Europe · moderate destination

Cost of living in Greece for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Greece — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Athens.

Monthly budget

$1,700–2,600

One person, all-in, in Athens

Rent (1-bed)

$650–1,050

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Moderate

~$1,500–2,800/mo

What to know

What makes Greece stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Greece

Some of the lowest costs in the Eurozone outside the islands, plenty of sun, and an easygoing Mediterranean lifestyle.

Watch out for

Athens rents have risen fast on the back of short-term rentals and the Golden Visa, and the islands cost dramatically more in summer.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Europe

All 32 in Europe →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Portugal	$2,000–2,700	Moderate
Spain	$1,700–2,500	Moderate
Italy	$1,900–2,900	Moderate
France	$2,800–3,800	Premium
Cyprus	$1,700–2,600	Moderate
Malta	$1,600–2,600	Moderate

Greece, side by side

Portugal vs Greece Spain vs Greece Italy vs Greece Greece vs France Croatia vs Greece Greece vs Cyprus

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Greece4 current routes, each with its official source Healthcare in Greece for expatsPublic + private mix system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in GreeceRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Greece without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

Moving to Greece?

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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

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