Cost of Living in Greece: What Expats Should Know Before Moving

Greece has long been a dream destination for travelers — but in recent years, it’s also become one of Europe’s top choices for expats seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle.
With its Mediterranean climate, delicious cuisine, and welcoming culture, Greece offers a slower pace of life at a reasonable cost.
In this guide, we break down the cost of living in Greece so you know exactly what to expect before moving to Greece.

1. Overview: Is Greece Expensive to Live In?

Compared to Western Europe, Greece is quite affordable.
The overall living expenses in Greece are roughly 25–40% lower than in countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands.
While cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki are more expensive, smaller towns and islands offer significantly lower costs — especially for rent, groceries, and dining out.

A single person can live comfortably on €1,000–€1,400 per month outside Athens, while couples may need around €1,800–€2,200 in larger cities.

2. Housing Costs in Greece

Housing is typically the biggest expense for expats. The good news is that property prices in Greece remain much lower than in most of Europe.
Here’s a general overview:

• Athens city center apartments: €700–€1,200 per month (rental)
• Smaller cities (Patras, Volos, Kalamata): €400–€700 per month
• Greek islands (Crete, Rhodes, Paros): €600–€1,000 per month
• Buying property in Greece: €1,500–€3,000 per m² in urban areas; much lower in rural regions

Many expats choose to purchase a home — especially since owning real estate can also qualify for the Greece Golden Visa if the investment exceeds €250,000.

3. Utilities and Internet

Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, heating, and waste collection, average between €120 and €180 for a typical apartment.
Internet plans with high-speed fiber cost around €30–€40 per month.
Energy prices can vary seasonally, with higher costs in winter for heating or in summer for air conditioning.

4. Groceries and Dining Out

Grocery shopping in Greece is relatively affordable, especially for locally produced goods like olive oil, vegetables, and fresh fish.
Average monthly grocery costs per person range between €200 and €300.

• Loaf of bread: €1.20
• 1L of milk: €1.40
• Dozen eggs: €3.50
• Bottle of local wine: €6–€8

Eating out is also affordable — a meal at a local taverna costs about €10–€15 per person, while mid-range restaurant dinners for two average around €40–€50.

5. Transportation Costs

Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive in most Greek cities.
A single metro or bus ticket in Athens costs about €1.20, while a monthly transport pass is around €30.
Gasoline is pricier (about €2.00 per liter in 2025), but owning a car isn’t necessary for those living in central areas.

6. Healthcare and Insurance

Greece offers both public and private healthcare options.
Public healthcare is free or low-cost for residents, but most expats prefer private insurance for faster service and English-speaking doctors.
Private health insurance ranges between €50 and €150 per month, depending on coverage and age.

7. Entertainment and Lifestyle

Expats enjoy a vibrant social life without breaking the bank.
A cinema ticket costs around €8, a gym membership €40–€60 per month, and a cup of coffee at a café is about €3.
Outdoor leisure activities — hiking, beach days, and cultural events — are abundant and often free.

8. Cost of Living on Greek Islands

Living on an island can be slightly more expensive due to transportation and import costs.
However, many islands like Crete, Naxos, and Syros remain affordable, especially outside peak tourist areas.
Expect about 10–15% higher prices for groceries and utilities compared to the mainland.