Exploring the Cost of Living in Skopje, Macedonia
We took a 50 BGN (£22) 6-hour bus ride from Sofia to Skopje with just one hiccup at the border. On the Bulgarian side, the customs officer suspiciously scrutinized everyone’s luggage. Unfortunately, he particularly targeted the only guy of color on the bus. Luckily, everyone made it over safely, and the passenger shrugged it off, noting he had experienced far worse border crossings.
Upon arrival at the Skopje bus station, I noticed it was quite run-down, which I actually appreciated. Walking out, I was greeted by an intriguing piece of graffiti. I found myself yearning for more graffiti after experiencing Sofia, as I associate a lack of street art with oppressive regimes and a lack of community expression. It seems that in such environments, local voices are often stifled.
It was an incredibly hot day in September, and as we stood there, the heat was almost unbearable. Unexpectedly, I had a moment of cognitive dissonance as red double-decker buses appeared before me in Skopje, which was far from what I expected to see in the city.
A local youth warned us we would need an app to catch the bus, but I confidently ignored her, assuming cash would suffice. As it turned out, the driver let me on for free. It seemed the usual fare system didn’t apply here, which is a curious aspect of the Balkans. My friend also managed to sneak on without paying, much to my amusement.
Once off the bus, I felt elated for scoring a free ride. We dragged our luggage two blocks to our airbnb, where an unorthodox setup awaited us: the host left the key in the letterbox, allowing for a seamless check-in. This arrangement suited me just fine, as I generally prefer minimal interaction with landlords.
The apartment was surprisingly spacious with separate bedrooms and an ample kitchen, though it had an outdated and noisy fridge. Even the bathroom, painted in my preferred mint green color, featured a bath that added a touch of comfort. For £386 a month, this deal, including all bills, was a refreshing contrast to an earlier consideration of moving to Bristol, where rent prices soared to £600 for a shared room.
Initially, the apartment felt like home. However, as time progressed, Tamás became increasingly displeased as the gloomy weather began to set in, revealing that the summer apartment lacked adequate heating. Optimistically, I appreciated the greenery visible from my room and a captivating piece of street art titled ‘Neuspesna Kopulacija’ (which means “failed copulation”).
Despite my personal attachment to the place, we ended up finding a more optimal living arrangement as the weather cooled. Nearby, we discovered several vegan restaurants within a short walking distance, as well as the city’s vibrant Old Bazaar, a must-see in Skopje.
With an abundance of pomegranates and kiwi growing throughout the city, it feels as though Skopje is a natural paradise, striking a perfect balance between urban life and nature. Every day in Skopje presented new delights, from the lively markets to enjoying the simple beauty of street art.
In summary, our first month in Skopje was filled with lessons, discoveries, and an appreciation for affordable living. The overall cost of living in Skopje is relatively low compared to many Western cities, which allowed us to enjoy local experiences without breaking the bank.
Overall, Skopje offers an array of affordable and enriching experiences. The coincidences and surprises ensure that every day here can venture into something new and exciting. The captivating lifestyle and savings on everyday expenses make living in Skopje not just possible, but truly enjoyable.
