EUR
Mid-Range (100–180 EUR/day/person)
- 3–4★ hotel with a pool: 45–90 EUR
- Food: hotel breakfast + tavern + ice cream: 35–50 EUR
- Car rental: 15–25 EUR (per person with 2 travelers)
- Attractions: 10–20 EUR
Luxury (250–500+ EUR/day/person)
- 5★ hotel or villa with a pool: 150–400 EUR
- Fine dining + wine: 80–150 EUR
- Private transfer or luxury car: 50–100 EUR
- VIP tours, spa, cruises: 100–200 EUR
Practical Tips — How to Save Money in Cyprus
- Eat like the locals — a tavern outside the center is 30–40% cheaper
- Car rental: book in advance online, not at the airport
- Season: April/May and October are the golden mean — warm and low prices
- Water: buy large bottles in a supermarket, don’t pay 2 EUR in a restaurant
- Supermarkets: Lidl and Sklavenitis have attractive prices and local products
- Happy hour: most bars on the promenade in Limassol have 2-for-1 drinks until 8:00 PM
Summary
Cyprus is affordable with careful planning. A couple traveling mid-range should budget 1400–2500 EUR for a 10-day stay (excluding flight costs). With a budget style, you can reduce it to 800–1200 EUR. Book your accommodation through CyprusBooker and start planning your Cypriot adventure!