Living and working in Greece: a realistic look at jobs, salary and lifestyle
Leandra
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4 minutes reading time
Sun, sea and a different rhythm make working in Greece popular with Dutch people. That’s why in this blog you’ll read what to expect when it comes to work, salary and lifestyle in Greece, so you can decide whether this way of living suits you.
Why so many Dutch people choose to work in Greece
For many Dutch and german speaking people, working in Greece is all about the balance between work and life. Thanks to the mild climate, life mostly happens outdoors, even after work. Meeting friends on a terrace or having dinner together on a weekday evening feels completely normal here.
Many Dutch speakers also work in international teams, especially in cities like Athens. English is the main working language and because many colleagues are new to the country as well, it’s easy to connect. That really helps when you’re building a new life abroad. The mindset plays a role too. The pace is slower and plans are more flexible. Not everything has to be done immediately or perfectly, which many Dutch and German nationals experience as relaxing.
“You still work a normal job, but it feels less rushed. Like life outside work is just as important.”
What do you earn in Greece? Realistic salaries
Salaries in Greece are lower than in the Netherlands, but they fit the local lifestyle better than many people expect. For roles such as Customer Support, Content Moderator or Sales Agent, the gross monthly salary is usually between €1,100 and €1,400.
Let’s be honest, it’s not a salary to brag about back home, but it’s enough to live comfortably. Your fixed costs stay manageable and you still have room for daily expenses and free time. Extras like bonuses, meal allowance or help with accommodation often make the overall package more attractive.
Most people don’t move to Greece for the money, but for the combination of international work experience and a life in the sun. 😉
What does daily life look like when you work in Greece?
Daily life in Greece feels different from the Netherlands. Workdays are structured, but less tightly planned. Meetings sometimes start later and plans can change. That requires flexibility, but it also means less pressure during the day.
Free time, weather and social life
After work, life mainly happens outside. In Athens, many people go for an evening walk through their neighbourhood, grab something small to eat or have a drink on a square. If you live closer to the coast, your day might end with a quick swim in the sea or a walk along the water.
Because many people are rebuilding their lives in Greece, making contact is easy. Eating together, spontaneous plans or having a drink after work happens often, which makes friendships grow faster than back home.
👉 Curious what a workday like this could look like for you? Take a look at the jobs available in Greece and see what you can expect.
Can you live well on a salary in Greece? This is what your month looks like
For most Dutch and German speaking people, living on a Greek salary is very doable, as long as you adapt to the local lifestyle.
Housing: what do you pay for rent?
Rent is usually the biggest expense. For a room in a shared apartment, you’ll pay around €350 to €500 per month, depending on the city and location. Sharing a place is popular because it’s affordable and helps you build a social network faster.
Daily costs: groceries, eating out and free time
If you live locally, you’ll quickly notice that daily life in Greece is cheaper than in the Netherlands. For groceries, you’ll spend around €150 to €220 per month. Eating out is very normal here: for €7 to €12 you already have a good meal, and a coffee usually costs less than €3. A lot of free time costs little to nothing, like walking through the city, meeting friends on a square or going to the beach. With drinks around €2 to €4, your budget stays easy to manage.
Is working in Greece right for you?
Working in Greece suits people who are flexible, open to cultural differences and value quality of life more than saving money. It’s especially a good fit if you want to live abroad for a while and gain international experience.
If you prefer clear structures and fast financial growth, Greece might be less suitable. But if you’re open to trying something new and discovering a different way of living, the experience is usually very rewarding.
“I didn’t become richer on paper, but I definitely did in experiences. And I still smile when I think about it.”
Tim and Tess went before you and share their story about living and working in Greece in their blog.
Ready to start your Greek adventure?
Reading this and thinking this could actually be me? Then this might be the perfect moment to take the next step. Check out the current job openings in Greece and see which role matches your profile and plans.
Ready to find out if this is right for you? Let’s figure it out together. 🧡