Moving to Greece: A Guide for Expats to Live Here

A personal expat guide to moving to Greece, covering cost of living, visas, healthcare, housing, jobs, and daily life, with honest insights on what it is really like to live here.

There are a lot of reasons to move to Greece: the lifestyle, the climate, the great Greek food or the slower pace of life. As with most countries, moving for work, versus for retirement does change things a bit. 

However, I still would argue that Greece is a beautiful place to relocate to if you are aware of the downsides and happy to trade them for more sun, good food and less expenses than similar Mediterranean choices like Spain, Italy or Portugal.

My personal take, as someone that was born in the country, but was raised overseas, then chose to return in my mid-20s is that Greece is a place you either love or hate. There are parts where slow living and nature is abundant, and parts of Athens that are similar to any bigger city, complete with its problems.

With that said, it is generally easier to put up with a bit of traffic every now and then if you know you can easily pop into one of the hundreds of Greek islands or small villages in the mainland for a bit of quiet time.

This guide will walk you through what you can expect moving to Greece as an expat to be like, from costs and healthcare, to housing, visas but also everyday logistics and small things you might not know to ask about.

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Cost of Living

If we compare the cost of living in Greece to Western European or North American standards, we find a semi-affordable base. While cost has been steadily rising due to inflation as with most countries, it still is possible to find affordable properties to rent or buy and keep your overall cost of living low, while enjoying the things that matter.

Athens is generally 15-25% more expensive than most non-touristy mainland cities in Greece. The biggest difference is higher rent and everyday services. What stays similar across Greece are supermarket prices, mobile plans, internet, healthcare and to a large degree fuel.

What is often cheaper outside of Athens or the touristy hubs are, apart from rent, heating, services like cleaners and gyms or hairdressers, as well as dining out.

Prices below are estimated in US dollars.

• Accommodation: Renting in Greece is very common with a one bedroom apartment or studio in a decent neighborhood being around US$540–$760 per month unfurnished and a 100 square meter 2 or 3 bedroom apartment closer to US$1,300 unfurnished. A furnished apartment is easier to find in touristy spots and might bring the total up by 20%, depending on location and season.
• Bills and Utilities: The average cost for a smaller apartment is US$110–$220 including internet, a mobile phone plan, shared building fees, electricity and water. Winter heating in colder locations and older housing might push this higher.
• Food and drink: If you plan to eat out a lot, you will be pleased to find lots of local tavernas and takeaway shops for an affordable price. In general, US$360–$600 will be more than enough to cover supermarket costs, occasional weekly dinners, takeaway coffees and some alcohol.
• Clothes: Prices vary based on taste, but US$120–$240 per month will cover the occasional haircut, beauty products and toiletries, and occasional clothing purchases.
• Transportation: Expect to pay about US$110–$215 per month in fuel if you own a car. Public transport is mostly available in Athens and Thessaloniki. If you prefer to walk and only use taxis occasionally, expect about US$75–$110 per month.
• Health Insurance: This depends on your age, needs and visa requirements. Public healthcare is free for residents. Many expats choose private insurance which ranges from US$45–$215 per month depending on coverage and health history.
• Estimated total per month: US$1,350–$1,600 per month.

A more comfortable lifestyle with a better apartment and more eating out will be closer to US$1,800–$2,300 per month.

Considering the minimum wage in Greece at the moment is €880 per month (gross) and the median wage is around €1,200 per month (gross), many Greek households rely on a mix of family support, or inherited property, to lower their living costs. In some cases, there is also limited government support for housing or utilities, especially for families and lower-income groups.

For expats, this context might help explain why Greece feels enjoyable on a modest budget, but also help achieve a comfortable lifestyle, similar to locals, without overspending.

Find out more: Cost of Living in Greece: How Much Do You Need to Spend per Month? 

Visas

Not everyone requires a visa to enter Greece, so your options will largely depend on whether you are an EU citizen or a citizen of a country with favorable terms.

These requirements will also shape how long you can stay and whether or not you can work or study.

The longest stay you can get as a U.S, Canada, U.K or Australia citizen is 90 days within any 180 day period. This is usually not enough if you are planning on relocating, so you’ll have to explore other options.

The main options you’ll have for long term stay are the Digital Nomad Visa (a new and popular option for expats who work remotely), the FIP (Financially Independent Person Visa) which however does not allow you to work and is great for retirees, and the Golden Visa which is designed to give residency to investors in real estate. The latter is a great option if you are planning on buying property to retire in later.

