Why More People Are Choosing to Live in Greece

In much of the Western world, achieving a high standard of living often means trading time for money, endless hours at work, rising costs, and a constant sense of urgency.

Greece offers a welcome alternative.

With 280 days of sunshine each year, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, and thousands of idyllic islands, Greece delivers more than just stunning views, it provides a chance to live well without overspending.

Here, rich cultural heritage, exceptional food, and genuine hospitality merge with modern amenities and inviting residency pathways.

For global investors, retirees, and families alike, Greece is fast becoming a top destination, not just for vacations, but for a better life.

With competitive property prices, flexible visa options, and a cost of living that undercuts much of Europe and North America, the appeal is clear.

Whether you’re looking to optimize your lifestyle, minimize expenses, or establish a base in the EU, this guide will give you a full breakdown of what it really costs to live in Greece today.

Cost of Living Overview

Compared to life in the United States or Northern Europe, Greece offers a more affordable way to enjoy many of the same benefits, without the financial strain.

Despite enduring one of the toughest economic downturns in recent European history, Greece has emerged with a renewed focus on attracting foreign investors and lifestyle seekers.

Through strategic reforms and favorable tax policies, the country has stabilized its economy while keeping everyday costs accessible.

This balance has caught the attention of thousands. The Greek Golden Visa program, for example, continues to see a surge in applications, evidence of growing confidence from international investors and expats.

Even as tourism booms and cities like Athens or islands such as Santorini and Mykonos experience rising demand, Greece remains significantly more affordable than many Western countries. In fact, average rent prices are roughly 68% lower than in the US.

Here’s a quick benchmark to give you a feel for the costs:

• A single person can live comfortably on approximately €795 per month, excluding rent.
• A family of four should budget around €2,750 per month, also excluding accommodation.

Of course, the cost of living varies depending on the location. Athens and high-tourism islands come with higher price tags, while smaller cities and inland towns offer more budget-friendly lifestyles. Still, compared to cities like London or Milan, even the priciest parts of Greece remain manageable.

Renting and Buying Property in Greece

The Greek real estate market has gone through dramatic changes over the past decade. After a steep decline in prices during the financial crisis, the housing sector is now making a strong comeback, yet it’s still one of the most affordable in Europe for both renters and buyers.

Whether you’re relocating full-time, investing through residency programs, or seeking a second home by the sea, Greece offers excellent value, especially when compared to other EU nations.

Rental Market at a Glance

Long-term rental prices in Greece vary considerably based on region. Urban centers and tourist magnets like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos command higher prices, while mainland towns and lesser-known islands are far more economical.

Here’s a look at average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment:

• Athens: Around €555 in the city center
• Santorini: About €1,430, reflecting its premium appeal to global visitors
• Larissa (Central Greece): Just €340, showcasing Greece’s regional affordability

Buying Property in Greece

Thanks to Greece’s Golden Visa program, foreign investment in real estate has surged. This has led to increased competition in certain areas, with over 20,000 rental units being converted to short-term or investment-use properties.

While this puts some pressure on the long-term rental market, it also signals strong demand and opportunity.

If you're looking to purchase:

• In central Athens, expect to pay around €3,215 per square meter
• In Santorini, prices average €4,500 per square meter
• In Larissa, a property can be found for roughly €2,450 per square meter

Despite this range, real estate in Greece remains accessible compared to major EU cities, and it offers a tangible pathway to EU residency.

Utility Costs in Greece: A Manageable Monthly Expense for All Lifestyles

When it comes to essential services, Greece offers a welcome reprieve from the high utility prices often found in Northern and Western Europe. Whether you're renting or owning, monthly utility bills are generally manageable and predictable, making it easier to plan your household budget.

Average Monthly Utility Bills

For a standard 85-square-meter apartment, you can expect to pay around €190 per month for basic utilities. This typically includes:

• Electricity
• Water supply
• Heating/cooling
• Waste management fees

These costs will vary based on:

• Household size (a single person may pay closer to €100–€140)
• Property type (larger homes or villas will naturally have higher utility needs)
• Seasonal usage (air conditioning in summer or electric heating in winter can increase bills by 20–30%)

Internet and Mobile Plans

Greece has a solid telecommunications infrastructure, especially in urban centers and major islands. High-speed broadband is widely available and quite affordable:

• Home internet: Average monthly cost ranges between €25 and €40, depending on speed and provider.
• Mobile data plans: Approximately €15 to €30 per month, including minutes and SMS. Packages vary from prepaid SIMs to full postpaid plans with international calling options.

Providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, and WIND offer nationwide coverage, even across remote islands, making digital connectivity easy, even for remote workers and digital nomads.

