Living in Limassol

Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus and the country’s centre for international business. It has the largest startup scene in the country and is ranked among the top 300 cities worldwide in the StartupBlink Ecosystem Index. Many international companies have offices here, and around a fifth of the city’s residents are foreign nationals, which gives Limassol a very metropolitan, international feel.

At the same time, it is a seaside city with long beaches, a lively old town, and cultural landmarks like Limassol Castle and the Cyprus Medieval Museum. The combination of a growing tech scene with Mediterranean food, mild weather, and an active cultural life makes Limassol one of the most attractive (but also most expensive!) cities to live in Cyprus.

Limassol is the most expensive city in Cyprus, and a single person can expect to spend around €2,500 per month, including rent, while a family of four will likely spend between €6,300 and €7,650. Rent is the biggest factor pushing costs up, especially in popular areas near the sea. Other expenses, like food, transportation, and utilities, are generally in line with the rest of the country. Higher living costs are mostly linked to the city’s international business presence and growing expat community, which are contributing to making Limassol an attractive but upscale place to live.

Limassol is Cyprus’s main tech hub and the centre of the country’s startup ecosystem. According to StartupBlink, the city is home to around 140 startups, which account for about 45% of all startups in Cyprus. Growth is expected to continue: Limassol posts the fastest projected CAGR for ICT spending among Cypriot districts, at 3.4% between 2025 and 2030.

International companies also have a strong presence. Firms such as Amdocs, Exness, Nexters, and Welltech have headquarters in the city and employ thousands of professionals in roles ranging from software engineering and IT support to marketing and compliance. This international atmosphere makes Limassol especially attractive for English-speaking professionals in tech, finance, and digital industries.

Outside the startup and ICT sectors, jobs in shipping, tourism, and financial services remain important. Limassol is the heart of Cyprus’s maritime industry and hosts the largest port in the country and a wide range of shipping companies. Tourism creates steady seasonal work, particularly in hospitality and events.

Rent in Limassol is expensive, compared to both Cypriot standards and other Western EU countries like France and Germany. A one-bedroom flat in the city averages around €1,600 per month, and larger homes in seafront villas like Germasogeia, Agios Tychonas, or Limassol Marina can go far higher. Prices reflect the strong presence of international companies and the city’s growing expat community, while the supply of long-term rentals isn’t keeping up with demand. Apartments are generally modern and well-equipped, but furnished options can cost up to 40% more. Many newcomers start their search online through platforms like Bazaraki or Home.cy, and others rely on real estate agents who specialise in working with expats.

Getting around Limassol is simple, though the city does not have trains or a metro. Public transport consists of urban and intercity buses, which connect the districts of Limassol and link the city with other major centres in Cyprus. The buses are modern, usually on time, and follow standard fares across the country.

That said, the easiest way to move around is by car, especially to areas outside the city that are less served by buses. Cycling is less common, but local authorities are taking steps to encourage it. The Limassol Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Municipality, has been running the CIVITAS Destinations project to promote more sustainable transport. Part of this effort includes improving public transport routes and ticketing, adding the possibility to carry bikes on buses, and encouraging both residents and foreigners to weave cycling into daily life.

Limassol is also celebrated for its scenic routes for recreational cycling. Popular options include the Limassol–Governors Beach road, a 25-kilometre route along the coast, and the Salt Lake Route to the Akrotiri peninsula, which is 7 kilometres one way.

Limassol doesn’t have an airport, but the city is served by both the Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and the Paphos International Airport (PFO). Both are less than 70 kilometres away from Limassol.

Limassol General Hospital is the largest hospital in the district, with 329 beds, 6 operating rooms, and a staff of more than 800 medical and nursing professionals. It is part of Cyprus’s General Healthcare System (GeSY), which covers all residents who contribute through salary or self-employment. Under GeSY, patients have access to GPs, specialists, hospital care, prescriptions, maternity services, and emergency treatment. Co-payments are modest—€6 to see a specialist with a referral, €25 without, €1 for prescribed medicines, and €10 for an emergency visit.

Dental and optical care are not included in GeSY, so many residents and expats choose private health insurance to access these services and to avoid long waiting times. Local private plans cost from about €60 per month for basic coverage. International providers such as Cigna, AXA, or Allianz usually range between €50 and €300 per month, depending on the level of coverage.