Cost of Living in Greece: Complete 2025 Breakdown for Expats

Greece offers one of Western Europe's most affordable Mediterranean lifestyles. At an average monthly cost of €1,147 for a single person, living expenses run 40-50% below comparable cities in the UK or United States—and 20-30% cheaper than neighboring Spain. But averages obscure the real picture: a comfortable life in Athens costs roughly €1,400-1,700 monthly, while Mykonos inflates that figure by 60-70%. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll spend, where the real deals are, and the hidden costs that catch newcomers off guard.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Greece?

The national average cost of living in Greece sits at approximately €1,147 per month for a single person, including rent. Without housing, basic expenses run around €650 monthly. Add a quality apartment, and you're looking at €1,400-1,800 depending on location and lifestyle. For couples, expect €1,800-2,600 monthly including accommodation.

These figures represent a middle ground—comfortable but not luxurious. Budget-conscious expats routinely live on €800-1,000 monthly in smaller cities, while those seeking a higher standard in desirable neighborhoods spend €2,500-3,500.

Greece vs. Other Countries: Cost Comparison

• Greece: €1,147/month (baseline)
• Spain: €1,320-1,435/month (25-30% more expensive)
• Portugal: €1,250-1,380/month (9-20% more expensive)
• United Kingdom: €1,720-2,065/month (50-80% more expensive)
• United States: €1,835-2,295/month (60-100% more expensive)
• Italy: €1,400-1,600/month (28-35% more expensive)

Data reflects comparable lifestyle in mid-sized cities, excluding major capitals. Figures updated January 2025.

The gap widens in major cities. Central London runs roughly 120% above Athens, while Manhattan costs nearly triple. Even within Southern Europe, Greece consistently undercuts alternatives—a fact that's driven significant expat migration since 2020.

Rent Prices in Greece by City

Housing represents your largest variable cost. Rental markets vary dramatically between tourist hotspots and working cities.

Athens Rental Costs

Athens dominates Greece's rental market, with significant variation between neighborhoods:

• City Center: 1BR €500-800 | 2BR €650-900
• Outside Center: 1BR €400-550 | 2BR €480-700
• Upscale (Kolonaki, Kifisia): 1BR €1,000-1,800 | 2BR €1,000-1,800
• Emerging (Kypseli, Petralona): 1BR €380-550 | 2BR €500-750

Prices reflect unfurnished apartments. Furnished units typically add 15-25%.

The Athenian market has tightened since 2022, with short-term rental conversions reducing long-term supply in central neighborhoods. Areas like Exarcheia, Kypseli, and Koukaki offer better value than Kolonaki or Plaka, though gentrification is reshaping these districts rapidly.

Thessaloniki Rental Costs

Greece's second city runs 15-20% cheaper than Athens while offering comparable amenities:

• City Center: 1BR €380-550 | 2BR €500-750
• Outside Center: 1BR €280-400 | 2BR €400-600
• University Area: 1BR €300-450 | 2BR €450-650

Thessaloniki's smaller market means less competition and more negotiating room, particularly during off-season months.

Other Major Cities

• Heraklion (Crete): 1BR €380-550 — Year-round market, tourism premium
• Patras: 1BR €280-400 — University town, steady demand
• Larissa: 1BR €250-380 — Affordable mainland option
• Volos: 1BR €300-420 — Coastal charm, growing expat community
• Rhodes Town: 1BR €400-600 — Tourist premium, seasonal variation

Island Living: What It Actually Costs

Greek islands carry romantic appeal but variable price tags:

Premium Islands (60-70% Above Mainland):

• Mykonos: €1,100-2,000 for a basic 1BR
• Santorini: €900-1,500 for a basic 1BR
• Hydra: €600-1,000 (no cars = premium logistics)

Moderate Islands (20-40% Above Mainland):

• Paros: €500-800
• Naxos: €450-700
• Corfu Town: €450-650

Affordable Islands (Comparable to Mainland):

• Crete (outside resort areas): €350-500
• Rhodes (non-tourist zones): €350-550
• Lesbos: €300-450
• Samos: €280-420

Island affordability depends heavily on water independence (desalination is expensive), ferry access, and local production capacity. Crete's size and agricultural base keep costs lower than smaller, import-dependent islands.

