Last updated: March 2026 | Sources: Numbeo, Eurostat, Greek Statistical Authority (ELSTAT)
Planning your budget for life in Greece? This comprehensive guide breaks down real living costs across Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands based on 2026 data.
Quick Summary: Monthly Budget by Location
| Location |
Single Person |
Couple |
Family of 4 |
| Athens (Center) |
€1,200-€1,800 |
€2,000-€2,800 |
€3,500-€4,500 |
| Athens (Suburbs) |
€900-€1,400 |
€1,600-€2,200 |
€2,800-€3,800 |
| Thessaloniki |
€800-€1,200 |
€1,400-€2,000 |
€2,500-€3,400 |
| Crete (Heraklion) |
€900-€1,400 |
€1,500-€2,200 |
€2,700-€3,600 |
| Mykonos |
€2,000-€3,500 |
€3,500-€5,500 |
€6,000-€8,000+ |
| Santorini |
€1,800-€3,000 |
€3,000-€5,000 |
€5,500-€7,500+ |
| Corfu |
€1,100-€1,700 |
€1,900-€2,800 |
€3,300-€4,500 |
Note: Excludes rent for owned property. Rental costs added below.
Housing Costs (Rent)
Athens
| Property Type |
Area |
Monthly Rent |
| Studio (40m²) |
City Center |
€400-€600 |
| 1-Bedroom (55m²) |
City Center |
€500-€750 |
| 1-Bedroom (55m²) |
Suburbs |
€350-€500 |
| 2-Bedroom (80m²) |
City Center |
€700-€1,100 |
| 2-Bedroom (80m²) |
Suburbs |
€500-€750 |
| 3-Bedroom (120m²) |
City Center |
€1,200-€1,800 |
| 3-Bedroom (120m²) |
Suburbs |
€800-€1,200 |
Thessaloniki
| Property Type |
Area |
Monthly Rent |
| Studio (40m²) |
City Center |
€300-€450 |
| 1-Bedroom (55m²) |
City Center |
€350-€550 |
| 2-Bedroom (80m²) |
City Center |
€500-€800 |
| 3-Bedroom (120m²) |
City Center |
€700-€1,100 |
Islands (Varies Significantly)
| Island |
1-Bedroom |
2-Bedroom |
Notes |
| Crete (Heraklion) |
€400-€600 |
€600-€900 |
Most affordable island |
| Corfu |
€450-€700 |
€700-€1,000 |
Moderate |
| Rhodes |
€500-€800 |
€800-€1,200 |
Tourist premium |
| Mykonos |
€1,200-€2,500 |
€2,000-€4,000 |
Most expensive |
| Santorini |
€1,000-€2,000 |
€1,800-€3,500 |
High tourist demand |
Utilities (Monthly)
| Utility |
Athens |
Thessaloniki |
Islands |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (85m²) |
€100-€200 |
€90-€180 |
€120-€250 |
| Internet (Fiber, Unlimited) |
€25-€35 |
€25-€35 |
€30-€45 |
| Mobile Phone (with data) |
€15-€30 |
€15-€30 |
€15-€30 |
| Netflix/Spotify/etc. |
€15-€25 |
€15-€25 |
€15-€25 |
| Total Utilities |
€155-€290 |
€145-€270 |
€180-€350 |
Note on electricity: Greek electricity costs are among the highest in Europe. Summer AC and winter heating can double bills.