Property Tax

If you’re buying real estate in Greece, you’ll need to factor in ENFIA (Uniform Real Estate Property Tax), which is calculated based on property size, age, location, and zone value. On average:

• A 100-square-meter property in a standard urban area is taxed at around €250–€350 annually
• Higher-end or centrally located homes may incur a bit more, while rural or inland properties may fall below this range

Although this annual tax might seem like a burden, it’s relatively modest compared to countries like the UK, where similar property taxes can run into the thousands.

Food & Grocery Costs in Greece

When it comes to food, Greece delivers on all fronts, fresh, flavorful, and budget-friendly.

Whether you're cooking at home with local produce or dining out on traditional dishes, the cost of eating in Greece remains one of the country's most attractive lifestyle perks.

Grocery Shopping

Grocery prices in Greece are generally lower than in most Western countries, and much of the fresh produce is grown locally, reducing transport costs and supporting regional farmers.

Open-air markets (laiki) are common in towns and cities and offer excellent deals on fruits, vegetables, olives, herbs, and fish, often fresher and cheaper than supermarkets.

Here’s a look at typical prices for basic grocery items:

• Milk (1 litre): €1.50
• Loaf of fresh bread: €1.24
• Eggs (12-pack): €3.94
• Water (1.5 litre bottle): €0.78
• Domestic beer (0.5 litre): €1.77
• Mid-range bottle of wine: €8.00

A weekly grocery haul for one person typically ranges between €35 and €60, while a family of four might spend €250 to €350 monthly, depending on preferences and dietary needs.

Eating Out: From Local Taverns to City Cafés

Dining out is not just affordable, it’s a cultural experience. From neighborhood tavernas serving hearty home-style meals to seaside cafés offering grilled seafood, eating out in Greece is woven into daily life.

Expect the following:

• Coffee at a café: Around €3 for a cappuccino or iced freddo
• Breakfast out: €10 to €25
• Lunch or dinner at a casual restaurant: €12 to €25 per person
• Three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €40 to €80 for two

Want to eat like a local? Try dishes like yemista (stuffed vegetables), moussaka, lemonato (meat in lemon sauce), and fresh grilled octopus, all widely available and usually made from scratch.

Authentic tavernas such as Kostas in Athens or Derlicatesen all Souvlaki in Thessaloniki are known for delicious, budget-friendly meals that will leave you full without emptying your wallet.

Inflation & Food Prices in 2025

Greece, like much of Europe, has seen mild inflation in recent years. As of early 2025, food prices have edged up slightly, especially items like meat, frozen vegetables, dried fruits, and coffee. Still, the overall grocery basket remains affordable compared to countries like the UK, France, or the US.

Healthcare in Greece

One of the lesser-known advantages of living in Greece is its accessible and affordable healthcare system.

Whether you’re an expat relocating for retirement, a remote worker setting up long-term, or an investor applying for residency, Greece offers both public and private healthcare options at a fraction of the cost found in many Western nations.

Public Healthcare

Greece’s national healthcare system (ESY) is available to all legal residents, including EU citizens and many non-EU expats who contribute to the public insurance scheme. Once registered, residents can access:

• Free or low-cost doctor visits
• Hospital care
• Prescription medications
• Emergency services

However, it’s important to note:

• Long wait times are common for specialists
• English-speaking doctors are more prevalent in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki
• Patients often pay out of pocket for private appointments to avoid delays

To qualify for public healthcare, expats must hold a social security number (AMKA) and contribute via employment or self-employment.

Those applying through residency programs like the Golden Visa are required to maintain private health insurance as a condition of their stay.

Private Healthcare

Private healthcare is widely used in Greece, especially among expats. The cost is significantly lower than in countries like the US or UK, and service quality is high, with many doctors trained abroad.

Private insurance premiums vary depending on your age, coverage, and region:

• Young, healthy individuals can expect to pay as little as €30–€60 per month
• Families or older applicants (especially those 60+) may pay between €120 and €210 per month, depending on pre-existing conditions and coverage levels

Most private policies include:

• Specialist consultations
• Diagnostic tests and imaging
• Surgery and inpatient care
• Emergency coverage

Popular private hospitals and clinics, such as Hygeia Hospital in Marousi or Mediterraneo Hospital in Glyfada, are known for offering top-tier care with short wait times and English-speaking staff.

Health Insurance for Residency Applicants

If you're applying for Greece’s Golden Visa or the Financially Independent Person Visa, private health insurance is mandatory.

The policy must meet minimum coverage standards for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, costs that are typically minimal when bundled into annual expat-friendly plans.

Getting Around Greece

Whether you're navigating city streets in Athens, island hopping in the Aegean, or exploring charming inland villages, Greece offers a diverse range of transportation options to suit all lifestyles and budgets.

