Cost of Living in Greece: A Complete Guide for Those Considering Making the Move
- Greece Media
- Sep 28
- 12 min read
Greece is not only famous for its islands, ancient history, and Mediterranean cuisine. It is also a country that many people consider moving to for its quality of life and relatively affordable costs compared to much of Europe.
However, cost of living is always relative. What feels affordable to someone earning in U.S. dollars or northern European salaries can feel very different to Greeks earning local wages. To understand daily life in Greece, it helps to first look at the economic context.
Economic Context and Incomes in Greece
While everyday prices may appear manageable to foreigners, salaries in Greece remain lower than in most Western countries.
Average salary: The average net monthly income in Greece is around €900–€1,000.
Minimum wage: As of 2025, the minimum wage is about €830 gross per month (roughly €710 net).
Public sector jobs: Teachers, office staff, and many civil servants earn close to the national average, making budgets tight.
Skilled professionals: Lawyers, engineers, and IT specialists typically earn €2,000–€4,000 per month.
Doctors: Public hospital doctors earn closer to €2,000–€3,000, while private specialists can make €3,000–€6,000 per month.
This gap between wages and expenses explains why many Greeks rely on inherited housing or shared family arrangements. For expats with foreign income, however, Greece often feels much more affordable.
What Is the Average Cost of Living in Greece?
The cost of living in Greece is lower than in many Western European countries. On average, a single person may need around €800 to €1,200 per month not including rent, while a family of four may spend between €2,500 and €3,500 per month.
Rent is typically the largest expense for newcomers and expats, but many Greek families avoid this cost because they live in homes that have been owned by their family for generations. Inherited property is common, which means a significant part of the population does not pay monthly rent or carry a mortgage. This makes the actual cost of living for locals feel lower than it would for someone arriving from abroad and renting on the open market.
Food and transportation are usually the next biggest expenses, though costs vary depending on whether you live in Athens, Thessaloniki, a smaller mainland town, or on the islands.
How Much Does Housing Cost in Greece?
Housing costs in Greece vary dramatically depending on location, size, and whether you’re renting or buying. Unlike groceries or utilities, there isn’t a “standard” number — the spread is huge.
Apartments outside Athens: In smaller towns or villages, it’s still possible to find simple one-bedroom apartments for €200–€350 per month.
Athens city center: Rents for a one-bedroom typically range from €500–€750, though renovated or luxury units can go higher.
Athens suburbs: Affluent suburbs like Glyfada, Kifisia, or Vouliagmeni are among the most expensive, with one-bedroom apartments often starting around €1,200 and going up to €1,700 or more.
Thessaloniki: Slightly cheaper than Athens, with one-bedroom apartments usually in the €400–€650 range.
Islands: Tourist-heavy islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros are highly seasonal, during summer, rents can easily double or triple. By contrast, smaller, less touristic islands remain affordable.
It’s important to note that many Greek families don’t pay rent or mortgages at all, because property ownership is often passed down through generations. This is one of the reasons locals can manage on salaries that might seem low compared to everyday costs. For expats and newcomers renting on the open market, housing will almost always be the single largest expense.
When buying property, Greece is still cheaper than much of Europe. In Athens, apartments typically cost €1,800–€2,500 per square meter, while smaller towns can be significantly lower. On luxury islands, however, prices can rival Western Europe.
How Much Does Food Cost in Greece?
Food is one of the pleasures of living in Greece, and while it can be affordable, prices vary depending on where and how you shop. The Mediterranean diet, fresh vegetables, olive oil, bread, and seafood, is not only healthy but also widely accessible.
Grocery Prices
Supermarkets carry both local and imported goods. Local items such as olive oil, fresh vegetables, and bread are inexpensive compared to imports like cereals, packaged snacks, and branded products. Shopping at farmers’ markets (laikí agora) is often cheaper and provides fresher produce than supermarkets.
