For yet another election campaign, as polling day approaches, mobilisation intensifies among all candidates and parties seeking better results and election. In Cyprus, apart from advertising in the media, print and online, as well as the now countless videos on social media, candidates and their parties invest substantial sums in large advertising billboards, both inside and outside cities.
Large billboards have in recent days been filled with the faces and campaign slogans of candidates. In many cases, candidates focus their campaigns heavily on this type of advertising and appear on every corner of a district, sometimes prompting negative reactions.
Prices for every taste
Politis contacted various companies offering such advertising billboards across Cyprus to determine the cost of this type of campaign and any particular conditions involved.
It should first be noted that prices vary depending on location and size, making it difficult to draw a general conclusion. Motorway billboards are usually more expensive than those in cities, with the exception of prime urban locations, where rental costs increase significantly.
According to data obtained, the cost for a small billboard on the Nicosia–Limassol motorway starts at €600 and can reach €1,000 to €1,500 for larger ones, with prices referring to one month of use. This does not include printing and installation, which is estimated at around €500. In some motorway locations, the combination of large size and premium placement can push the price up to €2,000 per month.
Within cities, the monthly cost for small billboards starts at €500, while in prime locations, especially in Nicosia and Limassol, there are cases where prices reach €1,500 for just 15 days. Indicatively, in Limassol, a medium‑sized 4x10m billboard currently costs €1,000 per month.
Electronic billboards are slightly more expensive in rental terms, but advertisers save significant costs as there is no printing or installation expense. In all cases, the cost of design is not included.
Discounts and 'workarounds'
As billboard operators and owners explained, it is common for candidates to secure better prices if the cooperation is long‑term, over two or three months, or involves multiple billboards.
It is also common practice for costs to be paid by “friends” of candidates. Operators stated, however, that they provide all information required by law to the Audit Office for expenditure checks.
While there is a perception that the election period enables billboard companies to make “easy money”, companies in the sector say costs are higher because billboards are usually leased under long‑term contracts. High printing and installation costs also act as a deterrent, with many candidates opting for fewer billboards for longer periods.
In addition, many candidates turn to advertising agencies that offer comprehensive packages covering all services, offering varied pricing due to partnerships.
If only it were just billboards
Cypriot law stipulates that campaign spending by a parliamentary candidate must not exceed €30,000. This figure includes not only billboards but also banners placed throughout cities, a far cheaper option, and tens of thousands of leaflets and cards printed.
Thousands of euros are also spent on social media, while this year’s election campaigns, with heavy use of video, further increase costs. The €30,000 budget also includes the rental and operation of campaign offices, election events and advertising placements in print and online media.
