Living in Greece offers a combination of Mediterranean climate, historic cities, beaches, islands, mountains, traditional food and a distinctive European lifestyle. Greece can be an attractive place to live for professionals, families, students, retirees, entrepreneurs and people working remotely.
However, life in Greece is not the same everywhere. Athens has a large urban labour market and extensive public transportation, Thessaloniki has a major university and business environment, while smaller cities, coastal areas and the islands offer very different lifestyles.
This guide explains what it is like to live in Greece, including housing, cost of living, cities, jobs, healthcare, transportation, taxes, education, language, culture and practical issues that newcomers should understand before moving.
The cost of living in Greece depends heavily on where you live and how you spend your money. A person living in central Athens can have a very different monthly budget from someone living in a smaller inland city.
Tourist destinations and popular islands can also experience significant housing pressure, particularly during periods of high tourism demand.
Housing is normally one of the most important variables when calculating a Greek living budget.
Housing is one of the first issues to investigate when moving to Greece. Apartments and houses are available for rent and purchase throughout the country, but prices vary substantially according to location, property size, condition and proximity to popular areas.
EURES notes that both furnished and unfurnished rental properties are available in Greece and that properties are advertised through websites, newspapers and real-estate agencies. Its current Greece guide also notes that apartment prices continued to rise in 2026, although the pace had slowed compared with previous years.
Do not choose a home solely because the advertised rent looks affordable. Transportation, electricity, heating, cooling and commuting can materially change the actual monthly cost.
The best place to live in Greece depends on your priorities. Someone looking for corporate employment may prefer Athens, while a student might prefer Thessaloniki or another university city. Someone prioritising beaches and outdoor life may prefer Crete or an island.
Athens is Greece's largest city and the country's main metropolitan centre. It has a broad employment market, universities, hospitals, shopping, restaurants, cultural institutions and international connections.
Athens is particularly relevant for people working in finance, technology, professional services, tourism, education, healthcare, retail and international business.
The city can also be more expensive than many smaller Greek cities, particularly in desirable neighbourhoods.
Thessaloniki is Greece's second major city and an important centre for universities, commerce, technology, logistics, tourism and culture.
It can be attractive to students and young professionals who want a large urban environment but prefer a city smaller than Athens.
Crete is Greece's largest island and has important urban centres including Heraklion and Chania.
The island combines tourism, agriculture, universities, healthcare, local businesses and a substantial seasonal economy.
Patras is an important city in western Greece and a major university centre. It can be attractive to students, families and professionals looking for a smaller urban environment.
Larissa is an important regional centre in Thessaly. Its inland location and urban services make it quite different from the island and coastal lifestyle associated with many other parts of Greece.
Volos combines access to the sea with proximity to the Pelion mountain area. It can suit people looking for a medium-sized city with access to outdoor activities.
Smaller cities and rural areas can offer quieter surroundings and, in some locations, lower housing costs. The trade-off can be fewer professional jobs and less extensive public transportation.
Employment opportunities vary considerably by region and industry. Greece has a large services economy, with important employment in trade, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, construction, healthcare, education and other services.
Athens has the broadest metropolitan labour market, while Thessaloniki is another major employment and education centre. Tourism also creates substantial seasonal employment in coastal destinations and islands.
Foreign workers should check their legal right to work before accepting employment.
Greek salaries vary according to profession, qualifications, experience, industry, location and employer.
Technology, finance, management, healthcare, engineering, shipping and other specialised professions can offer considerably higher salaries than many entry-level service occupations.
Tourism and hospitality salaries also vary depending on the position, employer, location, season and working hours.
When deciding whether Greece is affordable for you, compare your expected after-tax income with actual housing and household expenses rather than looking only at gross salary.
Greek is the official language and is used throughout everyday life, government administration, education and most local workplaces.
English is widely useful in tourism, hospitality and international business, and many people in popular tourist areas are accustomed to communicating with foreign visitors.
However, living in Greece long term is easier if you learn at least basic Greek.
Greece has a national healthcare system known as the ESY, alongside the national health services purchasing and insurance organisation EOPYY and private healthcare providers.
The Hellenic National Contact Point for Cross-Border Healthcare states that Greece's healthcare system provides universal coverage and combines public and private healthcare. EOPYY contracts with private healthcare providers as well as purchasing publicly funded services.
Public/state healthcare is provided through ESY facilities, including public hospitals and health centres, while EOPYY-contracted providers can also provide covered services.
EU citizens with the applicable entitlement documents, including the European Health Insurance Card for qualifying temporary stays, can access Greek public healthcare under the relevant EU rules.
