Is Skopje expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Skopje is one of the cheapest capitals in Europe, cheaper than Belgrade or Sofia for many things and far cheaper than Western Europe. A budget day is about 2,200 MKD per person, mid-range about 4,800 MKD and comfort about 10,300 MKD; hotels and restaurant meals with wine are the main costs, while sights and transport are very cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | MKD1,000 | MKD2,200 | MKD4,500 |
| Food & drink | MKD900 | MKD1,800 | MKD3,500 |
| Sights & tickets | MKD200 | MKD500 | MKD1,500 |
| Local transport | MKD100 | MKD300 | MKD800 |
| Per person, per day | MKD2,200 | MKD4,800 | MKD10,300 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Skopje day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Burek with yoghurt for breakfast | roughly 80–150 MKD |
| Portion of kebapi in the Old Bazaar | about 250–400 MKD |
| Tavče gravče (baked beans) | roughly 200–350 MKD |
| Glass of Vranec wine | about 150–250 MKD |
| City bus ride | about 35–50 MKD |
| Vodno cable car, return | about 100–150 MKD |
| Full meal with wine in Debar Maalo | about 800–1,500 MKD |
| Mid-range hotel near Macedonia Square | about 3,500–6,000 MKD |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost, though still low by European standards. Restaurant meals with wine or rakija come next, and the restaurants on Macedonia Square charge more than the Old Bazaar or Debar Maalo. Sights cost little: the Kale Fortress and Mother Teresa Memorial House are free, and museum tickets are a few hundred denars at most. Taxis are cheap and metered, and the airport bus costs about 175 MKD. Hotels add a small tourist tax per person per night.
When it is cheaper
Prices are low all year; hotels can be a little cheaper in winter and in the hot weeks of July and August, when many residents leave for Ohrid.
How to spend less
- Eat burek with yoghurt for breakfast and kebapi in the Old Bazaar for lunch.
- Eat in the Old Bazaar or Debar Maalo rather than on Macedonia Square.
- Take the Vardar Express bus from the airport (about 175 MKD) instead of a taxi.
- Ask for prices and the bill in denars, not euros.
- Change money at exchange offices in town, not at the airport.
- Take city bus 60 to Matka Canyon rather than a taxi.
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Common questions
Is Skopje expensive?
No, it is one of the cheapest capitals in Europe.
How much does a day in Skopje cost?
About 2,200 MKD per person on a budget, 4,800 MKD mid-range and 10,300 MKD in comfort.
Can I pay in euros in Skopje?
Some hotels and places accept euros, but you get a better deal paying in denars.