Typical prices include:
Bread (loaf): €1.20
Milk (1 liter): €1.40
Eggs (12): €3.50
Chicken (1 kg): €7.00
Olive oil (1 liter): €6.00
Fresh vegetables (per kg): €1.50–€2.50
For comparison, groceries overall feel similar in price to the U.S. or other developed countries, especially for packaged items. The savings come when buying locally grown produce or Greek staples.
Eating Out
Dining out is central to Greek culture, and options range from very inexpensive to high-end.
Gyro or souvlaki wrap: €3.50–€4.50
Coffee at a café: €2.00–€5.00
Meal at a taverna: €12–€18 per person
Mid-range restaurant for two: €40–€60
Fine dining: Higher, especially in tourist hotspots
Casual meals are accessible daily habits for locals, while sit-down dining in central Athens or on the islands can quickly add up, often matching U.S.-style pricing.
If you’re content with a steady gyro diet, you could get by quite cheaply, with filling meals at around €4 each.
What Are Utility Costs in Greece?
Utility costs in Greece depend on household size, building age, and the season. Summers push electricity bills higher due to air conditioning, while winters bring additional heating costs.
Electricity: €80–€150 per month, higher in summer if air conditioning runs daily.
Heating: €100–€200 per month in winter, depending on location and whether you use oil, gas, or electric systems.
Internet: Around €30 per month for high-speed connections.
Water: €15–€25 per month, typically stable year-round.
Newer apartments with better insulation and energy-efficient systems can help keep costs lower, while older buildings may see much higher seasonal bills.
If you rent an older flat in Athens without modern insulation, expect to spend noticeably more in both summer and winter.
How Much Does Transportation Cost in Greece?
Transportation costs vary depending on whether you rely on public transport or own a car. Public options in Greece are inexpensive, while car ownership can become one of the costlier monthly expenses.
Public transport in Athens: A standard ticket for metro, bus, or tram is €1.20, valid for 90 minutes of unlimited travel.
Monthly transport pass: €27 in Athens, covering most urban routes.
Taxis: Base fare starts at €3.50, with €0.90 per km added to the fare.
Owning a car comes with significantly higher costs:
Petrol: €1.85–€2.00 per liter, which equals roughly $7.40–$8.00 per gallon in USD.
Insurance and road taxes: €500–€800 per year combined.
Maintenance and repairs: Varies, but expect similar or slightly lower costs than in the U.S.
For many locals, especially in major cities, public transport covers most needs at a fraction of the cost of driving.
If you stick to metros, buses, and trams, transportation in Greece is one of the few categories where you’ll spend much less than in the U.S.
Considering Conversion Rates
When looking at the cost of living in Greece, it is important to remember that €1 does not equal $1. Exchange rates change, but if the rate is around 1.2, a €12 lunch will cost closer to $15–16, not $12. Many visitors and new expats misjudge prices when they assume euros and dollars are equal, especially at the gas station. Petrol may show €1.85–€2.00 per liter, which can look reasonable if you mistake it for a gallon price. In reality, one gallon equals 3.78 liters, so that €1.85 per liter works out to about €7.40 per gallon. With a 1.2 exchange rate, that is closer to $8 per gallon in U.S. dollars. Filling a tank can easily run €80–€100, which means roughly $95–$120.
Daily shopping and dining out often feel similar in price to other developed countries, including the United States. The major difference comes from housing, which is much lower in Greece. This helps balance out the overall cost of living for those who move to the country.
If you are moving from the United States, always factor in the exchange rate when budgeting, otherwise everyday costs may be higher than you expect.
How Much Is Healthcare in Greece?
Healthcare in Greece is a mix of public and private services, and costs are generally lower than in the United States and much of Western Europe.
Public healthcare is accessible through the national system, with minimal costs for residents. Visits to state hospitals and doctors often involve only small fees.
Private healthcare is more expensive but usually faster. A standard visit to a private doctor ranges from €40–€70.
Private insurance plans start around €50 per month, and higher-tier coverage is available for those who want expanded benefits.
