Plan Your Budget: Cost of Living in North Macedonia for One Month

By Joel Hartz & Michelle Hartz | Last updated: November 18, 2025

Are you a digital nomad, slow traveler, or retiree searching for an affordable Non-Schengen destination? Let us guide you! We’ve been traveling full-time since 2019, embracing slow travel by staying 1-3 months in each destination to truly experience its culture.

Our goal is to help you seamlessly incorporate slow or full-time travel into your work or retirement life, creating a more fulfilling and abundant lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll share a clear breakdown of the cost of living in North Macedonia for digital nomads, part-time expats, or full-time travel enthusiasts like us. Discover what it takes to enjoy the beauty, cuisine, and culture of this charming Balkan country!

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Introduction

North Macedonia is a landlocked country located in the Balkan region of Southern Europe and outside of the Schengen Area at the time of writing this. If you’re one of our U.S. or Canadian readers you can arrive visa free for up to 90 days out of 180 with a valid passport. 

Map of Europe highlighting non-Schengen countries
North Macedonia Non-Schengen Map

We spent an entire month living in Macedonia, dividing our time between the stunning lakeside town of Ohrid and the vibrant capital city, Skopje. This was our very first visit to the country, and we absolutely fell in love with it. The charm of Macedonia, from its natural beauty to its rich history and welcoming locals, made a lasting impression on us. Without a doubt, we’re already thinking about returning for a longer stay to experience even more of what this incredible place has to offer.

Our visit happened to be in June, which turned out to be perfect timing. We arrived just as the country was transitioning into its high season, so while there was a noticeable buzz in the air, it didn’t feel overly crowded or overwhelming. It was the ideal balance with plenty of activity and energy, but still peaceful enough to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and get a real feel for the culture.

Map showing the border of Albania and North Macedonia
Tirana, Albania and Ohrid, North Macedonia

Before diving into the costs of living as a slow traveler, which tend to be higher than what locals might spend for long-term living, let us first explain how we come up with our budget estimates:

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, covering things like food, accommodations, and local transportation. We’re not factoring in costs for visas, travel to and from Macedonia, local medical insurance, or other typical expenses. Everything we share is based on a mix of our personal experience and research, so your actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.

Accommodations in North Macedonia

When planning your budget for a month in Macedonia, it’s important to consider the range of accommodation options available for short term travel. 

Short term apartment rental prices in North Macedonia can vary, depending on factors like location, size, season and how long you plan to stay. 

Apartment Rentals

Renting a furnished apartment can ultimately provide more comfort and save you money vs. hotels or hostels. Furnished rentals often include utilities like water, electric and wifi.

In Ohrid, we found prices for a one bed one bathroom apartment averages $350-$750 in the city center or within 10 – 15 min walk to the promenade. 

Since Ohrid is a resort town expect to pay higher prices during the tourist season which typically runs about mid June to September. If you’re booking on AirBNB expect to pay on the higher end of that price range.

In Skopje we found rents to be a little bit higher than in Ohrid. For a one bed one bathroom apartment prices average around $400-$850 in the city center for a short term rental. 

We suggest you explore short term rental options through local real estate agencies, Facebook groups, or online platforms like: Flatio.com (our preferred platform) VRBO, Booking.com. 

These can give you a better idea of available properties that fit within your budget. 

Hostel and hotel prices in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Hostel Options

Staying in hostels is another option which has the added opportunity to connect with fellow travelers from around the world. Hostels are not the budget friendly option that they once were in many countries, however in North Macedonia the good news is that they still are.

Some hostels include complimentary breakfast, helping to cut down on daily food expenses during your stay.

You can choose to stay in a hostel, although in our opinion it’s not ideal for stays longer than a week. A search on hostelworld.com in Ohrid shows prices ranging from $16 in a dormitory style room to $33 for a private room with a shared bathroom. 

Hotels

If you’re planning a short stopover in Skopje, booking a hotel is a great option. Skopje offers a wide range of hotels to fit various budgets and preferences. For instance, we found 4-star hotels starting as low as $65 per night, which is pretty reasonable for a comfortable and modern stay. On the higher end, you can enjoy a luxurious experience at a 5-star hotel for around $180 per night.

Over in Ohrid, hotel prices are even more affordable than Skopje. For a cozy stay, you can find 3-star hotels starting at around $34 per night. However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, there are beautiful 5-star hotels available for around $148 per night.

One quick note:

All foreign citizens must register with local police within 48 hours of arrival.

  • Hotels will register you on your behalf.
  • If you’re not staying in a hotel, travelers should register in person (the owner or landlord of the residence should accompany registrants) at the police station nearest to current lodgings.

During our stay our landlord registered us at the police station and gave us a copy of the form for our records. 