Quick Note on Bureaucracy:

Everything that has to do with the government, paperwork or legal proceedings can take twice as long as it seems in the beginning or cost twice as much. While other countries might have a DIY approach, it is best to work directly with an immigration lawyer and accountant or a relocation consultant when planning your move.

They will make sure to let you know about upfront costs, and save you time, stress and repeat visits to government offices with long lines.

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Job Opportunities

Most expats don’t move to Greece for local job opportunities, with very few exceptions. While there are jobs available, wages are generally considered low for international standards and the job market is competitive, especially if you don’t speak Greek.

Instead, most people moving to Greece do so as remote workers, freelancers and retirees. So you earn income outside the country but keep your cost of living low and quality high in a beautiful Mediterranean country.

There are some limited sectors like tourism and hospitality that are good for those looking to invest or create a business while in the country and some like teaching English that could be good as side income opportunities if you have the extra time and want to connect with the locals.

In most cases, living comfortably in Greece means earning an income elsewhere and living here, rather than making money within Greece.

Healthcare

Greece is generally considered quite high in terms of its healthcare quality but the main issue is access. Looking at statistics from Eurostat, we see that Greece has one of the highest rates of unmet medical needs, primarily due to cost, long waiting lists or distance from healthcare services.

This doesn’t mean care is unavailable, but there are some challenges if you live outside the main hub of Athens, or if you need to see certain specialists with long waiting lines.

With that said, a lot of Greeks and most expats (it is required for most visas) use private insurance packages which are generally affordable. Speaking from personal experience, a last minute ACL and meniscus surgery at a top private clinic with no insurance was 3000 euro, which compared to other countries is much lower.

It is also worth noting that Greece has some of the highest adult smoking rates in the EU, so smoking is very much evident around the country even though it is technically illegal within buildings and restaurants.

Food

Food is one of the main reasons people move to Greece and I can understand why.

Greece is blessed with fertile soil, great weather and a long history in intuitive, Mediterranean style eating which uses lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and healthy fats, with the main ingredient being olive oil.

If you are a fan of Greek food, the smaller villages, non-touristy areas of Greece and islands will become your new favorite locations. From super fresh fish near the water, to lamb chops in a taverna in the mountains, Greeks like to eat what is available seasonally and locally.

Foodies and close observers will also find lots of local varieties of cheeses, wine and dishes between different parts of the country.

The north of Greece is famous for Anatolia inspired cuisine, with dishes that feature a lot of eggplant, peppers, spices and meat as well as local sausages and rich stews, in addition to all the classic options. The influence comes from Asia Minor refugees after the population exchange with nearby Turkey. Cities like Thessaloniki, Kavala and Serres will showcase this in their dishes, desserts but also the street-food culture.

In contrast, southern Greece and the islands have more fish, vegetables and fruit, and not that long ago, it would have been less easy to source out of season ingredients in smaller cities.

The region of the Peloponnese sits somewhere in between. It is a major citrus producing region, with excellent world famous olive oil and olives, as well as honey.

When visiting the mountain villages, it is mandatory to stop in a meat taverna for lamb chops or other hearty cuts of meat.

The other region that stands alone is Crete. The island has a proud and long identity, which includes food. Cretan cuisine traditionally includes items less popular in the rest of Greece, like the rich staka butter, or escargot.

A very interesting fact to keep in mind about food in Greece is also how religion and fasting periods shape diet. There are multiple of these Christian fasting periods in the country, where people avoid eating meat, dairy or even more extreme at times. This means that vegans and vegetarians will have a very easy time finding food, even outside the main hubs. There are a lot of bean dishes with lentils, chickpeas, beans and vegetables being the most popular.

Even if you do eventually get tired of Greek food though, which I doubt, there are plenty of international cuisines represented in the main cities, but especially Athens.

Where to Live

The most popular expat destinations in Greece outside of Athens are Crete island in the south, Thessaloniki in the north and the region of the Peloponnese.

Both have pros and cons that are worth exploring in full when you are considering moving to Greece.

Athens

For Athens, the obvious pros are the size and lifestyle. Athens has a well connected public transport system, more expats and bigger communities to meet people. You can also enjoy movies, shows, museums and happenings everyday of the week.

Athens is the most expensive city in Greece to call home but with that also comes close proximity to the airport, more choices for restaurants and international cuisines and lots of options for domestic trips either via plane or by catching a ferry from Piraeus.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki in the north is the smaller sibling of Athens and has a vibrant lifestyle, mostly due to the presence of students. Thessaloniki is also near the water and gives you road trip access to many beautiful locations in the north of Greece and the Balkans. It is more compact and more affordable than Athens, but has international schools for kids, and plenty of life if you want to meet new people.

