Are you thinking of moving to Limassol? Then you have come to the right place! In this guide, we will cover everything from finding a home in Limassol to navigating costs and settling into this sunny city. Whether you are moving for studies, work, or simply to make a new start, this guide will help you with your relocation to Limassol.
Why move to Limassol?
Well first of all to take advantage of the sun! Limassol is one of the sunniest cities in Europe with over 3000 hours of sunshine per year. Limassol is also super close to some of the best beaches in Cyprus. Can you already see yourself relaxing there after a work day? But it also has a great nightlife and the job market is growing fast. It is truly a perfect mix of history, modern city life, and stunning beaches.
Another reason to move to Cyprus is the fact that people are very friendly and welcoming to expats. There is already a big expat community and English is spoken by most people. Compared to other European cities, living in Limassol is still affordable. Whether you are looking for career growth or a relaxed beach lifestyle, Limassol has the best of both worlds.
Weather in Limassol
As mentioned earlier, Limassol is the perfect place for sunshine lovers. The summers are long and hot, with temperatures around 30-35°C. But don’t be surprised if your thermometer displays even higher temperatures during the occasional heatwaves. So be prepared to sweat a lot and when looking for a place to live in Limassol, having an AC is a lifesaver.
Autumn and winter have milder weather with temperatures around 20-25°C. This makes it the perfect time to explore the island as it’s also less crowded.
Moving to Limassol with pets
If you are planning to move to Limassol with your pet, there are some extra measures that you need to take into account. Many landlords allow pets in the apartment but keep in mind that they might charge an extra fee for this. To avoid surprises, make sure to double-check that the pet policy is included in your rental contract. Your pet also needs to be microchipped, have up-to-date vaccinations and a valid travel passport. Once you arrive in Limassol, there are plenty of beaches, parks and even some cafes where you pet is more then welcome. For more information, feel free to check out our guide to moving abroad with pets in EU.
Finding an apartment in Limassol
Apartment hunting in Limassol
Finding a place to live in Limasson can be challenging, especially during the peak summer season (May – September). Our advice is to start looking for your place to live early, especially if you are on a tight budget. Your chances of finding a good deal are better during low season. Landlords might even be more open to negotiating prices and conditions, just make sure to not push too hard during negotiations.
Popular websites for apartments in Limassol are:
- Bazaraki.com: Most popular website to use for rentals
- Local Facebook groups: A great way to avoid agency fees and find apartments to share
- Real estate agents: Easier search, but remember that they charge a fee for their service
If you are moving to Limassol for work, a good option is to ask your employer for recommendations on where to live and where to search for rental options in Cyprus – they might even know some available places.
Rental contracts and costs
Once you have found the perfect place to live in Limassol, make sure to check your rental contract. Renting in Limassol is quite easy, but is always better to be safe than sorry. For most apartments, a two-month deposit is the standard. If anyone asks for more, that is definitely a red flag. And don’t pay anything before you have seen the place yourself.
To give you an idea about pricing, these are the average rent prices in Limassol:
- Studio apartment: From €400/month
- One-bedroom apartment: €550 – €700/month (prices will be higher near the beach)
- Two-bedroom apartment: €800 – €1200/month
Remember that most rental contracts don’t include utilities (electricity, internet, water). You should estimate spending around €100 – €150 per month for those in your budget. It’s also important to check the the maintenance fee in the clause. Some landlords try to pass all repair costs on to their tenants. Make sure you know what you have to pay for and that this is clearly stated in the contract. Lastly, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. So use your common sense when finding a place to live and you will be fine.
Best neigbourhoods to live in Limassol
Limassol is a safe city to live in. Prices vary depending on the neighbourhood. Locals recommend to avoid the city centre of Limassol as it gets quite crowded, noisy, and is a bit expensive. Here is a breakdown of areas that we would recommend to look for a place to live:
- Mesa Geitonia: A residential area just outside the city centre, but is well connected
- Kapsalos: It’s increasingly popular neighbourhood and close to the city centre
- Zakaki: An affordable area close to the beach, shops, and restaurants
- Ypsonas: A suburb of Limassol with all amenities close, but a little further away from the city centre
We recommend to start your adventure in Limassol in a hotel or Airbnb and check each area yourself to see where you feel comfortable. If you get a job through Job Squad, we can often help you get the first 14 days of hotel paid by your new company.
Costs of living in Limassol
Costs of moving to Limassol
When you are moving to Cyprus, keep in mind that you will have some initial costs like the flight ticket and temporary accommodation before you find a place to settle down in Limassol. As mentioned above, we can in many cases help you get reimbursement for your expenses from your new employer, when you get the job. In general, we recommend that you have savings of up to 3 times your monthly rent. So if your rent is €700 we say it would be good to have an extra €2000 in savings.
General expenses in Limassol
Living expenses in Limassol are higher than other cities in Cyprus, but it is still affordable to live there when you compare it to other European cities. Here is a breakdown of what your monthly budget might look like, apart from rent:
- Groceries: €200 – 300
- Eating out: €10 – 15 per meal
- Public transport: €1,50 per bus ride
- Gym membership: €40 – 60
- Healthcare: Private health insurance is around €30 – 100 (depending on coverage)
Registration in Limassol
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to live in Limassol, but if you are planning to stay more than 90 days you do have to get a residence permit (also known as the yellow slip), which is a proof of your legal stay. To register, you simply need to go to the Civil Registry and Migration Department or the local immigration office in Limassol. There, you submit your documents such as your passport, proof of employment or proof of financial means, and your address. After that, you can legally stay in Limassol.
Living in Limassol
Once you are settled in your new apartment it is time to enjoy everything that Limassol has to offer. Go to Limassol Castle and the Cyrpus medieval museum to get knowledge of the country’s history and culture. If you want to check out the nightlife, go to Yermasoyia where you will find tons of clubs playing everything from R&B to salsa and retro beats. Limassol is also the perfect place for foodies, and you have to try the traditional mezze, grilled halloumi, and moussaka. Also, don’t forget to take a sip of Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest wines.
Ready to move to Limassol?
With its sunny weather, friendly people, great food, and affordable prices you will quickly feel at home in Limassol. Take your time to find the right apartment by going for walks in each neighbourhood, and simply enjoy everything that Limassol has to offer.
Looking for a job in Limassol? Check out our vacancies and start your new adventure with a job abroad.