Cost of living in Greece

Greece is a country of ancient history, olive groves and bright sunshine, which beckons not only tourists, but also those who are thinking of moving. However, before deciding to change the bustling metropolis for the tranquility of the Aegean coast, it is important to understand how much it costs to live in this sunny country. How much does it cost to rent a place, go grocery shopping and everyday expenses? Let's take a look into the wallet of modern Greece and find out how affordable its famous lifestyle is!

Cost of housing and rent in Greece

The real estate market in Greece is attractive to both locals and foreign investors. Depending on the region and type of property, prices can vary greatly. Here are the main aspects to consider:

• Renting an apartment. In large cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center will cost an average of 400 to 600 euros per month. In the suburbs or outskirts, the price can drop to 250-400 euros. On popular islands, such as Crete or Santorini, the rent can be higher, especially during the tourist season.
• Buying a home. The average cost per square meter in Athens is about 1500-2500 euros, while on the islands or in resort areas the price can exceed 3000 euros per square meter. In less touristy regions housing will cost much cheaper.
• Utilities. Electricity, water and heating costs depend on the season and the size of the accommodation. On average, utilities cost about 100-200 euros per month.

When renting or buying a home in Greece, it is important to consider additional costs such as taxes, insurance and agency services.

Utilities

Utility costs in Greece depend on the region, the size of the accommodation and the time of year. You can save a lot on heating in this sunny country, but in summer you'll have to think about air conditioning. Here's what to consider:

• Electricity. The average electricity bill ranges from 50 to 120 euros per month. The main consumers are air conditioners in summer and heaters in winter.
• Water. The cost of water supply remains affordable - on average 10-20 euros per month. On islands this figure may be higher due to the difficulty of water delivery.
• Gas and heating. In winter in the northern parts of the country, heating costs can range from 50 to 200 euros per month. In the southern regions, heating costs are much lower.
• Internet and communications. Fast internet in Greece costs about 25-40 euros per month, and mobile communication will cost 10-20 euros for a package with internet and minutes.

The total utility bill averages 100-200 euros per month for a small apartment. However, this number may increase if you actively use air conditioning or live in colder regions.

Cost of medical services in Greece

Medicine in Greece offers a high level of service, and prices for services here are significantly lower than in other EU countries. Let's divide the main costs into several categories:

• Medical consultations. An appointment with a therapist or specialist in a private clinic will cost on average from 25 to 50 euros, depending on the region and the level of the medical center.
• Dentistry. Simple procedures such as teeth cleaning or fillings cost between 50 and 150 euros. More complex interventions, such as implants, can reach several thousand euros.
• Diagnostic examinations. Ultrasound, X-ray or MRI cost between 30 and 200 euros, depending on the complexity of the examination.
• Physiotherapy. One session costs between 20-50 euros, which makes it affordable for most patients.
• Childbirth and surgery. Childbirth in a private clinic costs between 2,000 and 5,000 euros, and surgery starts at 3,000 euros.

Greece has a public health care system that covers many basic services for citizens and residents. However, for faster access to treatment and comfortable care, many people choose to go to private clinics.

It is also worth considering the cost of medications. Most medications have prices regulated by the government, making them affordable even without insurance. For example, a pack of antibiotics can cost as little as 5-10 euros.

Medical insurance in Greece helps to significantly reduce costs, especially when it comes to private services. Insurance policies can be arranged through both local and international companies.

Thus, medical care in Greece is characterized by quality, accessibility and price transparency, which makes it attractive not only for residents of the country, but also for those considering relocation.

Education and Entertainment

Greece offers a wealth of educational and recreational opportunities for all ages that combine affordability and diversity.

The education system in Greece includes both public and private schools and universities. For families with children, it is important to consider the following aspects:

• Schooling. Public schools are free, but instruction is usually in Greek. In larger cities, international schools with instruction in English are available, where tuition ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 euros per year.
• Higher education. Tuition at public universities is free for EU citizens. Foreign students pay a symbolic fee, which is about 500-1500 euros per year. Private universities offer training at a price of 4,000 to 10,000 euros per year.
• Courses and sections. Additional activities such as language courses, dancing or sports sections cost between 30 and 100 euros per month.

Greece is not only a country of ancient temples and museums, but also a place where you can have fun for all tastes:

• Cultural activities. Tickets to museums or historical sites cost between 5 and 20 euros. During the winter months, there are often discounts for students and pensioners.
• Movies and theaters. A visit to a movie theater will cost 7-10 euros per ticket, and theater performances cost from 15 euros.
• Active recreation. Boating, diving or excursions around the islands cost from 30 to 100 euros. Nature lovers can enjoy free hiking trails and national parks.
• Cafes and restaurants. Dinner in a medium-priced restaurant costs about 15-25 euros per person, and a cup of coffee in a local coffee shop costs only 2-3 euros.

Education and entertainment in Greece cover a wide range of needs and interests, providing excellent opportunities for cultural, intellectual and active pastimes.

Food

In Greece, the cost of food can vary greatly depending on the region and season. On average, food prices in Greece are relatively high compared to other European countries.

You can find fresh fruits and vegetables in markets and stores, with prices ranging from 1 to 5 euros per kilogram. For example, a kilogram of tomatoes can cost around 2-3 euros and a kilogram of apples around 1.5-2.5 euros.

Meat and poultry are also relatively expensive in Greece. A kilogram of beef can cost around 10-15 euros, while a kilogram of chicken can cost around 5-7 euros. Fish and seafood are also popular in Greece, but prices can be quite high. A kilogram of fresh fish can cost around 20-30 euros.

Dairy products and bread are also an important part of Greek cuisine. A liter of milk can cost around 1.5-2.5 euros, and a loaf of bread can cost around 1-2 euros.

Overall, the cost of food in Greece can be quite high, especially for those who are used to lower prices in other countries. However, it is worth noting that the quality of food in Greece is usually very high and many products are local.

Obtaining a residence permit

Planning to obtain citizenship or Greek residence permit? One World Migration will be your reliable partner in this important endeavor. We provide assistance in the preparation of documents, advice on all stages of the process and support to make your dream of living in Greece a reality.