How expensive is Greece? Rent, groceries & lifestyle

What is the average cost of living in Greece per month?

The average cost of living in Greece for one person ranges between €800 and €1,050 per month. This includes rent, groceries, utilities, public transport and social life. This estimate assumes you share accommodation and live a moderate lifestyle. That means cooking most weekdays, going out once or twice per weekend and using public transport instead of taxis. For reference, the Greek minimum wage is roughly €830 to €910 net per month. If you choose to live alone in central Athens or eat out frequently, your monthly expenses will increase beyond this range. However, for most expats sharing an apartment, staying within €800 to €1,050 per month is realistic.

Example monthly budget in Greece

Here’s what a realistic monthly budget in Greece might look like for someone sharing accommodation:

Rent: €400–€480
Groceries: €180–€220
Utilities: €90–€110
Public transport: €30
Social life: €120–€180

Total monthly expenses: €820 to €1020. 

For someone cooking most weekdays and going out once or twice per weekend, staying within this range is realistic. Later in this blog, you can compare these numbers with your own city and salary to see how it fits your situation. 

If Greece feels like your place, scroll down to see the latest job vacancies and take your first step towards moving abroad. 🧡

Rent in Greece

When calculating the cost of living in Greece, rent is the most important factor. Housing prices vary significantly depending on the city and season.

Cost of rent in Athens

The cost of living in Athens is the highest in Greece, mainly because of housing demand. A room in a shared apartment usually costs between €350 and €500 per month. A studio apartment typically ranges from €580 to €800. For example, if you rent a shared apartment in a neighbourhood like Koukaki or Neos Kosmos, you might pay around €450 per month and split utilities with two roommates. Living near a metro station means you can reach work within 20–30 minutes and avoid spending extra on taxis.

“In Athens, I pay more for rent than I would in a smaller city, but I love that I can walk to cafés, the metro and even rooftop bars after work.”

Living alone gives you more privacy, but sharing can easily save you €200 to €300 per month.

Rent a room in Thessaloniki

The cost of living in Thessaloniki is generally lower than in Athens. Shared rooms usually cost between €300 and €450 per month. Studio apartments range from €500 to €680. Because Thessaloniki is compact, many people live within walking distance of work or the city centre. That means fewer transport costs and more spontaneous coffee breaks by the waterfront. If you enjoy a student vibe, relaxed evenings and slightly lower rent, Thessaloniki often feels more budget-friendly without sacrificing city life.

Rent a room on Greek islands

On islands such as Crete, rent depends heavily on the season. During summer, tourism increases demand and prices rise. A studio that costs €550 in winter might increase to €750 in peak season, especially in tourist areas. If you move in autumn or winter, you often secure better long-term contracts. Many internationals who work on islands plan their move carefully to avoid peak prices. 🏖️

Grocery prices and food costs in Greece

Grocery prices in Greece are moderate, especially when you buy local products. Weekly grocery spending usually ranges between €40 and €60, which equals €160 to €240 per month. A typical weekly shop with vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice, chicken and yoghurt often costs around €45. Shopping at local markets can lower your bill, while frequent takeaway increases it. Compared to the Netherlands or Germany, groceries in Greece are generally a bit cheaper. In the Netherlands or Germany, a similar weekly shop often costs between €60 and €80, especially in larger cities. Fresh local produce in Greece is usually more affordable, while imported brands are similarly priced.

“Once I started shopping at the local market instead of buying imported brands, I noticed my weekly grocery bill dropped by almost €15.”

Wondering how Greece compares to where you live now? Put your city into the cost of living comparison tool and check rent, groceries and going out prices side by side with Athens or Thessaloniki.

 You might discover your daily coffee suddenly feels a lot cheaper by the Mediterranean. 💰😉

Public transport and utilities in Greece

Public transport in Greece is affordable, especially compared to many Northern European countries. In Athens, a monthly transport pass costs around €30 and gives unlimited access to metro, bus and tram. A single ticket costs about €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. In Thessaloniki, monthly public transport costs are similarly low. In comparison, monthly transport passes in the Netherlands or Germany often range between €60 and €150, depending on the region.

Utilities such as electricity, water and internet usually cost between €80 and €130 per month when shared. In summer, air conditioning can increase electricity bills. In winter, electric heating may raise costs as well. For example, three roommates sharing utilities might each pay around €35 to €45 per month, depending on the season.

Going out and social life costs in Greece

The cost of going out in Greece is one of the biggest lifestyle advantages. A coffee usually costs between €2 and €3, while in many Dutch or German cities you often pay €3.50 to €4.50. Lunch at a local taverna ranges from €8 to €12. Dinner with a drink typically costs €12 to €18, compared to €18 to €25 in many cities in NL or DE. Street food such as gyros costs around €3 to €5.

A typical Friday evening, dinner, drinks and a shared taxi, can stay under €25. In Northern Europe, the same evening often costs double the price. Many activities in Greece are free. You can spend Sunday at the beach, hike near Athens or watch the sunset without spending anything.🌞

So can you live comfortably in Greece?

In short: yes, you can live comfortably in Greece on a moderate salary! But it depends on your expectations. With shared accommodation and moderate spending, the average cost of living in Greece between €800 and €1,050 per month allows for a comfortable and socially active lifestyle. You can afford regular dinners out, coffee breaks and spontaneous beach days without constantly stressing about money.

Saving large amounts may not be easy, especially in Athens, but everyday life often feels more affordable than in many Northern European cities. Lower rent, cheaper groceries and more affordable restaurants make a noticeable difference.

If you prioritise sunshine, community and quality of life over maximising savings, living in Greece can be a realistic and rewarding choice.🧡

Thinking about taking the next step? Explore job opportunities in Greece and compare your expected salary with these average living costs. Your Mediterranean chapter might be closer than you think. ✈️