How Expensive Is It to Live in Greece? Your Guide for 2025

Thinking of moving to Greece but wondering about the cost of living? You’re not alone. The question “how expensive is it to live in Greece?” crosses the mind of every expat before packing their bags. Whether you’re planning a short stay, a gap year, or a permanent move, understanding the costs involved is crucial for your financial planning.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about average expenses for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, leisure activities, and much more, so you can plan your budget wisely for living in Greece.

Cost of Housing in Greece

One of your biggest expenses will be housing, but compared to many European countries, Greece is very affordable.

• Rent prices:
  • Athens city center: €400–€800 per month (1-bedroom apartment)
  • Thessaloniki city center: €350–€700 per month
  • Smaller towns and islands: €300–€600 per month
• Buying property:
  • City apartments average €1,200–€2,500 per square meter.
  • Rural and island properties are often cheaper.

Generally, choosing smaller cities or islands will significantly reduce housing costs.

Utility Costs in Greece

Monthly utilities are relatively affordable in Greece:

• Electricity, heating, cooling, water for an 85m² apartment: €120–€180 per month
• Internet (high-speed): approximately €20–€30 per month

Overall, utilities are cheaper compared to northern Europe, but it’s important to account for extra heating or cooling costs during winter or summer months.

Food and Groceries

Groceries and fresh produce are affordable in Greece, especially at local markets:

• Basic grocery basket (bread, milk, eggs, vegetables): around €30–€50 per week
• Supermarket prices:
  • Milk (1 liter): €1.20
  • Bread (500g): €0.80–€1.50
  • Eggs (12): €2.50–€3.00
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables: affordable and seasonal

Buying local products or visiting farmer’s markets (laiki agora) reduces your food expenses significantly.

Dining Out in Greece

Eating out is part of Greek culture, and it’s reasonably priced:

• Meal in an inexpensive taverna: €8–€12
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €30–€45
• Coffee at a café: €2–€4

Affordable street food like souvlaki (€2–€3) is also popular among locals and expats alike.

Transportation Costs

Transportation in Greece is budget-friendly:

• Monthly public transport pass:
  • Athens: €30 monthly pass
  • Thessaloniki: €25 monthly pass
• Taxi fares: around €5–€10 for short trips
• Fuel prices: approximately €1.80–€2.00 per liter

Many expats prefer scooters or bicycles, especially in island locations, to keep transportation expenses low.

Healthcare Expenses

Greece has both public and private healthcare systems:

• Public healthcare is free or very affordable for EU citizens with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
• Private insurance: around €50–€150 monthly, depending on coverage.
• Private doctor visit: €40–€80

Access to healthcare is good overall, especially in urban areas.

Education and Childcare

If moving with children, educational costs vary widely:

• Public schools: free for residents
• Private international schools: €5,000–€12,000 annually
• Childcare (private kindergarten): €200–€400 per month

Expats working temporarily in Greece often choose international schools despite higher costs.

Leisure and Entertainment Costs

Enjoying life in Greece doesn’t need to break the bank:

• Cinema ticket: €6–€9
• Fitness club monthly fee: €25–€50
• Local museums and historical sites: typically €5–€10 entrance fees, some are free on certain days

Greece offers plenty of free outdoor activities, from beaches to hiking trails.

Clothing and Personal Items

• Standard prices for clothing are comparable to other European countries.
• Casual clothes from international brands: jeans €30–€60, summer dresses €20–€40.
• Personal care items (shampoo, toiletries): similar prices as elsewhere in Europe.

Average Monthly Budget for an Expat in Greece

Here’s a general monthly budget estimate for one person:

This budget can vary significantly based on your lifestyle and chosen city or region.

How to Save Money While Living in Greece

A few easy tips to reduce your living expenses:

• Rent an apartment slightly outside city centers.
• Cook at home using fresh local produce.
• Choose local transportation over owning a car.
• Explore free or low-cost leisure activities.

Finding Work in Greece to Support Your Living Costs

Greece offers plenty of employment opportunities, especially in tourism, technology, customer support, and language teaching. If you need assistance finding a suitable job, specialized recruitment agencies like Expat-U can help you connect directly with international companies seeking foreign talent.

Practical Tips Before Your Move

Before moving to Greece, remember to:

• Check your visa requirements carefully (EU citizens do not require visas).
• Arrange accommodation in advance to avoid peak-season price hikes.
• Get familiar with the Greek language basics for daily interactions.

Pros and Cons of Living in Greece

Pros:

• Low cost of living compared to Northern Europe
• Friendly and welcoming culture
• Great weather and beautiful landscapes

Cons:

• Occasional bureaucratic delays
• Possible language barriers outside tourist areas

Conclusion – Is Greece Expensive?

So, how expensive is it to live in Greece? Compared to most European countries, Greece is very affordable. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, rich cultural experiences, excellent food, and a great climate without overspending. With careful budgeting and a well-planned job search—perhaps via trusted services like Expat-U—you’ll find that life in Greece can be not only affordable but truly enjoyable.

Start planning your budget and get ready for your exciting new chapter in Greece!