  • Any changes of address should be re-registered with the police station nearest the new address. Failure to do so could result in a misdemeanor, court procedures, a fine of up to 250 Euros, and a delayed departure.

Food and Dining

If you’re looking to save money during your time in Ohrid or Skopje, shopping at local markets and grocery stores is a great way to do so. Fresh produce, as well as meat from local butchers, is widely available at very reasonable prices, making it easy to enjoy fresh and delicious meals without overspending.

Groceries

We found that having breakfast at home is an easy way to cut down on daily expenses, and we often prepared some lunches at home as well. However, during our time in Ohrid, we dined out frequently, and as you’ll see from our budget breakdown, eating out is surprisingly affordable.

If you follow a similar routine and have most breakfasts and a few lunches at home while dining out 3-4 times a week for lunch or dinner, you can expect to spend around $350-$380 in total per month for two people. That breaks down to about $175-$190 per person. It’s a manageable cost that allows you to enjoy a mix of cooking at home and exploring the local food scene.

Grocery prices in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Eating Out in Restaurants

During our one-month stay in Macedonia, we found dining out to be very affordable. On average, we spent around $20 to $23 for dinner at a mid-range restaurant for two people, including a drink each, tax, and tip.

For a more upscale experience at a more high-end restaurant, you can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for two people, including drinks. If you’re in the mood for something quick and casual, fast food options like burgers or shawarma with drinks typically cost between $6 and $15 for two people.

Be sure to take advantage of the delicious and budget-friendly street food while you’re there! It’s not only easy on the wallet but also offers a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local food culture.

Restaurant prices in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Transportation

Getting around Ohrid and Skopje is simple and affordable, whether you choose to walk, use public transportation, or take a taxi.

Buses in Skopje

To ride the bus in Skopje, you’ll first need to purchase a bus card, which can be obtained at the central bus station for €.45. Once you have the card, a one-way bus trip costs just €.60. Buses offer a convenient and economical way to navigate the city.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis are a budget-friendly option in most cases, with an average cost of €1 for a 2 km ride and a starting fee of around €1. However, be aware of taxi scams, especially near the bus station in Skopje, where taxi drivers may try to overcharge. For example, we were quoted €5 for a 2 km ride that should have been half that price and opted to walk instead. To avoid these issues, stick to taxis at official stands.

In Skopje, you can use taxi apps like Wizi or Bee Ride, although we struggled to get Bee Ride to work during our stay. At the time of writing, there are no known rideshare services operating in Ohrid.

Walking

Walking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore both Ohrid and Skopje. Ohrid, with a population of about 42,000, is a small and compact resort town that is perfect for walking. In Skopje, many key sites are within walking distance. For instance, during our stay near the bus station, we walked to the central square in just 10–15 minutes.

Biking

Both Ohrid and Skopje pleasantly surprised us with their many bike paths. Cycling is a popular and efficient way to get around, and you’ll notice a lot of locals using bikes for their daily commute. If you enjoy biking, it’s a great way to explore these cities at your own pace.

Mobile Phone, Data, and Internet

As we wrap up the main costs, here are some additional details about staying connected while in Macedonia, including mobile phone plans, eSIM options, and internet speeds.

Mobile Phone and Data

To stay connected in Macedonia, getting a local SIM card offers great value for money and includes local calling minutes along with data.

  • Physical SIM Cards
  • Macedonian Telecom: €6.50 for 10 GB of data
  • A1 Macedonia: €1.30 for 1 GB of data

For plenty of data and local calls, Macedonian Telecom offers better value, while A1 Macedonia provides a smaller and cheaper option for light users.

eSIMs

If you prefer the convenience of not visiting a store, eSIMs are a good alternative as they let you conveniently connect to local data networks without the hassle of buying a physical SIM. Most are data only especially if you only need data. Here are a few eSIM options for North Macedonia:

  • Airalo: $12 gets you 5 GB of data with 30 days of service in North Macedonia only or 3 GB on the Europe plan which includes North Macedonia.
  • Sparks: $10 gets you 5 GB of data with 30 days of service in North Macedonia only. (sorry, no coupon code)
  • BNE Sim: $14 gets you 5 GB of data with 30 days of service in North Macedonia only. However speeds can vary.

Internet

Internet connectivity in Macedonia can be hit or miss, depending on the provider. While some offer fast and reliable speeds, others are inconsistent and slow. During our stay in Ohrid, for example, we faced persistent issues with connectivity at our accommodations and on A1’s mobile network. Multiple eSIM trials also indicated variable performance on the same network.

Typical speeds:

  • Download: 5 Mbps to 100+ Mbps
  • Upload: 1 Mbps to 35+ Mbps

To ensure you stay connected, it’s a good idea to verify Wi-Fi speeds and reliability directly with your accommodation before booking.

