Cost of living rises by 3.17% in July, led by increases in restaurants and hotels

North Cyprus, August 5, 2025 — The Statistics Department has announced that the cost of living in July rose by 3.17% compared to the previous month. 

The data, published monthly as part of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) based on the 2015=100 baseline, also showed an increase of 21.52% since December 2024 and 35.33% compared to July last year.

Highest Price Surge in Restaurants and Hotels

Among the main spending categories, the largest monthly increase was recorded in the Restaurants and Hotels group, which rose by 13.32%. Other significant monthly increases included:

-Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco: 5.04%

- Health: 4.61%

- Transport: 3.01%

- Miscellaneous Goods and Services: 2.95%

- Communication: 2.23%

- Furniture, Household Equipment, and Maintenance: 1.86%

- Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels: 1.78%

- Recreation and Culture: 1.74%

- Education: 1.49%

- Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: 1.27%

In contrast, the Clothing and Footwear category saw a decline of 0.44%, the only group to record a price drop compared to the previous month.

Notable Changes in Product Prices

Out of the 466 items tracked in the index:

-391 items saw an increase in average prices

-75 items recorded a decrease in average prices

The highest individual price increases were observed in:

1. Fresh green beans — up 96.43%

2. Cucumbers — up 87.25%

3. Red cabbage — up 63.73%

Meanwhile, the biggest price drops were noted in:

1. Eggplant — down 48.46%

2. Plums — down 38.28%

3. Melons — down 38.06%

The overall data signals continued upward pressure on consumer prices, with food and hospitality-related expenses showing the most pronounced increases.