Gizane Campos
How expensive is it to live in Greece?
Greece offers a lower cost of living than many EU countries. It is about 23% cheaper than the United States and 45% cheaper than the United Kingdom.
In Athens, renting a one-bedroom apartment costs between €700 and €1,200 in the city center and between €500 and €900 outside the center. Mainland cities such as Thessaloniki and Patras are generally more affordable, while prices on the islands tend to be higher due to transport costs.
Utilities for an 85 m² apartment typically range from €150 to €300 per month. A monthly public transport pass costs around €30. Dining out, internet, and other services also remain relatively inexpensive.
On average, a single person spends about $882 per month, excluding rent, while a family of four spends around $3,027. Although salaries are lower than the EU average, the overall affordability allows for a good standard of living.
The country’s affordability and Mediterranean lifestyle are major attractions for retirees. In fact, Greece ranks 13th on the Global Retirement Index for U.S. Citizens, which highlights some of the most popular retirement destinations among American retirees.
Take a look at our Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Housing Costs in Greece
Housing in Greece remains affordable compared to much of Western Europe, making it a top choice for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. The average purchase price for residential property is:
Compared to cities in the US and Northern Europe, rent in Greece is up to 70% lower, even in its largest urban areas. Athens and Thessaloniki remain the top urban choices due to their infrastructure and job access, while smaller cities like Patras and Kalamata offer lower rents and a quieter pace of life.
For those interested in homeownership, the Greek real estate market continues to grow steadily post-pandemic, driven by increasing interest from international buyers and favorable investment conditions.
Property Type | City Center | Outside City Center |
Apartment (per m²) | €2,500–€2,900 | €2,000–€2,400 |
Standalone House (per m²) | €2,800–€3,500 | €2,100–€2,800 |
1-Bedroom Rent (monthly) | €700–€900 | €500–€700 |
3-Bedroom Rent (monthly) | €1,000–€1,200 | €800–€1,000 |
Standalone House Rent | €1,200–€1,800 (3–4 bedrooms) | €900–€1,400 (3–4 bedrooms) |
Cost of Utilities in Greece
Monthly utility bills in Greece are lower than in most Western European countries and the U.S. For an average-sized apartment, expect to pay €150 to €300 for electricity, heating, water, and garbage. Costs go up in the winter if you use gas or oil heating, which can add €50 to €150 to your monthly bills.
Water is usually cheap, and service is reliable in cities. The Internet is fast and affordable, costing around €25 to €35 per month, and mobile phone plans can be as low as €10/month. Compared to countries like Germany or the U.S., where total utilities often exceed €300/month, Greece remains a budget-friendly choice for everyday living.
Service | Estimated Monthly Cost |
Electricity & Heating (varies by season) | €80–€180 |
Water & Sewage | €20–€30 |
Garbage Collection (included in city tax) | Often bundled |
Internet (Unlimited, 30–100 Mbps) | €25–€35 |
Mobile Plan (with data) | €10–€25 |
TV License & Subscription (if applicable) | €3–€15 |
Air Conditioning (Summer Months) | Extra €30–€80 |
Winter Heating (Oil/Gas – if used) | Extra €50–€150 |
Cost of Food in Greece
Food in Greece is quite affordable, especially when compared to countries like Germany, France, or the US. A single person typically spends between €200 and €300 per month on groceries, depending on their eating habits. A family of four can expect to spend around €600 to €800 per month for a balanced and healthy diet. Local markets are popular for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and meats at lower prices than supermarkets. Eating out is also budget-friendly. A casual meal at a local restaurant costs about €10 to €15 per person, and traditional street food like souvlaki or gyros usually costs €2.50 to €4. While imported items can be more expensive, Greek cuisine is based on fresh, local ingredients that help keep food costs low.
Item | Quantity | Average Price (€) |
Milk | 1 liter | €1.40 |
Bread | 500g | €1.50 |
Eggs | 12 | €4.00 |
Cheese | 1 kg | €8.00 |
Apples | 1 kg | €2.00 |
Tomatoes | 1 kg | €2.00 |
Chicken breast | 1 kg | €5.00 |
Rice | 1 kg | €1.80 |
Pasta | 500g | €2.70 |
Potatoes | 1 kg | €1.00 |
Onions | 1 kg | €0.50 |
Yogurt (Greek-style) | 1 kg | €4.00 |
Olive oil | 1 liter | €7.00 |
Bottled water | 1.5 liters | €0.80 |
Ground coffee | 250g | €4.50 |
Cost of Healthcare in Greece
The healthcare system in Greece offers free or low-cost public healthcare through the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY). This system is available to citizens, EU nationals, and foreign residents who have a Greek Social Security Number (AMKA). You can see specialists without a referral, although waiting times can apply. Many people choose private insurance for quicker access and more English-speaking doctors. A private doctor’s visit costs about €50, prescriptions range from €5 to €15, and private insurance plans cost €50 to €150 per month, depending on your age and coverage.