Entertainment and Leisure

Macedonia offers a range of affordable entertainment options, whether you’re looking for nightlife, cultural attractions, or outdoor activities. Both Ohrid and Skopje are laid-back and lively destinations where you can enjoy yourself without overspending.

Nightlife and Drinks

If you enjoy nightlife, both Ohrid and Skopje have lively options with bars, cafes, clubs, and even casinos (though gambling can get pricey). Pricing is reasonable, making it easy to enjoy a fun night out.

  • Ohrid Drink Prices:
    • Beer: $2.50–$4.00
    • Glass of wine: $2.50–$5.00
    Note: Expect restaurants along the waterfront in Ohrid to have slightly higher prices, as it’s a resort town.
  • Skopje Drink Prices:
    • Roughly the same as in Ohrid, or slightly cheaper in some areas.
Alcohol prices at restaurants in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Museums and Attractions

Both Ohrid and Skopje have several cultural and historical attractions worth exploring. Some experiences are free, while others are reasonably priced.

  • In Skopje:
    • Take a free walking tour, and be sure to tip your guide. Friends who took the tour found it excellent for learning about the city’s history and culture.
    • Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence: $5.50 per person.
    • Archaeological Museum of the Republic of Macedonia: $6.50 per person.
  • In Ohrid:
    • Explore the promenade, old town, several historical churches, and the fortress overlooking Lake Ohrid—many of these activities are free or cost very little.
    • Local festivals and events are a great way to dive into the culture. During our visit, we attended a free cultural festival with traditional singing and dancing.
    • Concerts in Ohrid are very affordable too. For example, a Lenny Kravitz concert was available at half the price compared to the same concert in the U.S.
One of many statues in Skopje North Macedonia

Outdoor Activities

Ohrid, with its stunning natural scenery, offers numerous outdoor adventures, mostly centered around its incredible lake and nearby national parks.

From enjoying affordable drinks at a lakeside bar in Ohrid, exploring Skopje’s fascinating museums, to outdoor adventures in Ohrid’s surrounding nature, Macedonia has something for every budget and interest.

Estimated Monthly Costs in Macedonia

For digital nomads, full-time travelers, or those planning an extended stay in Macedonia, here’s an estimate of monthly expenses for two people:

Standard Cost for Two People: $1,400–$1,600/month

This estimate includes:

  • Short-term apartment rental (such as Airbnb or similar).
  • Eating out 3–4 times per week.
  • Groceries for meals prepared at home.
  • Limited alcohol.
  • Local transportation.

This budget assumes higher-end accommodations typically found on platforms like Airbnb.

Budget Travelers: $1,250–$1,300+/month for two people

By opting for more affordable accommodations booked outside of platforms like Airbnb, budget travelers can reduce their expenses. Costs might be slightly higher depending on specific needs and lifestyle preferences.

Solo Travelers: $800–$1,000+/month

For solo travelers, especially those on a tighter budget, total monthly costs can range between $800 and $1,000. Opting for smaller shared accommodations or hostels can reduce costs further.

Additional Costs to Consider

  1. Travel Medical Insurance
    A vital expense for any traveler, but not included in these estimates because costs vary widely based on factors like your age, specific coverage needs, and whether you’re traveling abroad full-time or occasionally returning to your home country. Popular options include SafetyWing and Genki.
  2. VPN for WiFi Security
    Protect your data and banking information while traveling by investing in a reliable VPN service, such as NordVPN, Surfshark or similar providers, if you don’t already have one. This cost is separate and varies depending on the plan you choose.

Final Thought and Conclusion

Macedonia proves to be an affordable and budget-friendly destination for those looking to explore Ohrid and Skopje. The estimated monthly costs we’ve discussed provide a solid foundation for anyone seeking to embrace the country as a digital nomad, full-time traveler, or retiree. From enjoying local cuisine, exploring rich cultural landmarks, and partaking in outdoor adventures to managing basic living expenses, Macedonia offers a cost-effective lifestyle while still allowing for plenty of enjoyment.

Additionally, this country is an excellent non-Schengen option for travelers looking to reset their Schengen time and extend their stay in Europe. Its affordability and unique cultural charm make it an appealing destination for long-term stays.

We hope this guide gives you a clear idea of your basic monthly costs in North Macedonia and helps you plan your journey to Ohrid and Skopje. Of course, everyone’s budget will look a little different, and you’ll always have the flexibility to adjust your spending depending on your lifestyle or the duration of your stay. Whether you decide to spend more or less, Macedonia is sure to leave you with incredible experiences and lasting memories.

Happy Wandering!

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