

The hunger threshold for a family of four in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has increased to 29,787 Turkish Lira (TL) as of April 2025, marking a significant rise of 1,463 TL compared to March. This figure, calculated by the Cyprus Turkish Civil Servants Union (KTAMS), represents the minimum monthly expenditure required for a family to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
KTAMS’ calculations are based on dietary guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health’s Department of Inpatient Healthcare Institutions and the average food prices reported by the TRNC Statistical Institute. The breakdown of monthly food expenses is as follows:
- Adult male: 7,378.80 TL
- Adult female: 6,990 TL
- Child aged 15–19: 7,716.60 TL
- Child aged 4–6: 5,136.90 Tl
These figures underscore the growing financial challenges faced by households in the TRNC, where inflation and rising living costs continue to outpace income growth. KTAMS has highlighted the urgent need for policy interventions to address the widening gap between wages and the cost of living, aiming to alleviate the economic strain on families and improve overall living standards.
As the TRNC grapples with these economic pressures, the latest hunger threshold serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive fiscal reforms and targeted social assistance programs to support vulnerable populations.