PRICES IN GREECE
Greece is often seen as one of Southern Europe’s more affordable destinations, but the cost of living depends greatly on the city, season and housing arrangement. Athens, Thessaloniki, Chania and Heraklion have stronger rental demand, while island locations can become substantially more expensive during the tourist season.
The figures below cover food, rent, transport, services and everyday purchases. They are useful for planning a relocation budget, but the real cost depends on the specific area, the tenancy agreement, household size and whether the move involves a tourist region.
AT A GLANCE
- A single person may need around €650–900 per month excluding rent.
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about €484 in the city centre and €392 outside it.
- Greece’s annual consumer-price inflation was 3.8% in August 2026.
- Thessaloniki has a slightly higher cost-of-living index than Athens without rent, while Athens has the higher rent index.
CONTENTS
Food prices in Greece
These are nationwide Numbeo averages checked in October 2026. Local markets, seasonal produce and supermarkets outside tourist areas can reduce food costs, while restaurants, convenience stores and island locations during high season usually increase them.
PRICES IN GREECE
| Product | Price |
| Milk, 1 litre | €1.52 |
| Fresh white bread, 500 g | €1.28 |
| Rice, 1 kg | €2.40 |
| Eggs, 12 | €4.02 |
| Local cheese, 1 kg | €12.33 |
| Chicken fillets, 1 kg | €9.17 |
| Beef, 1 kg | €13.81 |
| Apples, 1 kg | €1.92 |
| Bananas, 1 kg | €1.82 |
| Oranges, 1 kg | €1.31 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | €1.91 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | €1.06 |
| Onions, 1 kg | €1.01 |
| Lettuce, 1 head | €0.95 |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | €0.78 |
| Bottle of wine, mid-range | €8.00 |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | €1.75 |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | €2.55 |
| Pack of cigarettes | €4.80 |
Goods, services and housing costs
Rent is the expense most likely to change a relocation budget. Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete and the islands all have different markets, and a nationwide average cannot substitute for checking a real listing, its location and the terms of a long-term tenancy.
| Goods or service | Price |
| Meal in an inexpensive restaurant | €15.00 |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range restaurant | €50.00 |
| Fast-food meal | €10.00 |
| Cappuccino | €3.46 |
| Draught domestic beer, 0.5 litre | €5.00 |
| One-way local transport ticket | €1.20 |
| Monthly public transport pass | €30.00 |
| Taxi starting fare | €4.00 |
| Taxi fare, 1 km | €1.00 |
| Petrol, 1 litre | €1.91 |
| Utilities for an 85 m² apartment, monthly | €194.80 |
| Mobile plan, monthly | €22.03 |
| Home internet, monthly | €28.12 |
| Fitness club, monthly fee | €43.49 |
| Tennis court rental, one hour | €20.31 |
| Cinema ticket | €8.50 |
| Private preschool, monthly per child | €398.29 |
| One-bedroom apartment in the city centre, monthly rent | €484.20 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the centre, monthly rent | €391.72 |
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre, monthly rent | €820.73 |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside the centre, monthly rent | €670.03 |
IMPORTANT
Average market figures do not replace a real rental offer. In tourist areas, long-term homes may be limited because of short-term accommodation, and summer prices can differ sharply from off-season conditions.
Personal care and household purchases
Personal-care and household goods are smaller budget items than housing, but they become regular expenses for a family. The ranges below represent mass-market shopping; prices vary by retailer, brand, location and promotions.
| Purchase or service | Typical price |
| Standard men’s haircut | €12–22 |
| Shampoo, 250–400 ml bottle | €2.50–6 |
| Toothpaste, 75 ml tube | €1.50–4 |
| Shower gel, 200–300 ml | €1.50–5 |
| Laundry detergent or capsules | €5–13 |
| Dishwashing liquid | €1–3 |
| Toilet paper, 12-roll pack | €4–8 |
How much money is needed per month
Someone renting a room and cooking at home will generally spend much less than a person renting a separate apartment. Excluding rent, €650–900 per month is a reasonable planning range for food, local transport, communication, household items and moderate leisure spending.
Salary should be assessed after regular costs, not just as a headline monthly figure. In a lower-rent city, a modest job offer can leave more disposable income than a higher nominal salary in Athens. Current income patterns can be viewed through salaries in Greece.
Relocation savings are best divided into three parts:
- the first rent payment and housing deposit;
- travel, food, a phone connection and initial household purchases;
- a reserve for job search, immigration paperwork and unexpected costs.
A personal relocation timeline can be estimated with the Savings Calculator.
City costs and tourist regions
Numbeo’s October 2026 city data show an unusual contrast: Thessaloniki has a slightly higher cost-of-living index without rent than Athens, but Athens has a higher rental index. A city with higher grocery and service costs is therefore not automatically the more expensive choice overall.
Crete, Rhodes, Santorini and other popular islands need a separate calculation. Seasonal demand can affect the availability and cost of housing, local transport and some services. The Greece immigration hub places city choice alongside employment, residence and practical relocation factors.
When Greece is one of several possible destinations, the country comparison tool can compare estimated income, living costs and potential savings in one currency.
How prices changed over the last year
According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, annual consumer-price inflation in Greece was 3.8% in August 2026. The official consumer-price index for September 2026 is scheduled for release on 9 October, so August is the latest official figure available at the time of this update.
For relocation planning, food is not the only category to check. Rent, energy, fuel and services deserve regular review, especially when moving to a tourist location where seasonal demand can affect practical costs even if the national average remains moderate.
Sources
- Numbeo — consumer prices, rents, transport and services in Greece; checked in October 2026.
- Hellenic Statistical Authority — consumer price index, August 2026.
- Hellenic Statistical Authority — publication calendar for the September 2026 consumer price index.
- Bank of Greece — economic and housing-market information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does one person need to live in Greece?
Excluding rent, around €650–900 per month is a practical starting point. The total depends on the city, housing arrangement, car use and everyday spending habits.
Is Athens more expensive than Thessaloniki?
Athens has the higher rent index, while Thessaloniki has a slightly higher cost-of-living index without rent. A comparison should therefore include a specific rental area and commuting needs.
Is it expensive to rent on the Greek islands?
Popular islands can have limited long-term housing and higher seasonal prices. It is safer to confirm a long-term tenancy, utilities and the rental period before moving.
Can food costs be reduced in Greece?
Yes. Seasonal local produce, markets, supermarkets outside tourist districts and home cooking can reduce the monthly food budget considerably.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WageCentre, with a degree in finance and 15+ years of professional experience. He writes about salaries, taxes, labour markets, immigration and financial planning for relocation.
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