Crete

Crete as the largest island in Greece provides an island feel to expats, without committing to the high island prices of smaller islands. It is lively year-round due to its population size, even though not as much as the summer, and has touristy and non-touristy spots where you can ideally find an investment property or somewhere to rent.

There is an ever growing community of digital nomads and expats here that love to live by the water year-round and enjoy some of the warmest winters within Greece.

The Peloponnese Region

Lastly, the Peloponnese region was for years an underrated gem that has slowly been rising. The Peloponnese and specifically the town of Kalamata is only a few hours by car from Athens and has a combination of mountains, nature, stunning beaches and small villages that captivates visitors. 

Outside of Kalamata and Nafplio, the Peloponnese has small villages and towns that would work beautifully if you are moving to Greece for retirement and want a slow-life coastal property with good food and access to top rated vacation spots during the summer.

Accommodation

There are a lot of different types of accommodation to choose from when considering your move to Greece. These will change depending on the location you chose as well.

• Studios and apartments: Most of the main cities in Greece are made up of new and old multi-story buildings and people live in apartments. They tend to be compact and the older buildings will have less heating options. They are the most common choice for people living in cities. New apartment buildings in central hubs will be the most expensive options rent wise.
• Detached houses or maisonettes: Maisonettes are really popular in the suburbs of Greece, including the towns and islands. These can be single-family homes or split-level maisonettes and may include small gardens or a terrace. Often they are part of a complex with lots of similar houses. They are popular for families or if you prefer more outdoors and typically you also need a car.
• Villas: These are mostly found in the islands or near coastal areas and they are often furnished and available for long term leases for a higher price point. Depending on the area, they might have pools or other amenities.
• Traditional homes: The smaller villages and islands will have traditional smaller stone houses that are charming but not always ideal for long term stays, mostly due to insulation. It is best to visit as a tourist in the summer and rent a few for some days to get a better idea.

Most rentals in Greece come unfurnished. Different from other countries though this also doesn’t include appliances. Rarely some unfurnished houses might include a fridge or oven, but it is often because the kitchen set up is built into the cabinet. 

For long term furnished apartments over a few months, the price tends to be quite high as it means the owner has decided to take it out of the short term rental market.

Some popular platforms that locals and expats use are XE.gr or Spitogatos. In recent years, lots of local Facebook groups have also become popular, for rentals without agent fees. You might need to use auto-translate but it can be a helpful research tool.

Rental contracts for houses are typically 12 months, even though there is legal protection for residents to stay up to 3 years. It is best to work with a real estate agent to know exactly what is happening at every stage. Security deposits have become more common in recent years, and really depend on the type of house.

Another thing to note is that all residents must register their address to the Greek authorities upon moving in, and there might also be a similar process with transferring utilities to your name.

Utilities and Bills

The standard utilities bills in apartment buildings are electricity, water and shared building fees. The last one will vary based on the type of building you live in (new or old), the floor you’re in, whether or not there is an elevator, as well as the type of heating system the building has (for example central heating system). 

These are rarely included in rent. 

Internet is rarely provided unless you rent a serviced and furnished apartment similar to platforms like Airbnb. Older and less preferred buildings often only have AC units for heating and cooling which sometimes is not enough in the winter, and can bring your electricity bill really high.

Mobile Phone and Internet

There are a couple of major providers in Greece, including Vodafone, Cosmote and Nova. Coverage is generally the same and pretty good in Athens, Thessaloniki and all major cities.

Mobile phone plans are available for prepaid and yearly contract leases with a popular option for expats being Cosmote Neo which is a month to month contract like plan that you can pick according to your needs. Unlimited data plans range between $25-$40 depending on whether you get a long term contract.

When it comes to home internet, speeds vary by location and provider. Areas with fiber connections can expect speeds up to 100mbs and the network is rapidly expanding. Other areas average 60-80 Mbps. Starlink is also rapidly gaining popularity as a higher speed competitor.

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Overall, the infrastructure can definitely support remote work or daily needs but it will take a bit of research to arrive at your preferred option.

Finance

Finances are a necessary chore when it comes to moving to Greece or any other country. In general, expect some bureaucracy and delays to come into play in all aspects of dealing with banks or government services.

The general order is to get an AFM (or tax number) in order to sign a long term lease on an apartment and then be able to open a bank account. The latter is the one that might take the most research and branch visits if you don’t have all the paperwork in order.

To open a bank account, most banks will require

• Passport
• Tax number
• Proof of address
• Your visa or proof of legal stay. 
• Depending on the visa you have, you might also need to show proof of income.