Monthly Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle

Budget Living: €800-1,000/Month

Achievable in smaller cities or with roommates in Athens/Thessaloniki:

• Rent (shared/studio outside center): €280-350
• Groceries: €200-250
• Utilities: €80-100
• Transportation: €27-35
• Mobile + Internet: €35-45
• Dining/Entertainment: €100-150
• Miscellaneous: €70-100
• Total: €800-1,030

This lifestyle means cooking most meals, using public transport, and choosing free entertainment—beaches, hiking, public squares. Entirely livable but requires discipline.

Comfortable Living: €1,400-1,700/Month

The sweet spot for most expats—comfort without excess:

• Rent (1BR, decent neighborhood): €450-550
• Groceries: €350-400
• Utilities: €120-150
• Transportation: €27-45
• Mobile + Internet: €40-50
• Dining Out (2-3x/week): €200-250
• Entertainment/Culture: €100-150
• Health Insurance: €80-120
• Miscellaneous: €100-150
• Total: €1,467-1,715

This budget allows a quality one-bedroom in Athens or Thessaloniki, regular restaurant meals, occasional weekend trips, and membership in a gym or cultural activities.

Luxury Living: €2,500-3,500/Month

Premium neighborhoods, frequent dining, travel flexibility:

• Rent (upscale 2BR or prime 1BR): €900-1,400
• Groceries (premium/organic): €450-550
• Utilities: €180-220
• Car Expenses: €200-300
• Mobile + Internet: €60-80
• Dining/Entertainment: €400-500
• Health Insurance (comprehensive): €150-200
• Domestic Help/Services: €150-250
• Travel/Leisure: €200-400
• Total: €2,690-3,500

Food and Grocery Costs

Greek grocery prices remain well below Western European averages, particularly for local produce, dairy, and olive oil.

Average Monthly Grocery Spending

• Single Person: Budget €200-250 | Comfortable €350-400 | Premium €450-550
• Couple: Budget €350-400 | Comfortable €520-600 | Premium €700-850
• Family (2 adults, 2 children): Budget €500-600 | Comfortable €750-900 | Premium €1,000-1,200

Typical Grocery Prices (January 2025)

• Milk (1L): €1.40-1.60
• Bread (500g): €1.00-1.40 (laiki: €0.80-1.10)
• Eggs (12): €3.50-4.50 (laiki: €3.00-3.80)
• Chicken Breast (1kg): €7.00-9.00 (laiki: €6.00-7.50)
• Local Cheese (1kg): €8.00-12.00 (laiki: €7.00-10.00)
• Olive Oil (1L): €8.00-14.00 (laiki: €6.00-10.00)
• Tomatoes (1kg): €2.00-3.00 (laiki: €1.20-2.00)
• Potatoes (1kg): €1.00-1.50 (laiki: €0.70-1.00)
• Local Wine (750ml): €4.00-8.00 (laiki: €3.00-5.00)

How to Save 30-40% on Groceries

Shop at laiki agora (farmers' markets). These open-air markets operate weekly in every neighborhood, selling produce, cheese, fish, and household goods. Fresh produce offers the biggest savings—30-40% below supermarket prices—with smaller discounts on other items. Arrive early (7-8am) for best selection or late (1-2pm) for clearance deals.

Buy local and seasonal. Imported products carry significant markups. Greek tomatoes in summer cost €1.20/kg; imported cherry tomatoes in winter hit €5-6/kg. Build meals around seasonal availability.

Use discount supermarkets. Lidl and AB Vasilopoulos offer consistent savings versus premium chains like Sklavenitis for packaged goods.

Dining Out Costs

• Coffee (espresso/freddo): €1.50-3.50
• Gyros/Souvlaki wrap: €3.00-4.50
• Taverna meal (with wine): €12-20 per person
• Mid-range restaurant: €20-35 per person
• Fine dining: €50-80+ per person
• Beer (500ml, restaurant): €4.00-6.00
• Glass of wine: €4.00-8.00

Greek taverna culture keeps casual dining affordable. A filling meal of mezedes (shared plates) with local wine rarely exceeds €15-18 per person, even in Athens.

Utilities and Bills

Average Monthly Utility Costs (85m² Apartment)

• Summer: €75-125 total (Electricity €50-80, Gas €10-20, Water €15-25)
• Winter: €175-275 total (Electricity €100-150, Gas €60-100, Water €15-25)
• Annual Average: €140-180/month

Key Factors Affecting Utility Costs

Building age matters significantly. Pre-1980 buildings without insulation can double winter heating costs. Newer constructions with energy ratings A-C dramatically reduce both heating and cooling expenses.

