Cost of Living in Greece

Living costs in Greece are fairly low, though it does vary significantly depending on location. The mainland is generally cheaper than the Greek islands when it comes to fuel and certain basic goods. The countryside is cheaper than cities, but there is a much smaller range of products and services.

Those looking to live in the capital should know it is the most expensive part of Greece. In Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living Survey, Athens was ranked 97th out of 227 cities worldwide. Though pricey in relation to other Greek cities, Athens is still cheaper than other European capitals such as London, Paris and Milan.

Cost of accommodation in Greece

Those looking for a home in Greece will find this to be the highest cost they'll have to bear, regardless of whether they decide to rent or buy. Still, accommodation prices in Greece are fairly low, despite increasing in recent years.

For those who have funds available, it's worth mentioning that foreigners who invest a certain amount of money in Greek property are eligible to apply for residency. With rising energy prices, expats will need to budget carefully for utilities which are not typically included in the rental price.

Cost of transport in Greece

Driving in Greece is notorious for being somewhere between challenging and perilous. For expats who do intend to drive and buy a car, insurance is a must. In the case of hiring a car in Greece, it is important to check what kind of insurance is on offer, as the costs of hiring a vehicle can be steep.

The alternative is public transport. Most people who take public transport in Greece take a bus, or in Athens, the metro. Prices are reasonable, but buses can be a slow means of travel.

Cost of education in Greece

Public education in Greece is conducted in Greek. In light of this, expats who are not staying for the long term often send their children to private English-speaking international schools. However, local Greek schools can be ideal for expats intending to remain in the country.

Private schools in Greece cost more than public schools, but some provide education in English and may offer better facilities and teaching standards. Prices differ between individual schools, and prices go up as children progress.

Cost of healthcare in Greece

While public healthcare in Greece is generally considered adequate, the system is plagued by long waiting lists and issues of corruption, making the quality of care inferior to that found in the private sector.

Expats working in Greece make contributions towards healthcare and can therefore freely access the system. Most expats who can afford it will usually opt to take out a health insurance policy to access the country's private health system.

Cost of groceries in Greece

Groceries in Greece are relatively affordable compared to many European countries. Locally produced wine, cheeses and olive oil are affordable. Laiki, weekly farmer's markets, are a great source of fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables. Imported and branded products go for more than expats might expect but are overall fairly reasonable.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Greece

Outside of Athens, the cost of restaurants is very reasonable as long as expats avoid tourist areas. For an authentic budget experience, expats can try delicious Greek street food like stuffed savoury pita gyros or souvlaki, or sweet loukoumades, a kind of Greek doughnut ball.