Healthcare access depends on your insurance, residence status and individual circumstances. Expats planning a permanent move should investigate their healthcare entitlement before moving rather than assuming that every service will be free.
For emergency medical assistance in Greece, the national emergency medical service can be reached at 166, while the European emergency number is 112.
Families moving to Greece need to consider the type of school that best matches their children's needs.
Options can include Greek public schools, private schools, international schools and other specialised educational settings.
Families who plan to remain in Greece long term may consider integrating their children into Greek-language education, while international schools can be relevant for families expecting to move again.
See: Universities in Greece .
Greece has universities and higher-education institutions across several regions, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Patras, Thessaly, Epirus and other parts of the country.
University cities can offer comparatively active student communities, affordable activities and opportunities to meet both Greek and international students.
Students should compare tuition requirements, accommodation, transportation, language of instruction and living costs before selecting a university.
Public transportation varies significantly between Greek cities.
Athens has one of the most extensive urban public transportation networks in Greece. OASA's network includes the metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses covering the wider Athens area.
This makes living without a car possible for many people in central and well-connected parts of Athens.
Outside the largest metropolitan areas, buses, cars, ferries and regional transport become more important.
If you live in a rural location or on an island, access to a car may be much more important than it is in central Athens.
A car can be useful for people living outside major cities, particularly in rural areas, mountainous regions and some islands.
Before driving in Greece, check the rules that apply to your driving licence, nationality and residence status.
Also consider fuel, insurance, parking, maintenance and toll costs when comparing car ownership with public transportation.
A local bank account can make everyday life easier for people who live and work in Greece.
A bank account may be useful for:
Banks can require identification, tax information and proof of address or other documentation depending on the customer and account.
The AFM is Greece's Tax Identification Number. It is an important identifier for many tax and administrative activities.
Gov.gr provides an electronic procedure for individuals to request an AFM and related credentials, with identification through myAADElive or an in-person tax-office appointment depending on the procedure.
Foreign residents should determine whether they need an AFM based on their individual tax and administrative circumstances.
AMKA is Greece's Social Security Registration Number and is used for employment and social-insurance purposes.
The Greek Ministry of Labour explains that AMKA is an employment and social insurance identification number.
For third-country nationals who are legally employed, obtaining the required tax and social-security identifiers is part of the process of starting employment. The Ministry of Labour states that third-country nationals starting employment need an AFM and AMKA, as well as a bank account for wage payments.
Tax residence is an important issue for anyone moving to Greece.
The Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance states that Greek tax residents are generally subject to taxation on taxable income arising in Greece and abroad, while non-residents are generally taxed on income arising in Greece.
Your actual tax position can depend on your residence status, income, employment, property, investments and applicable tax treaties.
People with substantial foreign income or international investments should consider obtaining professional tax advice before relocating.
The rules for living in Greece depend strongly on your nationality and the reason for your stay.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally benefit from European free-movement rules, while third-country nationals may need an appropriate Greek visa or residence permit.
Different residence categories can apply to employment, study, family reunification, investment and other purposes.
A tourist stay does not automatically provide a right to live and work in Greece permanently.
Before moving, determine which immigration rules apply to your nationality and circumstances.
Climate is one of the biggest attractions of living in Greece.
Much of Greece experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot and relatively dry summers and generally milder winters than many northern European countries.
However, Greece has substantial regional variation. Northern and mountainous areas can experience much colder winters, while southern coastal and island locations generally have milder conditions.
Summer heat can be intense, particularly during heatwaves. Air-conditioning, shade and good ventilation can therefore be important considerations when choosing a home.
Food is an important part of Greek daily life. Greek cuisine includes vegetables, olive oil, legumes, seafood, meat, dairy products, bread, pastries and many regional dishes.
Everyday food can range from inexpensive bakeries and cafés to traditional tavernas and more expensive restaurants.
Meals and social gatherings can be an important part of family and community life.
One of the major advantages of living in Greece is the variety of outdoor environments available.
Depending on where you live, beaches, mountains, forests and archaeological sites can all be accessible for weekend trips.
Greece has a long cultural and historical tradition, while its modern cities also offer contemporary entertainment.
Athens has the largest concentration of cultural institutions, while Thessaloniki is also known for its cultural and festival scene.
Greece can be attractive to families because of its outdoor lifestyle, climate, food culture and strong family-oriented social traditions.
However, families should investigate schools, healthcare, childcare, housing and commuting before choosing a location.
A family living in central Athens may have a completely different routine from one living in a smaller coastal town or on an island.
