Are you considering moving to Greece and wondering about the cost of living? This guide will help you understand the expenses you should expect as a foreigner in Greece.

Key Takeaways: 

• Housing Costs: The cost of accommodation in Greece varies by region. In Athens and Thessaloniki, one-bedroom apartments in the city center range from €500-€700 per month, while other regions offer similar apartments for €300-€500 per month.
• Buying Property: Property prices differ across regions. Athens and Attica are more expensive, averaging €1,500-€7,500 per sq.m. Other regions like Thessaloniki, Crete, Cyclades, and Peloponnese have varying property costs, influenced by location and property attributes.
• Food and Drinks: Food and drinks are reasonably priced in Greece. Basic meals at tavernas cost around €10-€15 per person, while mid-range restaurants range from €20-€30 per person. Affordable street food like souvlaki starts at €2.50, and alcohol, including beer and wine, is also affordable.
• Transportation: Public transportation is cost-effective. A 90′ metro or bus ticket is approximately €1.20, while monthly unlimited ride passes cost around €30. Taxis are affordable, gasoline is relatively expensive at €1.90 per liter, and ferry costs vary by destination.
• Utilities and Other Costs: Utility costs in Greece vary based on usage. Electricity, water, gas, internet, mobile phone plans, and TV packages have varying monthly costs. Healthcare is relatively good; private health insurance costs around €200 per year, and healthcare costs for non-EU citizens are generally lower than in many other countries. Education for expats involves free public schools, but private schools range from €5,000 to €15,000 per year.

About Greece

Greece is a popular destination for expats due to its natural beauty, warm climate, and lifestyle. But before you make the decision, it’s important to know a few things about the cost of living. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses you should expect as a foreigner living in Greece.

Housing in Athens and other Greek Regions

What is the cost Renting per month in Greece?

The cost of accommodation in Greece depends on the region you’re living in:

• In Athens and Thessaloniki, you can expect to pay around €500-€700 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. 
• A similar apartment in other regions of Greece costs around €300-€500 per month. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can find studio apartments for €250-€400 per month in smaller towns and villages.
• The cost of renting a house in the Greek islands can vary depending on the island, location, and season. In peak season, such as July and August, you can expect to pay higher prices than in the off-season. However, even in high season, the cost of renting a house in the Greek islands is generally more affordable than many other European destinations.

On average, you can expect to pay around €800-€1,200 per month for a one-bedroom house in the Greek islands. If you’re looking for a larger house or villa, prices can range from €1,500-€3,000 per month. However, if you venture to the smaller and less touristy islands, you can find more affordable options that offer a true taste of Greek island life.

What is the cost of Buying a House in Greece

The cost of buying a house in Greece can vary greatly depending on the region, with some areas being more expensive than others. Here is a rough breakdown of average property prices per region:

• Athens – The capital city tends to be the most expensive area, with average property prices ranging from €1,500 to €6,000 per square meter.
• Attica – The region surrounding Athens also tends to be quite expensive, with average property prices ranging from €1,500 to €7,500 per sq.m
• Thessaloniki – The second-largest city in Greece has an average property price of around €1,500 – 3,500 per sq.m
• Crete – The largest island in Greece is a popular tourist destination and has an average property price of around €1,200 per sq.m
• Cyclades – The islands in the Cyclades group are known for their beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, and property prices tend to be quite high, with average prices ranging from €2,000 and up per sq.m
• Peloponnese – This region in southern Greece is known for its historic sites and beautiful landscapes. Property prices tend to be more affordable than in other regions, with average prices ranging from €800 to €2,500 per sq.m

It’s important to note that these are  rough estimations and property prices can vary greatly depending on several factors such as location, size, condition, and age of property

Cost of Food and Drinks

Food and drinks are relatively cheap in Greece. A basic meal at a taverna costs around €10-€15 per person, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €20-€30 per person. You can also find street food like souvlaki for as little as €2.50. Alcohol is also affordable in Greece, with a beer costing around €3 and a glass of wine costing around €5.

