If the excellent Mediterranean sunny weather, friendly people, and delicious food of Greece weren’t enough to convince you to move, the living cost may be yet another incentive to visit and reside in the country. From housing and dining out to healthcare and even hair care, the average monthly cost of living in Greece is much lower than in the United States and other European countries.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about the cost of living in Greece, including monthly rent, internet and utility fees, the cost of food, healthcare, transportation, and education.
How expensive is it to live in Greece?
Living expenses in Greece in comparison to other nations are quite affordable. For example, the cost of living in Greece compared to the UK is 45% cheaper, and the cost of living in Greece vs the USA is nearly 23% cheaper.
The cost of living in Greece is relatively low, although it varies by location. An example of this is the countryside, which is cheaper than the capital city, even though there is a smaller range of products and services. In the mainland, prices are generally lower than in Greek islands when it comes to fuel and some basic goods.
Anyone looking to reside in the city should know that the capital is the most costly part of Greece. Despite being more costly than other Greek towns, Athens still has a lower cost of living than other European major destinations like Paris, London, and Milan.
Although earnings are lower in comparison to the rest of Europe, the standard of living remains good across Greece. This is due to the general cheap price for services.
A single person will require around €800 to live per month, while a family of four may require approximately €2700 per month. If you do not include rent, the average monthly cost of living in Greece for international students is roughly €600 per month
Cost of Accommodation in Greece
Greece’s real estate prices are quite attractive. The typical real estate price for an apartment in the city center is around €2,700 per square meter, while flats outside the city center are usually around €2,200 per square meter.
Rental prices in Greece are relatively reasonable in comparison to other European countries. In Athens or Thessaloniki, for example, a one-bedroom apartment may go for you about €700-900 per month.
This compares to a monthly rent of €1,000-1,200 for a three-bedroom property. A one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center will have a monthly rent of €500, while a three-bedroom apartment will have a monthly rent of around €800.
During the economic crisis of 2008, Greece’s accommodation prices significantly fell. Although the Greek economy has slowly begun to improve, rent and purchase prices remain fairly low for most expats to afford.
Given the large number of available properties, it would be advantageous for expats to apply for the Golden Visa Greece – a residency by investment program that provides a simple procedure to get the Greek residency, and with it access to the world at large.
If you wish to reside in a big city, Athens or Thessaloniki are your best options. However, if you are all about living a tranquil life with your family, Greece has several mid-sized and small towns and quaint villages for you to reside in which have low cost of living.
Choose any location based on your preferences, it will not take much from you because the rental price in Greece is generally 70% less than in the United States.
Cost of Internet and Utility Monthly Fees in Greece
The cost of living in Greece per month in terms of internet and utility monthly fee isn’t as expensive as in the rest of Europe:
- Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal for a 85m2 apartment is about €215;
- 1 min. of prepaid mobile plan with calls and 10GB of data is around 22€
- Internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL is around €30
Utilities like electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal also add to monthly expenses. Electricity typically costs between €50 to €100 per month, depending on consumption and season, while water bills are generally more affordable, averaging around €20 to €30 monthly. Heating, especially in colder regions, can significantly increase winter bills, with gas or oil heating costing between €50 to €150 per month.
In total, combined internet and utility expenses in Greece may range from €150 to €300 per month for an average household. Location (urban vs rural) and personal consumption habits play a major role in determining overall costs.
Cost of Food in Greece
The price of food in Greece is generally cheap, and it is subject to a lower VAT rate than other items across the nation. For groceries, a monthly budget for a single person is typically between €150 to €300, depending on preferences and dietary habits. Fresh produce, bread, and dairy are generally affordable, while imported items are pricier. Moreover, you may easily get locally grown food in the countryside.
Dining out in Greece
If you dine out frequently, your average meal would go for roughly €50 per day, whereas an average lunch in a mid-range restaurant or café would go for around €15.
Breakfast is significantly less expensive than lunch or dinner. There are several huge fast food chains around Greece as well, so you can eat at any fast food restaurant if you’re on a low-cost budget.
If you prefer traditional Greek dishes, you will find that they are prepared with fresh vegetables, fish, herbs, spices, traditional yogurt, and olive oil. Several authentic restaurants and cafés across Greece are selling traditional foods that you may not find elsewhere.
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| A bottle of local beer | €5 |
| Cappuccino | €4 |
| Coca Cola (330 ml) | €2 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | €8 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | €12 |
| Three-course meal | €50 |
Buying food in Greece
The food markets in Greece’s major cities and villages are impressive in their organization and abundance. Outdoor markets are a prominent feature of Greek culture, where people gather to meet friends, talk, and shop. If you can’t find a local market, the locals will go out of their way to find one for you.
For those who enjoy cooking for themselves, you would be glad to know that food prices are truly very affordable, and there are many locally grown items available for people who prefer eating a healthy diet. The average costs of specific items are:
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| A dozen of eggs | €4 |
| Rice 1 kg | €2,24 |
| White bread | €1,26 |
| Milk 1 liter | €1,52 |
| Chicken Fillets 1kg | €9,40 |
| Water 1.5-liter bottle | €0,77 |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | €8 |
Cost of Healthcare in Greece
The healthcare system in Greece offers both public and private options. The public healthcare system, known as ESY, provides free or low-cost medical services to citizens and residents, funded through taxes and social security contributions.
Public hospitals are available across the country, though wait times can be long. Private healthcare offers faster access to doctors and specialists but at a higher cost.
