As remote work and cross-border careers continue to rise, Greece has emerged as an appealing destination for non-Greeks looking to build a life abroad.
But for job seekers and professionals considering a move, one practical question looms large: what is the actual cost of living in Greece in 2025, and is it truly affordable?
This guide breaks down essential expenses such as housing, food, transport, and healthcare — giving you a realistic understanding of what your money can buy in Greece today.
How Expensive Is It to Live in Greece?
In 2025, Greece remains one of the more affordable countries in the European Union when it comes to day-to-day living. According to
recent figures, a single person’s monthly costs range from €800 to €1,200 depending on lifestyle. For a family of four, this figure typically ranges from €2,700 to €3,500.
Compared to countries like Germany, France, or the Netherlands, where even basic groceries and public services carry a higher price tag, Greece offers a much lower entry point. For reference,
Numbeo data estimates the cost of living in Greece is around 23.4% lower than in the United States.
Affordability, however, is relative. While prices are lower, so are salaries. Budgeting wisely is key to making the most of what Greece has to offer, especially in larger cities like Athens or Thessaloniki where rent and utility prices are on the rise.
Cost of Housing and Rent
When it comes to
accommodation in Greece, rent will likely be your largest monthly expense, particularly if you're planning to live in or near a city center. In central Athens, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center
reportedly falls between €700 and €1,200. The same apartment in the suburbs may cost €500 to €900.
In smaller cities or less urbanized areas, rent is significantly more affordable. For
example, in Kilkis — a smaller city in Northern Greece — you can rent an 80–100m² apartment for around €400 per month.
According to
Efsyn, Rental prices across the country have increased by an average of 6.7% since the start of the year, partly due to demand from digital nomads and expats.
If you're flexible on location, targeting suburban areas or university towns can significantly reduce your housing costs. Shared apartments are also widely available and offer a budget-friendly solution for single professionals.
Cost of Food and Groceries
Greece offers moderate grocery prices by European standards. A single person can expect to spend around €250–€350 per month on groceries, while a family of four will likely pay between €600 and €800.
Prices for individual items (as of Q2 2025) are as follows:
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1 liter of milk: €1.50
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12 eggs: €3.40
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1 kg of chicken breast: €7.50
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1 loaf of bread: €1.20
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1 kg of apples: €2.00
Dining out remains accessible. A casual meal at a local tavern or café usually costs between €10 and €15, while a mid-range three-course dinner for one could set you back €20 to €40.
Food inflation has impacted essentials such as fish, meat, and soft drinks. The ongoing price hikes — exacerbated by supply chain bottlenecks and
regional boycotts — have led many residents to seek more affordable options through local markets.
Shopping at weekly “laiki” (farmer’s markets) is one of the easiest ways to reduce grocery expenses. Products are fresher, often cheaper, and sold directly by producers.
Cost of Transportation
Greece’s public transportation system is affordable and generally reliable in major cities. In Athens, a monthly metro, bus, and tram pass ranges from €30 to €50. A single ride ticket costs around €1.20–€1.40.
If you own a car or plan to rent one long-term, fuel prices are another consideration. As of early 2025, gasoline costs approximately €1.80 per liter.
Taxis are relatively affordable, with starting fares around €3.50 and €0.80–€1.20 per kilometer depending on the city.
In more rural or island regions, public transportation is far less frequent. In those cases, owning or renting a vehicle becomes essential. For intercity travel, long-distance buses and trains are available, but pricing varies based on the route and season.
Cost of Utilities and Internet
Utilities in Greece have seen a steep increase in recent years, largely due to rising energy costs. For a standard 85m² apartment, expect to pay between €100 and €200 per month for electricity, water, heating, and garbage collection.
According to
Reuters, energy costs have surged nearly 40% since 2022, hitting Southeastern European economies especially hard
High-speed internet plans range from €25 to €35 per month. Most providers include unlimited data and speeds sufficient for remote work or streaming.
Be mindful of winter heating costs, especially in older apartments that rely on oil-based systems. Newer buildings with electric heating or solar panels can offer long-term savings.
Cost of Healthcare and Insurance
Greece provides public
healthcare through its national system (
EOPYY), which is available to residents contributing to social security. While basic services are covered, access to specialists and non-urgent procedures can involve long wait times.
Private healthcare is widely used by expats and higher-income locals. Monthly insurance premiums for private health coverage range from €50 to €100 depending on age and coverage level. Out-of-pocket costs for a doctor’s visit at a private clinic are typically €30–€60.
Private hospitals in larger cities often offer English-speaking staff, shorter wait times, and modern facilities. For professionals working in Greece on temporary or freelance contracts, investing in private insurance is often a necessity rather than a luxury.
Salaries and Income
Wages in Greece remain lower than in Western Europe, although they have risen modestly in recent years. According to
Eurostat, the minimum wage in 2025 is €968.33 per month.
As for income taxation, Greece operates a progressive income tax system. Rates start at 9% and go up to 44%, depending on your income bracket. Social security contributions typically amount to 15–20% of gross salary, shared between employee and employer.
Cost of Living by City
While national averages are useful, the true cost of living in Greece varies significantly depending on the city or region you choose
to settle in. Urban centers like Athens offer more job opportunities and services but come with a higher price tag — particularly in terms of rent. On the other hand, smaller cities and regional towns may provide a lower cost of living but can lack the same level of infrastructure or access to international employers.
When evaluating affordability, it’s essential to look at both income potential and living expenses in your specific destination. Below is a breakdown of how living costs compare across four notable cities, each with distinct appeal for international workers and remote professionals.
Athens: Greece’s capital is the most expensive place to live, primarily due to rental prices. However, it offers the widest range of services, employment opportunities, and international schools.
Thessaloniki: As Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki provides a balanced mix of affordable living and professional opportunity. Rent and food costs are slightly lower than in Athens.
Chania and Nafplio: Popular with expats and retirees, these mid-sized towns offer lower rents and good access to amenities.
Tips for Budgeting and Saving
Even in a country where overall living costs are relatively low, your monthly expenses can vary widely based on habits, lifestyle choices, and location. For professionals moving to Greece — especially those earning local salaries or working freelance — it’s important to actively manage your budget to ensure long-term sustainability.
From housing to dining, small decisions can add up to meaningful savings over time. Below are practical tips to help you make the most of your income while living comfortably in Greece.
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Housing: Look for shared apartments or suburban neighborhoods. Avoid tourist hotspots for long-term rentals.
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Groceries: Shop at weekly farmer’s markets and buy seasonal produce to save significantly.
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Transportation: Invest in a monthly public transport pass rather than paying per ride.
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Dining: Limit dining out and prepare meals at home when possible.
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Utilities: Be energy-conscious, particularly during the winter months when heating costs rise.
It’s Your Turn Now!
For many young professionals, Greece remains an affordable place to live — particularly when compared to other EU destinations. While wages are on the lower side, that’s reflected in housing, food, and transport costs, which remain accessible for those with a stable income.
Affordability, however, comes down to choices. Living in central Athens with frequent nights out will require a different budget than renting in a small city and preparing most of your meals at home.
For non-Greeks looking to balance quality of life with reasonable expenses, Greece offers a viable — and in many cases, attractive! — option in 2025.
Or, better yet, submit your CV and start looking for your ideal job today!