Thanks to its combination of modern infrastructure and traditional charm, getting around Greece is not only convenient and cost-effective, but it can also be one of the most enjoyable parts of daily life.

Public Transportation

Greece has a solid public transport system across its urban hubs and between major regions. In cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, you’ll find:

• Metro, tram, and bus networks
• Monthly public transit passes for around €30
• Single bus or metro tickets typically cost between €1.10 and €1.80

These networks are reliable, safe, and cover most neighborhoods and suburbs, making it easy for locals and newcomers alike to live without a car.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. Expect:

• A base fare of around €4
• An additional €1 per kilometer

While Uber operates in some areas, most rideshare services are limited to taxis using apps like Beat or Free Now, which are more popular and regulated under local standards.

Domestic Travel

Greece’s unique geography, with over 200 inhabited islands and rugged mountains, makes domestic travel especially diverse.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Trains: Tickets range from €10 to €30, ideal for scenic travel between cities like Athens, Kalambaka, and Thessaloniki
• Buses (KTEL): A comfortable and budget-friendly way to connect towns and regional destinations across mainland Greece
• Domestic flights: Quick and frequent, especially between Athens and islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Kos; fares typically range from €100 to €200 round-trip
• Ferries: Inter-island travel is iconic and scenic; prices depend on distance and class, averaging €30–€70 one way

Driving in Greece

Driving is a good option for those living in rural areas or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re not from the EU
• Fuel prices are higher than in the US, averaging around €1.90–€2.10 per liter
• Car insurance is essential and generally affordable, but rental cars can be costly in peak seasons

Despite some narrow streets and unique driving habits in smaller towns, road conditions are generally good, and signage is often bilingual (Greek and English).

Understanding Taxes in Greece

Whether you're moving for lifestyle reasons, investing in real estate, or spending extended time in Greece under a residency visa, it's essential to understand how the Greek tax system works, especially if you plan to stay for more than just a few months.

Want to understand how Greece taxes different income types and how expats can optimize their liabilities? Read our complete guide to Greek tax rates.

When Do You Become a Tax Resident?

You’ll be considered a tax resident in Greece if:

• You spend more than 183 days in the country in any 12-month period, or
• You have strong ties, such as owning property, having close family, or registering for Greek social security

As a tax resident, you’re required to report and potentially pay taxes on your worldwide income, unless covered by a double taxation treaty (Greece currently holds such agreements with over 50 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada).

Standard Income Tax Rates

Greece uses a progressive income tax system for local income, with rates ranging from:

• 9% for annual income up to €10,000
• 44% for income above €40,000

Social security contributions are additional and vary by employment status.

Special Flat-Tax Regimes

To attract high-net-worth individuals, retirees, and foreign professionals, Greece offers favorable tax schemes that significantly reduce the tax burden for qualifying residents.

For a deeper dive into retirement options and residency through investment, explore our complete guide on how to retire in Greece with the Golden Visa.

1. Non-Dom Flat Tax Program

Ideal for individuals earning substantial offshore income:

• Fixed €100,000 annual tax, regardless of the total amount of foreign income
• Additional €20,000 per adult dependent
• No physical presence requirement
• Valid for 15 years
• Requires a minimum €500,000 investment in real estate or Greek assets

This regime is highly appealing to global entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads looking to base themselves in the EU without facing punitive taxes.

2. Flat 7% Tax for Foreign Retirees

Greece also offers a flat 7% income tax for retirees relocating from countries with double taxation treaties:

• Applies to foreign-source pensions and retirement income
• Valid for 10 years
• Must establish tax residency in Greece and demonstrate foreign pension income

This makes Greece one of the most attractive retirement destinations in Europe, especially for retirees from the US, UK, and other high-tax jurisdictions.

Capital Gains, Dividends & Property Taxes

• Capital gains from property sales are generally taxed at 15%
• Dividends and interest income may be subject to withholding taxes of 5–15%
• Property owners also pay annual taxes (ENFIA), which are relatively low compared to other EU countries

Residency in Greece: Visa Pathways to European Living

Whether you're investing, retiring, or simply seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle, Greece offers several residency pathways that unlock access to Europe, both for individuals and families.

These programs not only make it easier to live in Greece but also provide visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, and Italy.

The Greek Golden Visa

Greece’s Golden Visa Program is among the most accessible in Europe and remains available, even as other countries like Portugal and Spain tighten their rules.