Electricity pricing has stabilized following the 2022-2023 energy crisis, but remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. The government maintains subsidies for primary residences.

Air conditioning is essential from June through September. Budget €40-60 monthly for summer cooling in a well-insulated apartment; more in older buildings or southern regions.

Hidden Costs Expats Often Miss

Κοινόχρηστα (Building Maintenance Fees)

Nearly every Greek apartment building charges monthly κοινόχρηστα (koinochrista)—shared expenses covering:

• Elevator maintenance and electricity
• Stairwell and common area cleaning
• Building insurance
• Central heating fuel (in older buildings)
• Minor repairs

Typical costs: €30-80/month in standard buildings; €100-200+ in buildings with central heating, pools, or extensive grounds. Note that buildings with central heating see significant seasonal variation—expect €80-200 in winter months versus €30-50 in summer. Always ask about this before signing a lease—it's separate from rent and can significantly impact your budget.

ΕΝΦΙΑ Property Tax

If you purchase property, you'll pay ΕΝΦΙΑ (Unified Property Tax) annually:

• Calculated based on location, size, age, and floor
• Typical Athens apartment: €200-800/year
• Can be paid in 10 monthly installments
• Renters don't pay this directly, but it's factored into rental pricing

EFKA Self-Employment Contributions

Self-employed expats and freelancers must register with EFKA and pay social security contributions:

• Minimum monthly contribution: Approximately €220-260
• Covers health insurance and pension credits
• Mandatory regardless of income level

This catches many digital nomads off guard. Even with minimal Greek income, self-employed status triggers these contributions.

Apostille and Document Costs

Moving bureaucracy requires authenticated documents:

• Apostille stamps: €15-50 per document (varies by country)
• Translation fees: €30-60 per page
• Notarization: €10-30 per document
• Multiple certified copies often required

Budget €300-600 for initial documentation depending on visa type and family size.

Transportation Costs

Public Transportation

Greece offers some of Europe's most affordable public transit:

• Athens Metro/bus single ticket (90 min): €1.20
• Athens 30-day pass (urban zone): €27
• Athens 30-day pass (including airport): €45
• Thessaloniki bus monthly: €25
• Student/senior discounts: 50% off

The Athens metro, bus, and tram network covers most practical needs. Thessaloniki operates extensive bus routes with a metro system under construction.

Car Ownership

• Insurance (basic): €250-500/year
• Road tax (based on emissions): €150-400/year
• Fuel (average driver, ~12,000km): €1,800-2,400/year
• Maintenance: €300-600/year
• Parking (if needed): €600-1,800/year

Fuel prices hover around €1.70-1.90/L for gasoline, comparable to other EU countries. A car becomes near-essential outside major cities but represents significant added expense.

Inter-City and Island Travel

• Athens-Thessaloniki (train): €25-50
• Athens-Thessaloniki (bus): €20-35
• Athens-Crete (ferry, deck): €35-50
• Athens-Crete (flight): €40-120
• Athens-Mykonos (ferry): €35-65
• Athens-Santorini (ferry): €40-70

Book ferries early in summer—prices can double or triple for last-minute peak season travel.

Healthcare Costs

Public Healthcare (EOPY)

Employed individuals and those paying EFKA contributions access the public healthcare system:

• Primary care: Free or minimal co-pays
• Hospital care: Free
• Prescriptions: Subsidized (typically 0-25% of cost)
• Quality varies by location and facility

Private Healthcare and Insurance

Many expats supplement with private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for faster service:

• Basic private insurance: €60-100/month
• Comprehensive coverage: €150-250/month
• Private GP visit (out-of-pocket): €50-80
• Private specialist: €80-150
• Dental cleaning: €50-80

Private healthcare in Greece costs significantly less than comparable services in the US, UK, or Northern Europe. A full dental implant runs €800-1,200 versus €3,000+ in Western countries.

Tips for Reducing Your Cost of Living

Housing Strategies

Negotiate during October-November. Landlords prefer occupied units over winter vacancies. This window offers the most leverage for rent reductions or included utilities.

Look beyond central neighborhoods. Athens neighborhoods like Nea Smyrni, Peristeri, or Zografou offer good transit access at 20-30% below Kolonaki or Koukaki prices.