Pharmacies are common, and many medicines cost noticeably less than in other developed countries.
For most expats, combining public services with occasional private visits provides a good balance of affordability and convenience.
Healthcare in Greece is reliable, and although wait times can be longer in the public system, costs remain much lower than in the U.S.
Cost of Everyday Services in Greece
Beyond housing, food, and transport, everyday services in Greece are priced similarly to other developed countries. These costs will not surprise most expats coming from the United States or Western Europe.
Haircuts: €10–€30 for a simple men’s cut, about the same as in the U.S.
Beauty services: Manicures, pedicures, and basic salon visits cost €20–€40.
Dry cleaning and laundry: Around €2–€3 per shirt, and €8–€12 for suits or dresses.
Pet care: Routine veterinary visits range from €30–€50, with specialized treatments costing more.
Fitness and wellness: Gym memberships average €35–€60 per month, similar to major U.S. cities.
While prices may dip slightly in smaller towns, overall these everyday services match what you would pay in most other developed countries.
If you are budgeting for life in Greece, remember that savings usually come from lower housing costs, not from everyday services.
How Much Does Entertainment and Leisure Cost in Greece?
Entertainment in Greece is moderately priced, with plenty of options for both locals and visitors. From movies to nightlife, costs are generally lower than in Northern Europe, but similar to what you might expect in the United States.
Cinema ticket: €8–€10
Museum entry: €6–€15 (many museums offer free days or discounts for students and seniors)
Fitness club membership: €35–€60 per month
Nightlife: Drinks at a bar cost €6–€9, and cocktails range from €10–€14
Cultural life in Greece is vibrant. Concerts, theater, and festivals are available year-round, often at prices that make them accessible to most people.
Leisure activities in Greece are affordable compared to many other European countries, giving you access to culture, nightlife, and fitness without breaking your budget.
Education Costs in Greece
Education in Greece is free in the public system, but families who prefer private or international schooling will face additional costs.
Public schools: Tuition is free for residents, but families often spend on books, supplies, and tutoring.
Private schools: Fees vary, with many ranging from €4,000–€8,000 per year depending on the level and location.
International schools: The most expensive option, often chosen by expats, with costs between €7,000–€15,000 per year.
Public schools are common for most Greek families, while private and international schools are more popular among expats and wealthier locals.
For families moving to Greece, education costs can remain very low in the public system, but international schooling can quickly become one of the largest annual expenses.
Taxes and Social Security in Greece
When planning the cost of living in Greece, it is important to understand how taxes and social contributions affect income.
Income tax: Greece uses a progressive system. Rates start at 9 percent for lower income levels and rise to 44 percent for the highest brackets.
Social security: Contributions are mandatory for employees and employers. Employees pay around 15 percent of their salary, while employers contribute a larger share.
Property tax: Homeowners pay an annual property tax known as ENFIA, which varies depending on property size and location.
For locals, these deductions reduce the net monthly salary and shape how households manage their budgets. Expats earning income from abroad may not face the same contributions, depending on residency status and tax treaties.
Taxes in Greece are not among the highest in Europe, but combined with modest salaries, they make household budgeting tighter for locals than for many foreigners earning outside income.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Athens vs Other Cities?
The cost of living in Greece depends heavily on location. Athens is the most expensive city, followed by Thessaloniki, while smaller towns and villages are much cheaper.
Athens: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center usually costs €500–€750, while in upscale suburbs such as Glyfada or Kifisia, prices can exceed €1,200–€1,700. Dining, entertainment, and transport also run higher in the capital.
Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city is slightly more affordable, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranging from €400–€650. Food and daily costs are also marginally lower.
Smaller cities: Patras, Larissa, and Volos offer noticeably cheaper housing and lower daily expenses, making them more budget-friendly for families and students.
Islands: Crete and Rhodes remain reasonably priced for long-term living, but tourist-heavy destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini are much more expensive, particularly in summer.
Living in Athens offers the most opportunities, but also comes with higher costs. Smaller towns and non-tourist islands can cut monthly expenses significantly.
