North Macedonia🇲🇰
At a Glance
How North Macedonia compares across key indices
Cost of Living
35 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
59/100
Healthcare
56/100
Quality of Life
128/200
Climate
80/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in North Macedonia
Cost of Living
35
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
7
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
34
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
29
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Bitola
Cheapest$844/mo
Tetovo
$1,001/mo
Skopje
$1,094/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in North Macedonia — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
59/100
Crime Index
41/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
61/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
19 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 368 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in North Macedonia
North Macedonia has 3 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $844 in Bitola to $1,094 in Skopje. Skopje leads on safety, scoring 54/100. Skopje ranks highest for quality of life at 117/200.
Bitola
$844/mo
Skopje
54/100
Skopje
117/200
Skopje
55/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitola | $844 | — | — | — | 59 |
| Tetovo | $1,001 | — | — | — | 95 |
| Skopje | $1,094 | 54/100 | 117/200 | 55/100 | 82 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for North Macedonia
Healthcare Index
56/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 133 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in North Macedonia
Pollution Index
77/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 523 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in North Macedonia
Average One-Way Commute
24minutes
Short
Traffic Index
85
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
72
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
2.2kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 75 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in North Macedonia, answered with data
What is the cost of living in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia has a cost of living index of 35 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $844 in Bitola and reach $1,094 in Skopje.
What is the cheapest city in North Macedonia for expats?
Bitola is the most affordable city in North Macedonia with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $844 for a single person including rent. Tetovo is the next most affordable at $1,001/mo.
Is North Macedonia safe for expats?
North Macedonia has a safety index of 59/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Skopje scores highest on safety at 54/100.
What is the best city in North Macedonia for expats and digital nomads?
Skopje ranks highest for quality of life in North Macedonia, scoring 117/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,094/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Bitola offers the lowest monthly costs at $844/mo.
How good is healthcare in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia scores 56/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is North Macedonia cheaper than the United States?
Yes. North Macedonia's cost of living is roughly 65% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 93% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia has a pollution index of 77/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
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