Choosing a city is primarily choosing a budget. Limassol is about twice as expensive as Larnaca on rent, but that is where the jobs, the international community and the schools are concentrated.
Comparison
| City | 1BR rent | Budget for one person |
|---|---|---|
| Limassol | €1 000–1 600 | €1 800–2 800 |
| Paphos | €500–1 000 | €1 350–1 950 |
| Larnaca | €500–815 | €1 200–1 800 |
| Nicosia | €600–700 | €1 200–1 800 |
Limassol
An international business hub for IT, fintech and shipping. It has the most jobs, the largest expat community and a wide choice of international schools and kindergartens. The main drawbacks are high rents and traffic. Larnaca airport is 45–60 minutes away.
Larnaca
The airport is 5–10 minutes away, the pace is calm, there is the Finikoudes seafront and rents are 40–50% cheaper than in Limassol. An increasingly popular choice for remote workers. The downside is far fewer local jobs and almost no international schools.
Paphos
A slow pace, a large British and a growing international community. Its own airport, cheaper than Limassol, beautiful countryside nearby. The downsides: few jobs locally, about an hour to Limassol, and noticeably quieter in winter.
Nicosia
The capital: ministries, the central migration office, corporate headquarters and universities. Rents are 25–40% cheaper than in Limassol and life runs all year rather than by season. The main drawback is no sea and summers several degrees hotter, up to +44 °C.