Here’s how it works:

Investment Requirements:

• €400,000 minimum for property in lower-demand regions
• €800,000 for real estate in high-demand areas like Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini
• €250,000 for historical or restored buildings (any region)

Key Benefits:

• Residency for the whole family (spouse, children under 21, and in some cases, dependent parents)
• No physical residency requirement - you’re not obligated to live in Greece to maintain your visa
• Renewable every 5 years as long as the investment is maintained
• Fast-track processing, typically within 2–3 months

The Golden Visa is particularly attractive for investors who want an EU foothold, flexibility in travel, and real estate appreciation potential, all without the need for full-time relocation.

Read the full information in our blog: Greece Permanent Residency through the Golden Visa Program

Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa: For Retirees & Passive Income Earners

Not ready to invest? The FIP Visa provides an alternative for individuals who can support themselves without working in Greece.

Requirements:

• Demonstrate a stable monthly income of €3,500
• Income must come from pensions, rental income, savings, or investments
• Add 20% for a spouse and 15% per dependent child

Benefits:

• Quick processing (often within 10 days)
• Renewable and can lead to long-term residency
• No need to purchase property or invest

Note: This visa does not allow employment or business activity in Greece, making it ideal for retirees or those with passive income.

Greek Citizenship: A Long-Term Option

While Greece does not offer direct citizenship by investment, permanent residents can apply for naturalization after:

• 7 years of legal residency
• Spending at least 183 days per year in the country
• Passing a Greek language and cultural integration exam

Once naturalized, you’ll hold full EU citizenship, with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.

Should You Consider Living in Greece?

If your vision of a better life includes sunshine, affordability, and seamless access to the rest of Europe, Greece should be high on your list. The country’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches and ruins, it’s a place where everyday life is slower, simpler, and more affordable, without compromising on culture, cuisine, or connectivity.

With flexible residency options, low living costs, and favorable tax programs, Greece offers one of the most accessible pathways into Europe, whether you’re investing, retiring, or simply ready for a lifestyle shift.

And while other nations have closed their doors or raised the bar, Greece continues to welcome global citizens with open arms, and open opportunities.

FAQs on Living in Greece in 2025

1. Is Greece cheaper to live in than other European countries?

Yes, Greece remains significantly more affordable than many of its European neighbors. Compared to Italy, the cost of living is around 16% lower. It’s about 44% cheaper than living in the United Kingdom, and up to 605% less expensive than in Ireland, making it one of the best-value destinations within the EU.

2. What is the monthly cost of living in Greece?

For individuals, average monthly expenses (excluding rent) hover around €795. Families of four should expect to budget about €2,750 per month for their daily needs, not including accommodation. These estimates can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and spending habits.

3. How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Living in Athens is slightly more expensive than in smaller cities or rural towns. A single person typically needs around €830 per month for basic living expenses, plus approximately €500 for rent in a central area.

For a family of four, monthly expenses may reach €2,900, with rent for a modest apartment averaging around €1,000.

4. What are the education options in Greece?

Education in Greece includes public, private, and international schools. Public schools are free but primarily offer instruction in Greek.

For expat families or those seeking English-language education, international and private schools are a popular option, with tuition fees ranging from €8,000 to €14,000 per year depending on the institution and grade level.

5. What is the average salary in Greece?

The average gross annual income in Greece is around €17,700. This equates to a monthly salary of approximately €1,000 to €1,500, though wages differ by industry, region, and professional experience.

6. Do Americans need a visa to visit Greece?

For short visits, Americans do not need a visa. Under Schengen regulations, U.S. passport holders can stay in Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without requiring a visa.

For longer stays, such as retirement or residency, a proper visa or permit must be obtained through a Greek consulate in the U.S.

7. How do you become a citizen of Greece?

Greek citizenship can be acquired in several ways. Individuals with Greek ancestry may qualify by descent. Others can obtain citizenship through marriage to a Greek national or by naturalization.

To apply through naturalization, you must legally reside in Greece for at least seven years, demonstrate fluency in the Greek language, and pass cultural and history exams to show integration into Greek society.

References

Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). (2025). Consumer price index: June 2025 release. Referred from https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/DKT87

Ministry of Finance, Hellenic Republic. (2024). Income taxation in Greece: Official tax guide 2024–2025. Referred from https://minfin.gov.gr/en/tax-policy/tax-guide/income-taxation

Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). (2024). Income categories and income taxation in Greece. Referred from https://www.aade.gr/en/greeks-abroad-non-residents/income-taxation/income-categories-and-income-taxation-greece

Bank of Greece. (2024). Note on the Greek Economy – June 2024. Referred from https://www.bankofgreece.gr/Publications/Note_on_the_Greek_economy_14_June_2024.pdf

Ministry of Finance, Hellenic Republic. (2024). IMF Country Report No. 24/24: Greece – Public finance, inflation, and fiscal framework 2024–2025. Referred from https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2024/024/article-A001-en.xml