Skopje (Macedonia) remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations. From food to transport to accommodation, prices here are much lower than in the West. But one area where the difference is most striking is beer.
Whether you’re relaxing with a draft in a bar in Skopje’s Old Bazaar or grabbing a few bottles from the local supermarket, the cost of beer in Macedonia is among the cheapest on the continent.
Average Beer Prices in Macedonia
- In a bar/restaurant: €1.50 – €2.00 for a 0.5L draft
- In a supermarket: €0.60 – €0.80 for a 0.5L bottle
That’s less than what you’d spend on a coffee in Rome or Berlin.
How Macedonia Compares to the Rest of Europe
| Country | Beer in Bar (0.5L) | Beer in Supermarket (0.5L) |
|---|---|---|
| Macedonia | €1.50 – €2.00 | €0.60 – €0.80 |
| Serbia | €2.00 – €2.50 | €0.80 – €1.00 |
| Romania | €2.50 – €3.00 | €0.80 – €1.00 |
| Turkey | €3.00 – €4.00 | €1.20 – €1.50 |
| Greece | €4.00 – €5.00 | €1.00 – €1.30 |
| Germany | €4.00 – €5.00 | €0.90 – €1.20 |
| Italy | €5.00 – €6.00 | €1.20 – €1.50 |
| France | €6.00 – €7.00 | €1.50 – €2.00 |
| UK | €6.00 – €7.00 | €1.80 – €2.50 |
| Norway | €9.00 – €11.00 | €2.50 – €3.50 |
When you see Macedonia’s prices against some of the most expensive beer countries in Europe, it becomes clear why travelers are surprised at just how affordable it is here.
Why Is Beer So Cheap in Macedonia?
There are three main reasons:
Lower taxes: Excise duties on alcohol are far below Western European levels.
Local production: Most of the beer consumed is Macedonian, avoiding heavy import costs.
Overall cost of living: Rent, wages, and operating costs are lower, so the markup on beer stays low.
The result is a pint in Macedonia that costs a fraction of what you’d pay in Rome, Paris, or London.
The Best Local Beers to Try
Skopsko: The national beer and by far the most popular. A pale lager with a smooth taste, available everywhere.
Zlaten Dab: Another widely available lager, slightly stronger with a fuller body.
Gorsko: A lesser-known option but known for its crisp, refreshing finish.
Craft Beers: Breweries like Temov and Old Town Brewery in Skopje offer locally brewed craft varieties for those who want something different.
The Cost of a Night Out: Skopje vs. Europe
To put things into perspective, let’s compare what an average night out costs in Skopje against other cities.
Assume four beers in a bar and a basic meal.
| City | 4 Beers + Meal |
|---|---|
| Skopje | ~€12 – €15 |
| Belgrade | ~€18 – €22 |
| Bucharest | ~€20 – €25 |
| Berlin | ~€40 – €45 |
| Rome | ~€45 – €50 |
| London | ~€55 – €65 |
| Oslo | ~€75+ |
For the cost of one night out in London, you could go out five times in Skopje.
This is why Macedonia has become increasingly attractive to digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers—it’s not just cheap, it’s sustainably cheap without sacrificing quality.
A Traveler’s Perspective
Macedonia’s beer prices make it possible to enjoy nights out without worrying about the bill.
A couple of friends can share several rounds of beer for less than the price of a single pint in Oslo or London.
And for those staying longer, supermarket prices make it easy to stock the fridge without spending much at all.
It’s not just about the price, though. Drinking a Skopsko in Skopje’s Old Bazaar, surrounded by centuries of history, feels very different from paying €10 for a pint in Northern Europe.
Here, the affordability enhances the experience rather than takes away from it.
For anyone traveling through the Balkans, Macedonia is one of the best value beer destinations in Europe.
Between cheap bar prices, even cheaper supermarket options, a growing craft scene, and an overall low cost of living, it’s easy to see why so many travelers and expats consider Skopje one of the last great budget secrets of Europe.
This guide was first published on August 18, 2025 and was last updated on August 18, 2025. For more information, please contact us at contact@skopjeguide.com.