Groceries & Food
Supermarket Prices (2026)
| Item |
Price |
| Milk (1 liter) |
€1.40-€1.80 |
| Bread (500g) |
€0.90-€1.50 |
| Rice (1kg) |
€1.80-€3.00 |
| Eggs (12) |
€3.50-€5.00 |
| Cheese, Local (1kg) |
€8-€15 |
| Chicken Breast (1kg) |
€6-€9 |
| Beef (1kg) |
€10-€18 |
| Apples (1kg) |
€1.50-€2.50 |
| Bananas (1kg) |
€1.50-€2.20 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) |
€1.20-€2.50 |
| Potatoes (1kg) |
€0.80-€1.50 |
| Olive Oil (1 liter) |
€6-€12 |
| Wine, Mid-range (bottle) |
€6-€12 |
| Beer, Local (500ml) |
€1.20-€2.00 |
Monthly Grocery Budget
- Single person: €250-€400
- Couple: €400-€650
- Family of 4: €700-€1,100
Dining Out
| Meal Type |
Athens |
Thessaloniki |
Islands (Peak) |
| Inexpensive Restaurant (main dish) |
€12-€18 |
€10-€15 |
€15-€25 |
| Mid-range Restaurant (3-course, 2 people) |
€40-€60 |
€35-€50 |
€50-€80 |
| Gyro/Souvlaki (takeaway) |
€3.50-€5 |
€3-€4.50 |
€4-€6 |
| Coffee (Freddo Espresso) |
€3.50-€5 |
€3-€4.50 |
€4-€6 |
| Cappuccino |
€3.50-€5 |
€3-€4.50 |
€4-€6 |
| Beer (500ml, bar) |
€5-€8 |
€4-€7 |
€6-€10 |
| Cocktail |
€10-€15 |
€8-€12 |
€12-€18 |
Transportation
Public Transport
| City |
Single Ticket |
Monthly Pass |
Annual Pass |
| Athens |
€1.20 |
€30 |
€300 |
| Thessaloniki |
€1.00 |
€27 |
€270 |
| Heraklion (Crete) |
€1.50 |
€25 |
– |
Taxi & Ride-Sharing
- Athens taxi start: €3.50-€4.50
- Per km: €0.80-€1.20
- Airport to city center (Athens): €40-€60 (fixed rate)
- Uber/FreeNow: Available in Athens, Thessaloniki
Car Ownership
- Gasoline (95 octane): €1.80-€2.10/liter
- Diesel: €1.60-€1.90/liter
- Car insurance (annual): €300-€600
- Road tax (annual): €100-€400 (based on engine size)
Healthcare Costs
Public Healthcare (EFKA/OPY)
- EU citizens: EHIC card covers emergency care
- Non-EU with residency: Access to public system with social security contributions
- Doctor visit (public): €5-€15 (small fee)
Private Healthcare
- GP visit: €40-€80
- Specialist visit: €60-€120
- Private insurance (monthly):
- Single, 30s: €40-€70
- Couple, 30s: €70-€120
- Family of 4: €120-€200
- Dental cleaning: €50-€100
- Prescription medications: Subsidized (25-75% covered)
Education (For Families)
Public Schools
- Cost: Free (EU citizens)
- Language: Greek
- Quality: Variable
International Schools (Annual Tuition)
| School |
Location |
Annual Fees |
| Athens College |
Athens |
€12,000-€18,000 |
| American Community Schools |
Athens |
€15,000-€22,000 |
| British School of Athens |
Athens |
€10,000-€16,000 |
| Anatolia College |
Thessaloniki |
€8,000-€14,000 |
Entertainment & Leisure
| Activity |
Cost |
| Cinema Ticket |
€9-€12 |
| Gym Membership (monthly) |
€30-€60 |
| Yoga/Pilates Class |
€12-€20 |
| Theater Ticket |
€15-€40 |
| Museum Entry |
€5-€20 |
| Beach Club (day pass) |
€20-€100+ |
| Sailing Trip (day) |
€80-€150 |
Sample Monthly Budgets
Single Digital Nomad – Athens
- Rent (1-bedroom, center): €600
- Utilities: €180
- Groceries: €300
- Dining out (8x/month): €150
- Transport (monthly pass): €30
- Entertainment: €100
- Health insurance: €50
- Total: €1,410/month
Couple – Thessaloniki
- Rent (2-bedroom, center): €650
- Utilities: €160
- Groceries: €500
- Dining out (10x/month): €200
- Transport (2x monthly pass): €54
- Entertainment: €150
- Health insurance: €100
- Total: €1,814/month
Family of 4 – Athens Suburbs
- Rent (3-bedroom): €1,000
- Utilities: €220
- Groceries: €900
- Dining out (6x/month): €250
- Transport: €60
- International school (1 child): €1,200
- Activities: €200
- Health insurance: €180
- Total: €4,010/month
Cost-Saving Tips
- Live outside tourist areas: Athens suburbs are 30-40% cheaper than center
- Shop at local markets: Laiki (farmers markets) offer fresh produce at lower prices
- Use public transport: Athens metro is efficient and affordable
- Eat like a local: Gyros, tavernas, daily specials (μαγειρεία)
- Avoid peak season islands: Visit Mykonos/Santorini off-season or choose alternatives
- Negotiate long-term rent: 12-month leases often get 10-20% discount
- Get resident tax ID (AFM): Some services offer local rates
Official Resources
Need Help Planning Your Move?
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Book a free consultation to plan your Greek relocation
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates based on 2026 data and can vary. Always verify current prices locally. Exchange rates fluctuate.
Related: Greece Digital Nomad Visa 2026 | Greek Tax Residency Guide