What Is the Cost of Living in Greece for Retirees?
Many retirees find Greece appealing because of its relaxed lifestyle, Mediterranean climate, and lower housing costs compared to their home countries.
A retired couple can usually live comfortably on €2,000–€2,500 per month in most areas of Greece. This budget includes rent, food, healthcare, and leisure. Smaller towns and villages allow for even lower costs, while popular islands or upscale areas of Athens can be higher.
Retirees benefit from Greece’s slower pace of life and affordable access to fresh food and cultural activities. For those with pensions or savings from abroad, Greece can provide a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of northern Europe or the United States.
Tips for Saving Money While Living in Greece
Even though Greece is affordable compared to much of Europe, smart choices can make daily life easier on your budget.
Shop at local farmers’ markets (laikí agora). Fresh produce is often cheaper and better quality than supermarket items.
Use public transport instead of relying on taxis or cars. Monthly passes are inexpensive and cover most needs in major cities.
Live outside city centers for lower rent. Suburban or smaller town housing is often half the price of central Athens.
Eat at neighborhood tavernas instead of tourist restaurants. Prices are lower and the food is often more authentic.
Take advantage of free admission days at museums and cultural sites. Many offer discounts for seniors and residents.
These habits help keep costs manageable while allowing you to enjoy the Greek lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living in Greece
Is the cost of living in Greece cheaper than in the United States?
Yes, overall the cost of living in Greece is lower than in the United States, mainly due to cheaper housing. Everyday expenses like groceries, restaurants, and utilities are often similar to U.S. prices, but rent and property costs are much lower, which makes the total monthly budget lighter.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Greece?
A single person usually needs €800–€1,200 per month not including rent, while a family of four often spends €2,500–€3,500. Retirees or expats with outside income can live comfortably on €2,000–€2,500 per month.
Is food expensive in Greece?
Food prices in Greece are moderate. Groceries cost about the same as other developed countries, but local produce, bread, and olive oil are much cheaper. Eating out at tavernas is affordable, while tourist hotspots can be more expensive.
Are healthcare costs high in Greece?
Healthcare costs in Greece are much lower than in the United States. Public healthcare is accessible for residents at minimal cost, and private doctor visits range from €40–€70. Private insurance plans start around €50 per month.
How much does rent cost in Greece?
Rent varies by location. A one-bedroom apartment in Athens city center costs around €500–€750, while upscale suburbs like Glyfada can exceed €1,200–€1,700. Smaller towns and villages can be as low as €200–€350.
Can you live in Greece on $1,500 a month?
Yes, it is possible in smaller cities or villages where rent is low. In Athens or tourist islands, $1,500 may not cover rent and living expenses comfortably. Many retirees choose towns or less touristy islands to make budgets stretch further.
Is transportation expensive in Greece?
Public transport is very affordable, with tickets costing €1.20 and monthly passes €27 in Athens. Car ownership is expensive due to petrol prices (€7.40–€8 per gallon equivalent) and annual taxes and insurance.
What is the average salary in Greece?
The average net salary is about €900–€1,000 per month, with the minimum wage around €710 net. Professionals such as doctors or engineers may earn €2,000–€4,000 per month, which shows why many Greeks rely on inherited housing.
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Conclusion: Understanding the Cost of Living in Greece
The cost of living in Greece combines affordability with a high quality of life. While Athens and tourist-heavy islands are more expensive, many towns and regions remain very reasonable. Housing is often the biggest factor, but for locals who inherit property, this expense is reduced or eliminated.
Day-to-day shopping, food, and entertainment are comparable to other developed countries, but overall Greece remains more affordable than northern and western Europe. For expats with income from abroad, the lifestyle often feels like a bargain.
Whether you are considering retirement, remote work, or a permanent move, Greece offers a balance of culture, community, and cost that is difficult to match elsewhere in Europe. *Please note: Costs listed in this article are estimates as of 2025.
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