Greece’s healthcare system is generally well-regarded, with highly qualified medical professionals. Expats and tourists often opt for private health insurance to cover potential costs
Public healthcare in Greece
Greece provides free healthcare to all Greek citizens and residents. You have access to healthcare services whether you are a foreigner, an EU citizen, or even unemployed. Furthermore, you do not need a GP referral to see a specialist, however, there may be huge wait durations before you get an appointment. Having public healthcare will help you have lower cost of living.
Private healthcare in Greece
Private medical centers have newer equipment than public medical facilities. One of the few disadvantages of living in Greece is that it’s not always easy to find English-speaking personnel.
However, private healthcare facilities are more likely to provide their service in English. The cost of private health insurance varies according to personal factors such as age, coinsurance, country of residence, and so on.
The majority of people who live in Greece select private health insurance over public health insurance since it covers all expenses.
If you engage in state health insurance as a foreigner, you will receive free national healthcare. Please keep in mind that you must have a Social Security number to receive public healthcare services.
Foreigners can also take advantage of foreign health insurance, which minimizes wait times at medical centers. Remember that the closer you are to the city center, the more likely you will encounter English-speaking employees.
A general doctor’s check-up without insurance costs roughly €50, and a six-day supply of cold medication costs about €4. A prescription for antibiotics without insurance costs between €5 and €15.
Cost of Transportation in Greece
The Greek transportation system in and between major cities comprises automobiles, trains, air connections, city buses, canals, marine transport, and other public transport. Before the 2004 Olympics, the latter had been enhanced, with high-speed trams, trolleybuses, and buses running in the streets of Greece’s big cities.
With affordable public transportation expenses, you may easily tour Greece’s large cities. Buses are available in most cities, and Athens has a metro system. The easiest way to have a lower cost of living in a major city is by using public transportation.
As a foreigner, you must get car insurance if you plan to drive your car. If you plan to rent a car, you should look into the car insurance options available at a rental center because recruiting vehicle prices may be high.
Here are the transportation timetables and automobile costs in Greece:
| Service/Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly bus/Transport pass | €30 |
| Gasoline (one litre / 0.25 gallon) | €1,88 |
| Bus ticket (single use) | €1,40 |
| Taxi, 1km | €1,10 |
| VW Golf (new) | €27,000 |
| Toyota Corolla (new) | €24,634.12 |
Cost of Education in Greece
Citizens and residents of Greece have access to the prestigious Greek educational system. There is public and private education, as well as international schooling systems. Although public schools are free, they only provide education in the Greek language.
If you need your children to be taught in English and other languages, you may have to consider signing them up in international and private schools.
Education prices across Greece vary based on the student’s school, age, and grade level. International schools, for example, range in price from €7,000 to €13,000 each academic year.
University education is free for Greek and other EU citizens up to a master’s degree. Non-EU students, on the other hand, spend roughly €1,500 on tuition each year.
Here is the average cost of education in Greece:
| School | Price |
|---|---|
| Preschool / kindergarten (cost per month) | €405 |
| International primary school (yearly) | €8,526 |
| University tuition fee | Free to Greeks and EU citizens. Between €1,500 and €7,000 a year for non-EU students |
How to Move to Greece in 2024
If you’re considering moving to Greece, you’ll be happy to know that there are several attractive visa programs available. One of the most sought-after is the Greek Golden Visa Program, which grants non-EU nationals legal residence in the country in exchange for a significant investment. After seven years of legal residence, you can become eligible for Greek citizenship.
Greek citizens can enjoy visa-free access to 171 destinations worldwide. Not to mention that Greece stands at 45th place in the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index and ranks 12th in the Enhanced Mobility Index, 116th in the Investment Index, and 45th in the Quality of Living Index.
Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to the Greece Golden Visa Program
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Average Cost of Living in Greece
Is it expensive to live in Greece as an expat?
Greece is an excellent spot for a foreigner to reside in, where living costs are usually 30% cheaper than in other European countries.
Overall, you may live well on a monthly budget of €2,000, which covers the average estimated monthly costs and monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Athens’ city center.
What is the cost of international schools in Greece?
International schools in Greece are private institutions. Tuition fees vary from €7,000 to €13,000 per academic school year, and they depend on the age of the student and the school’s policy.
Is it reasonable to buy property in Greece?
If you plan to live in Greece for a long time, you wouldn’t worry about the home costs as they are low enough.
Buying a home in Greece is simple, especially following the country’s recent economic downturn.
Purchasing property in Greece is a straightforward and cost-effective way to become a permanent European resident. Greece is a favorite destination for many expats.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Greece?
The cost of living in Greece can vary significantly depending on the location (e.g., Athens vs. a smaller island or rural area) and your lifestyle.
In Athens, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost between €400 and €700 per month, while outside the center, it might range from €300 to €500. Utilities are approximately €100-€150 per month for an 85 m² apartment.
Is it cheaper to live in Greece or USA?
Living costs between Greece and the USA can vary significantly depending on the specific locations compared within each country.
However, on a general level, Greece is often considered to be cheaper than the USA in terms of living expenses.
For example, rental prices in Greece are typically lower than in the USA, especially when comparing similar locations (e.g., urban centers or coastal areas)
What is the average rent in Greece?
The average rent in Greece varies depending on location, property type, and proximity to city centers or tourist areas. In Athens, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €400 and €700 per month, while the same outside of the city center may range from €300 to €500.
In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center might range from €300 to €500 per month, with prices dropping to €250 to €400 outside of the center.
What is the Greek education system like?
Greece’s formal education system is a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural heritage, deeply rooted in history and tradition, and under the supervision of the Hellenic Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs (YPEPTH).
It is structured into three levels, namely primary, secondary and tertiary, with an additional post-secondary level providing vocational training.
Education in Greece is compulsory for children between the ages of four and fifteen, which is a legal requirement.
