Overview
In 2026, Rhodes offers a unique living experience where medieval history and a sun-drenched island lifestyle meet a well-developed, year-round infrastructure. Unlike many smaller Greek islands that "shut down" in winter, Rhodes maintains a vibrant local life, supported by its role as a regional administrative capital and an international community. For residents, the city's identity is defined by the contrast between the high-energy UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and the modern, cosmopolitan conveniences of the new city.
Economically, Rhodes is highly appealing due to its status as a commercial hub, which keeps grocery and service prices more stable than on more remote islands. While summer tourism drives up costs in the short term, long-term residents benefit from affordable off-season rentals and a robust network of schools and healthcare facilities. It is a premier choice for those seeking a fully functional island base with reliable 5G, frequent flight connections, and a lifestyle that feels both historically deep and modernly connected.
Average Monthly Living Costs
Rhodes offers a unique rental market where year-round stability in the main city contrasts with high seasonal demand in coastal villages.
1-bedroom apartment in city center: €480–€650
1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €350–€500
3-bedroom apartment in city center: €800–€1,100
While the Medieval Old Town features historic properties with higher maintenance needs, the "New Town" and surrounding residential districts provide modern apartments with better energy efficiency. Long-term tenants can often secure lower rates by signing contracts during the winter off-season.
Utilities and Internet
Utility costs in Rhodes are slightly higher than on the mainland, primarily due to higher water rates and heavy reliance on air conditioning during the long summer season.
Electricity, Water, and Garbage (85sqm apartment): €160–€270
Fiber Internet (100–300 Mbps): €28–€45
Mobile Plan (Unlimited Data/Calls): €22–€35
While high-speed fiber is available in Rhodes Town and major hubs like Ialysos, more rural areas often rely on 5G fixed wireless or Starlink. As is standard in Greece, the electricity bill acts as a consolidated payment that includes municipal taxes and the national TV license fee.
Groceries and Food
Grocery and dining costs in Rhodes reflect its status as a major island destination. While prices for fresh, local produce remain reasonable, imported goods and supermarket staples are slightly higher than on the mainland because of shipping logistics.
Supermarket and Local Market Costs
Local residents often save money by avoiding tourist-oriented mini-markets and instead shopping at larger supermarket chains like MyMarket or Lidl on the outskirts of Rhodes Town. The island also hosts farmers' markets (laiki agora) where seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local honey are sold at lower rates.
Monthly Groceries (Single Person): €220–€330
Monthly Groceries (Family of Four): €580–€820
Fresh Milk (1 Liter): €1.50–€1.85
Loaf of Fresh Bread (500g): €1.20–€1.45
Dozen Eggs: €4.00–€4.60
Feta Cheese (1kg): €11.00–€14.50
Chicken Breast (1kg): €9.00–€11.50
Dining and Casual Food
Dining in Rhodes varies significantly between the Medieval City (Old Town) and the smaller villages of the interior. Many traditional tavernas offer regional specialties like pitaroudia (chickpea fritters) and local Rhodes wine at accessible prices.
Souvlaki or Gyros Wrap: €3.50–€4.50
Meal for One at an Inexpensive Taverna: €14.00–€20.00
Three-Course Dinner for Two (Mid-range): €50.00–€85.00
Freddo Espresso or Cappuccino: €3.50–€4.80
Prices for dining out can fluctuate based on the proximity to the harbor and major landmarks. Choosing family-run establishments in villages like Archangelos or Embonas often provides a more authentic experience at a lower cost compared to the high-traffic tourist zones.
Transportation
Rhodes relies primarily on a comprehensive bus network (RODA and KTEL) and taxis to connect the city with the rest of the island.
Monthly public transport pass: ~€45
Single bus ticket: ~€2.50
Taxi start fare: ~€5
In the historic center and town, many residents avoid car ownership because parking is notoriously difficult within the narrow medieval layout and fuel costs remain high compared to US standards.
Healthcare
Public healthcare is low-cost for residents, while private healthcare remains affordable by international standards.
Private doctor visit: €50–€80
Basic private insurance: €45–€120 per month
On the island, public healthcare is available but can be stretched thin during the high tourist season. Most long-term residents maintain private insurance to ensure immediate access to English-speaking specialists and private clinics within the town.
Estimated Monthly Total
The figures below represent the total all-in cost of living, including rent, utilities, groceries, health insurance, and modest social spending.
Single person (rent outside center): €1,150–€1,450
Couple (rent outside center): €1,750–€2,150
Central apartment lifestyle: €2,200+
These estimates exclude luxury spending and international travel.
How Rhodes Compares
Cheaper than "glamour" islands like Mykonos or Santorini
More expensive than mainland cities for imported goods and fuel
Comparable to Thessaloniki for general monthly spending
Rhodes offers a fully functional city environment on an island, though seasonal tourism can cause temporary price spikes in local services.
Seasonal Cost Changes
Rhodes experiences extreme seasonality; many long-term rentals are converted to high-priced Airbnbs from May to October, making housing scarce. While summer electricity costs are high for cooling, winter heating is less of a factor than on the mainland, though many local businesses close for the season.
Who Rhodes is Best For
Rhodes suits:
Retirees seeking a mild climate
Seasonal workers in the tourism sector
History enthusiasts
Digital nomads who prefer island life
It is ideal for people who want a balance of developed infrastructure and a multicultural expat community on a large, historically rich island.
Locals Insider Tip
Avoid the expensive tourist shops in the Old Town for your daily needs and instead head to the New Market (Nea Agora) or the local shops in Zefyros. To save on transport, consider a long-term scooter rental, which is the most efficient way to navigate the narrow streets of Rhodes and reach the quieter beaches without the premium cost of taxis or the limitations of bus schedules.
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Dodecanese
Rhodes is the administrative and cultural heart of this island group. Explore our overview of the "Twelve Islands" to understand the ferry routes and history that connect this region.
Kos
As the second-most popular island in the chain, Kos offers a similar mix of ancient history and sandy beaches, making it the most common next stop for those island-hopping from Rhodes.
Kalymnos
For a change of pace, Kalymnos offers a more rugged, authentic landscape famous for sponge diving and world-class rock climbing, located just a few hours north of Rhodes by ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in Rhodes year-round?
Yes, Rhodes is one of the few Greek islands with enough infrastructure and a large enough local population to remain active during the winter. While many tourist shops and beach resorts close in November, the main city and larger villages like Ialysos or Afandou stay fully operational with open supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants.
How is the healthcare on the island?
Rhodes has a large General Hospital and several private clinics, making it one of the better-equipped islands for medical needs. For specialized treatments, residents sometimes travel to Athens, but for standard healthcare and emergencies, the facilities on the island are reliable and used by the large permanent expat community.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
While the tap water in Rhodes is generally safe for showering and brushing teeth, it often has a high mineral content that many find unpleasant for drinking. Most residents and expats prefer to use a filtration system or purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking to avoid the "hard" water taste.
How expensive is it to get around?
Public buses (KTEL and RODA) are affordable and connect most major villages and beaches to Rhodes city. However, if you live outside the main hub, owning a car or scooter is almost essential for daily life. Fuel prices on the islands are typically slightly higher than on the mainland due to transportation costs.
Does it get cold in the winter?
Compared to northern Greece, Rhodes is very mild. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F), but the humidity from the sea can make it feel chillier than the thermometer suggests. Many older houses lack central heating, so residents typically rely on air conditioning units or electric heaters during the brief cold snaps in January and February.
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