Greece can appeal to remote workers because of its climate, internet access, European location and variety of urban and coastal environments.
However, remote work from Greece can have immigration and tax consequences. A person employed by a foreign company should not assume that working online from Greece automatically eliminates Greek tax obligations.
Before moving, investigate tax residence, employment structure, social security, healthcare and immigration requirements.
Foreigners can live successfully in Greece, but the experience depends on their legal status, income, language skills and location.
People working in international businesses or tourism may be able to use English extensively. Others may need Greek for most professional and administrative activities.
The biggest adjustment for many newcomers is learning how Greek administration, housing, employment and everyday services operate.
Building a local social network can make the transition to Greece much easier.
A useful long-term approach is to combine international friendships with connections in the local Greek community.
Greece can provide an excellent lifestyle, but there are also challenges that newcomers should understand before moving.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and location just as it does in other European countries.
When choosing where to live, consider the specific neighbourhood rather than judging an entire city. Check access to transportation, lighting, local services and the general character of the area.
Families should also consider proximity to schools and healthcare facilities.
Explore our dedicated guide: Is Greece Safe? .
Major Greek cities have supermarkets, shopping centres, pharmacies, bakeries, cafés, local markets and other everyday services.
Smaller towns may have fewer international chains but often have strong local businesses.
Learning basic Greek can be particularly useful when shopping and dealing with local businesses outside heavily touristed areas.
Greece has expanded digital public services through gov.gr and other government platforms.
Depending on your situation, online services can reduce the need to visit government offices for certain administrative tasks.
Foreign residents should keep copies of important documents, including identity documents, residence documents, tax information, rental contracts and employment records.
| Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Immigration | Determine the correct visa or residence status. |
| Employment | Confirm your legal right to work before starting employment. |
| Housing | Compare rent, deposits, utilities and neighbourhoods. |
| Healthcare | Understand your ESY/EOPYY or private healthcare access. |
| Tax | Determine your tax residence and obligations. |
| AFM | Check whether you need a Greek Tax Identification Number. |
| AMKA | Check your social-security registration requirements. |
| Banking | Investigate banking and payment arrangements. |
| Transport | Decide whether public transport or a car is more practical. |
| Education | Research schools before moving with children. |
| Language | Start learning practical Greek. |
For many people, Greece offers an attractive combination of climate, culture, food, outdoor activities and access to the sea.
The country can be particularly appealing to people who value a Mediterranean lifestyle and are comfortable adapting to a different administrative and economic environment.
The right location matters enormously. Athens may be the best choice for career opportunities, while Thessaloniki can be attractive for students and young professionals. Crete and other coastal areas can suit people who prioritise outdoor and island life.
Before moving, compare your income, housing costs, healthcare, taxes and employment options rather than making the decision based only on climate or tourism.
Greece can be a good place to live for people who value Mediterranean weather, outdoor activities, culture, food and coastal access. Your experience will depend heavily on income, housing, location and employment.
Greece is not equally expensive everywhere. Housing costs vary substantially between Athens, popular islands, tourist destinations and smaller cities. Your lifestyle and location have a major impact on the overall budget.
There is no single best place. Athens is strongest for employment and services, Thessaloniki is an important university and business centre, while Crete, coastal cities and smaller towns offer different lifestyles.
Yes. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally have different residence rights from third-country nationals. Non-EU citizens need to follow the applicable Greek immigration and residence rules.
You can manage in many international and tourist environments using English, but learning Greek makes long-term life considerably easier, particularly for government administration, local services and employment.
Healthcare access depends on your insurance and residence circumstances. Greece's system combines ESY public healthcare, EOPYY services and private providers.
An AFM is an important Greek tax identifier and is required for many tax and administrative activities. Whether you personally need one immediately depends on your circumstances.
AMKA is Greece's Social Security Registration Number and is used for employment and social-insurance purposes.
Public transportation is strongest in Athens and Thessaloniki. Athens has metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses, while outside major cities cars, regional buses and ferries can become more important.
Greece can be attractive for families because of its climate, food, outdoor activities and family-oriented culture. Families should carefully compare schools, healthcare, housing and transportation.
Greece can be attractive for remote workers, but tax, immigration, healthcare and social-security rules should be checked before moving.
The best way to prepare for living in Greece is to choose your location carefully, calculate your realistic monthly expenses, investigate housing, understand your immigration status and research employment before moving.
Greece offers many different ways of living: a large capital city, a university city, a coastal town, an island community or a quiet inland location. The right choice depends on your income, career, family situation and preferred lifestyle.