Let’s break it down depending on the type of dining: 

• In local tavernas and cafes, you can enjoy a delicious meal for an average of €10-€15 per person. For a fancier dining experience, prices can range from €40-€90 per person. 
• Bars and Clubs: The cost of drinks, such as wine and beer, is also affordable, with a glass of wine starting at around €5 and a bottle of beer starting at €3. On the other hand the cost of a beverage at clubs starts from €7 for basic drinks such as vodka and goes higher for cocktails from €10 to €12.
• It’s also worth noting that in Greece, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. 
• If you prefer to cook at home, the cost of groceries is generally affordable as well. Local markets offer a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products at reasonable prices. You can expect to spend around €30-€50 per week for groceries, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Due to Inflation, the cost of supermarkets has risen in the last 5 months. Nevertheless, the cost for a family of 4 is 350€ per month on average.

Transportation Options 

Public transportation in Greece is affordable.

• Metro & Buses

A one-way ticket on the metro or bus costs around €1.20 and the monthly cost for unlimited rides is around 30€ per month.

Other means of transportation: 

• Taxis are relatively cheap, with a ride within the city center costing around €5-€10. 
• Car: keep in mind that gasoline is relatively expensive in Greece, with a liter costing around €1.80.
• Private Buses: The cost depends on where you want to travel. For small distances about an 1hr from costs around 14€.
• Ferries: It is well known that Greece has a lot of islands. If you decide to live on an island, for example, in Paros the ticket cost from Paros to Piraeus Port is around 30€.

Healthcare in Greece (Public & Private)

The healthcare system in Greece is relatively good, but it’s important to have private health insurance as a foreigner. 

• A basic health insurance plan costs around €200 per year 
• If you are an EU citizen, you can receive free healthcare by presenting your European Health Insurance Card. 
• For non-EU citizens, healthcare costs are generally lower than in many other countries. For example, a visit to a general practitioner can cost around €30-€40, while a specialist consultation can cost around €50-€60.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Greece depends on your usage.

• Electricity: The average monthly cost of electricity for a household in Greece can range from €50-€150, depending on the size of the house and the amount of consumption.
• Water: The average monthly cost of water for a household in Greece can range from €15-€30, depending on the location and the amount of consumption.
• Gas: The average monthly cost of gas for a household in Greece can range from €30-€80, depending on the provider and the amount of consumption.
• Internet: The average monthly cost of internet for a household in Greece can range from €20-€50, depending on the provider and the type of connection.
• Mobile phone: The average monthly cost of a mobile phone plan for a household in Greece can range from €30-€60, depending on the provider and the amount of data and minutes included.
• TV: The average monthly cost of a basic TV package for a household in Greece can range from €10-€30, depending on the provider and the type of package

Entertainment & Greek Nightlife

Greece is known for its nightlife, and there are plenty of affordable options for entertainment. A cinema ticket costs around €7-€9, while a theater ticket costs around €10-€20. You can also find free concerts and festivals throughout the summer.

Education

If you’re moving to Greece with children, you’ll need to factor in the cost of education. 

Public schools in Greece are free, but private schools can be expensive, with fees ranging from €5,000 to €15,000 per year. See more information about international schools in Greece in our guide.

FAQs

• Is Greece a cheap country to live in?

Greece is a relatively affordable country to live in, with lower prices for food, drinks, and entertainment compared to other European countries.

• How much does a meal cost in Greece?

A basic meal at a taverna costs around €10-€15 per person, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €20-€30.

• What are some tips for living in Greece on a budget?

A: Living in Greece on a budget is not only possible but also rewarding. To save money, consider shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and avoiding tourist hotspots. Look for free or low-cost activities, such as hiking, swimming, or visiting museums on free admission days. Embrace the Greek lifestyle by sipping on a frappe at a local cafe, and enjoying the company of friends and family. The true beauty of Greece lies not in its cost, but in its soul.

• How can expats save money while living in Greece?

A: Living in Greece as an expat doesn’t have to be expensive. To save money, consider shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and avoiding tourist hotspots. Embrace the Greek lifestyle by enjoying free activities, such as hiking, swimming, or visiting museums on free admission days. Take advantage of the warm weather by enjoying picnics and outdoor activities with friends and family. Living in Greece is not just about the cost, it’s about the soulful and unforgettable experiences that you can cherish for a lifetime.

• How much does it cost to buy a house in Greece?

The cost of buying a house in Greece can vary greatly depending on various factors such as location, size, condition, and age of the property. Generally, prices can range from €50,000 to €500,000 or more for larger properties. Greece offers a “Golden Visa” program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit by investing in real estate in Greece. One of the ways to obtain this visa is by purchasing a property worth at least €250,000 in Greece.