Service | Average Cost (EUR) |
Public healthcare (EOPYY) | Free to low cost |
Private doctor’s visit (without insurance) | €50 |
Specialist visit (private clinic) | €60–€100 |
Basic prescription medication (With public insurance) | €5–€15 |
Over-the-counter medicine | €3–€7 |
Private health insurance | €50–€150 per month |
Public hospital stay (with AMKA) | Low to no cost |
Private hospital stay | €150–€400+ per day |
Cost of Transportation in Greece
Greece has a well-connected and affordable transportation system. In major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, public transport includes metro, buses, and trams. A monthly public transport pass costs around €30, while a single ticket is about €1.20. Services are frequent and reliable in urban areas.
In smaller towns and islands, public transport is limited, so many people rely on cars or scooters. Intercity travel is available by long-distance buses (KTEL), with fares like €20–€40 for routes between major cities. Ferries connect the mainland to the islands, and ticket prices vary based on distance and season.
Owning a car in Greece comes with extra costs. Gasoline prices average around €1.90 per liter, and parking can be expensive in city centers. Taxis are available and affordable, starting at €3.50 with additional charges per kilometer.
Item | Cost (approx.) |
Monthly public transport pass | €30–€50 |
Single metro or bus ticket | €1.20–€1.60 |
Taxi start fare | ~€3.50 + €0.90 per km |
Fuel costs | ~€2.10 per liter (as of 2025) |
Car insurance | Required; cost varies by provider |
Cost of Education in Greece
Public education in Greece is free for all residents, including Greek and EU citizens. However, public schools teach primarily in Greek, which may be a challenge for international families. Private and international schools in Greece are available in major cities for those seeking instruction in English or other foreign languages. Greece also has one of the best education system as it ranks 41st on the Global Education Report by Global Citizen Solutions.
Average costs (per academic year):
- International schools: €7,000–€13,000
- Private Greek schools: €3,000–€7,000
- Public universities (EU citizens): Free
- Public universities (non-EU students): ~€1,500/year
Cost of Living in Greece: Monthly Budget
Expense Category | Single Person | Family of Four |
Rent (apartment) | €700 | €1,200 |
Utilities | €150–€200 | €250–€300 |
Internet & Mobile | €30–€40 | €50–€60 |
Groceries | €200–€300 | €500–€700 |
Public Transport | €30 | €100 |
Dining Out & Leisure | €100–€150 | €250–€400 |
Health Insurance | €60–€100 | €200–€300 |
Miscellaneous | €100 | €200 |
Total (approx.) | €1,370–€1,620 | €3,050–€3,560 |
How to Move to Greece in 2025
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. Greece also ranks 45th in the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index, 12th in the Enhanced Mobility Index, 116th in the Investment Index, and 45th in the Quality of Living Index.
Other options include the Greek Digital Nomad Visa and the Greek FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person). The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers earning at least €3,500/month from a non-Greek employer, and allows you to live in Greece for up to one year, with possible renewal. The FIP Visa suits those with passive income of around €3,500/month, such as from pensions or savings, and can lead to long-term residency and citizenship
Take a look at our Guide to Greece Golden Visa
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.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Average Cost of Living in Greece
Is Greece expensive?
Life in Greece is very affordable compared to most European countries. Even in big cities like Athens, you can live comfortably on a modest budget. Thessaloniki is another popular and low-cost city for expats, and smaller towns can be even cheaper. On average, a single person can expect to spend between €1,000 and €1,500 per month.
Is Greece more affordable than the U.S. or U.K.?
Yes. On average, living in Greece is about 30% cheaper than in the U.S. and 20% more affordable than in the U.K., particularly in terms of housing and daily expenses.
How much does a single person need per month in Greece?
A single person typically spends between €800 and €1,200 per month, excluding rent.
What is the average rent in Athens?
In Athens, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from €700 to €1,200 per month.
What is the minimum wage in Greece in 2025?
The minimum wage in Greece as of 2025 is €830 per month, with plans to increase it to €950 by 2027.
Can you live in Greece on €1,000 a month?
Yes, many expats and students live comfortably in Greece on a €1,000/month budget, especially in smaller cities or rural areas where rent is lower.
Is it cheaper to buy or rent property in Greece long-term?
For long-term stays, buying can be more cost-effective due to low property prices, especially outside of major cities.
Are there property taxes or maintenance fees in Greece?
Yes, homeowners must pay the annual ENFIA tax and, in some cases, building maintenance fees for shared properties.
What is the average cost of living in Greece?
The average monthly living expenses for a single person in Greece are $882, excluding rent. For a family of four, the monthly cost is around $3,027.