Greek banks are generally known for high fees and hidden fees so if you don’t have to pay into a Greek account it is just nice to have. Revolut or Wise are both used frequently as well.

Cash is still used in smaller markets or certain shops but altogether you should usually be okay to pay with your bank card. Since late 2025, most businesses are required by law to accept IRIS payments as well, a fast transaction method through your bank that uses the other person’s tax number or phone number and has no fees.

In terms of sending or receiving money this is quite easy through a range of services like Wise, Revolut or PayPal.

Taxes

When it comes to taxes, visa type matters less than whether you are classed as a Greek tax resident. Greece considers you a tax resident when you spend more than 183 days in Greece within a calendar year. There is an additional criterion on whether your primary vital interests, such as house, business activity or family life are located in Greece.

Once that is determined, you are taxed on either your global income (for residents) or Greek sourced income, if you’re not a Greek resident. Tax rates vary in Greece and are calculated progressively, from 9% to 44% in some cases.

There are also requirements to submit annual income tax returns (E1), as well as disclosures on assets of real estate, vehicles and more. Even though you technically can submit these on your own, most expats and Greeks use accountants, as small changes to legislation or incorrect filing can incur big fines.

Language

Learning Greek in order to move to Greece is not mandatory but it definitely will feel better if you make an effort to learn a few words.

Overall, most young people and those working in hospitality or certain industries will speak basic English. In more touristy areas, you might even find people that speak multiple languages such as German, French, Italian and more. Overall, Greeks appreciate any gesture for foreigners to learn the language and make an effort to communicate even through broken English or hand gestures.

There are a lot of language learning schools geared towards adults as well as affordable classes that expats can use if they want to easily become better at Greek during their stay.

Find out more:

• My Personal Guide on Learning Greek for Beginners 
• A Complete Guide on the Best Way to Learn Greek Alphabet

Transportation

For such a small country, Greece doesn’t have a very reliable or well-established transport network across the country. On the mainland, there are train lines between Athens and Thessaloniki that also branch out toward some other cities in Central Greece.

For the rest of the country, you’ll need to rely on KTEL buses, which are generally affordable, clean, and on time. These are standard long-distance coaches, usually with one class and no additional amenities.

For islands, ferries are the standard way to get around, with both fast and slower options available. A ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Rhodes, one of the most popular islands in the summer, can take up to 18 hours in the off-season, as it often stops at multiple islands along the way to drop off cargo.

Faster ferries, such as those between Athens and Santorini, can take as little as 3 hours.

Within cities, Athens and, more recently, Thessaloniki are the only places with reliable metro systems serving the city center. The rest of each city is covered by buses, which can take some getting used to. Cities in Greece are generally considered very walkable, and you may only need to rely on taxis occasionally if you don’t want to buy or lease a car.

Useful Tips

The main thing that surprises expats or visitors when moving to Greece is how deeply religious and somewhat conservative it can be, especially in places outside of Athens.

Religion

Greece, in general, has been a country marked by war and struggle, and Orthodoxy played a huge role during the wars of independence as well as in previous years.

People

In terms of the people, they are generally considered to be warm, expressive, loud, and relationship-oriented. The old stereotypes of tight-knit families with lots of kids used to be true until this generation, with birth rates now dropping and fewer large families.

Work and Life Balance

While Greeks love to have fun, they tend to clock in more hours than expected at work, likely due to a somewhat hazy separation between work and life. But when they do meet with friends, it is often for hours or until late in the evening. It is generally considered okay and not rude to invite a friend for a coffee, wine, or dinner at 9 pm on a weekday, as people tend to socialize later in the evening.

A typical family will have lunch late, especially in the summer, usually between 3 and 5 pm, and then dinner between 8 and 10 pm.

Having a Conversation

While Greeks are welcoming to strangers in general, the first weeks or months can also feel a bit chaotic or loud. Conversations within groups of friends are animated, and people often interrupt, speak over each other, or make jokes. 

Gifting 

Hospitality is also greatly expressed through food, and it is standard to be offered water, coffee, or something to eat when you visit someone’s home. It is also good practice to bring a small gift or sweets when visiting a friend’s house.

Splitting the Bill

Even among younger generations, the idea of splitting the bill is still somewhat considered rude, even when taking low wages and unemployment into account. Friends will often treat each other in rounds or expect to offer food when you are visiting their house.

Flexibility is a Key

As a final word of advice, flexibility is definitely a good virtue to have in Greece. Things often take longer than expected, and last-minute changes are common, from government offices to strikes in public transport to waiting for a coffee on an island.