Consider longer leases. Greek landlords value stability. A 2-year commitment often secures 5-10% rent reduction versus annual agreements.

Daily Savings

Get comfortable with cash. Many small businesses offer 5-10% discounts for cash payment (officially frowned upon but widely practiced).

Join a local gym instead of chains. Neighborhood gyms run €20-35/month versus €50-80 for premium chains.

Use generic medications. Greek pharmacies stock generic equivalents at 50-70% below brand-name prices.

Eat Greek breakfast. A koulouri (sesame bread ring) and coffee costs €2-3 versus €8-12 for a tourist-oriented "full breakfast."

Best Cities for Expats by Budget

Best for Budget Living (Under €1,200/Month)

• Larissa: Affordable mainland city with good healthcare
• Patras: University town energy, port access
• Kalamata: Coastal living without island markup

Best for Balanced Value (€1,400-1,800/Month)

• Thessaloniki: Full urban amenities below Athens prices
• Heraklion: Crete's capital offers year-round expat community
• Volos: Coastal charm, Pelion Peninsula access

Best for Premium Living (€2,500+/Month)

• Athens (Kolonaki, Kifisia): Cosmopolitan luxury, international access
• Nafplio: Historic elegance, Peloponnese lifestyle
• Chania (Crete): Venetian beauty, established expat scene

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to live comfortably in Greece?

A single person needs €1,400-1,700 monthly for comfortable living in Athens or Thessaloniki, including a decent one-bedroom apartment, regular dining out, and entertainment. In smaller cities, €1,100-1,400 achieves comparable comfort. Couples should budget €1,800-2,400 depending on location and lifestyle preferences.

Is Greece cheaper than Spain or Portugal?

Yes, Greece runs 15-25% cheaper than Spain and 10-20% cheaper than Portugal for equivalent lifestyles. The savings are most pronounced in housing, dining, and local transportation. Healthcare and utilities show similar pricing across all three countries.

Can you live on €1,000 a month in Greece?

Yes, but with constraints. €1,000 monthly requires living outside major city centers (or with roommates), cooking most meals, and limiting entertainment spending. It's achievable in cities like Larissa, Patras, or smaller Cretan towns. In Athens, you'd need a very frugal approach or shared housing.

How much is rent in Athens for an expat?

One-bedroom apartments in Athens range from €320-650 depending on neighborhood and condition. City center locations average €450-650 for a decent unfurnished unit. Outside the center, €320-480 is typical. Furnished apartments add 15-25% to these figures.

What are the hidden costs of living in Greece?

The main hidden costs are κοινόχρηστα (building maintenance fees of €30-200/month, higher in winter for central heating buildings), EFKA self-employment contributions (€220-260/month minimum for freelancers), ΕΝΦΙΑ property tax for owners, and initial documentation/apostille expenses (€300-600). Heating costs in winter also surprise many newcomers from milder climates.

Are the Greek islands expensive to live on?

It varies dramatically by island. Mykonos and Santorini cost 50-70% above mainland prices—accessible only for higher budgets. Mid-tier islands like Paros and Naxos run 20-40% above mainland. Crete, Rhodes (outside resort zones), Lesbos, and Samos offer mainland-comparable costs with island lifestyle benefits.

What is the average salary in Greece?

The average gross salary in Greece is approximately €1,200-1,400 monthly (€14,400-16,800 annually). Net take-home after taxes and social security runs roughly €950-1,100. Minimum wage sits at €880 gross monthly. These figures explain why the €1,147 average cost of living represents genuine affordability for expats with external income.

Is healthcare free in Greece for expats?

Healthcare is subsidized but not entirely free. Those paying into the social security system (employed or self-employed contributors) access the public EOPY system with minimal co-pays. Private insurance costs €60-250 monthly depending on coverage level. Out-of-pocket private care remains affordable by Western European standards.

Sources

• Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) — Official Greek statistics on wages, prices, and economic indicators
• Numbeo — Crowdsourced cost of living data
• EFKA (e-ΕΦΚΑ) — Greek social security contribution rates
• AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue) — ΕΝΦΙΑ property tax and income tax rates
• OASA — Athens public transport fares
• EOPYY — Greek national healthcare organization

Last updated: February 2026. Prices reflect current market conditions and may vary by season and specific location. For personalized guidance on your move to Greece, explore our Greece visa guides and country comparison tools.