Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Greece Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Greece Property Pack
Yes, you can retire in Greece on a budget, and we will show you exactly what you need each month to live there comfortably in 2026.
This guide covers the current housing prices in Greece, realistic monthly expenses, visa options, taxes, and healthcare costs, and we constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data.
Whether you dream of Athens, the islands, or a quiet coastal town, you will find clear, honest numbers here.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Greece.
How much money do I need to retire in Greece right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Greece?
The absolute minimum monthly budget for a single retiree to survive in Greece in 2026 is around 1,300 to 1,600 euros, which translates to roughly 1,525 to 1,875 US dollars or stays within the same euro range obviously.
This bare-bones budget in Greece covers a small studio or one-bedroom apartment in a cheaper city or outer suburb, basic groceries for cooking at home most days, public transport with occasional taxis, and a basic private health insurance policy with a small buffer for out-of-pocket medical costs.
At this survival level in Greece, you will need to accept significant trade-offs: no car, very limited dining out, minimal travel, and likely living outside trendy or central neighborhoods where rents are higher.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, a retiree living on 2,000 US dollars per month (about 1,700 euros) can expect a simple but workable lifestyle in Greece, especially outside prime Athens neighborhoods.
With this budget, you can realistically afford a modest one-bedroom apartment in Athens suburbs like Nea Smyrni, Kallithea, or Peristeri for around 450 to 550 euros (530 to 645 US dollars), or a nicer place in Thessaloniki neighborhoods like Toumba or Triandria for slightly less.
At this level in Greece, you can enjoy regular cafes, occasional taverna meals, local markets, and free cultural activities like beach days and neighborhood festivals, but joining expensive private clubs or frequent island hopping will not fit the budget.
The main limitation at 2,000 dollars per month in Greece is transportation: you will likely rely on public transit and taxis because owning a car would squeeze your housing or food budget too much.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, a retiree with 3,000 US dollars per month (about 2,560 euros) can enjoy a comfortable urban lifestyle in Greece with real breathing room in the budget.
At this level, you can afford a solid one-bedroom apartment in Athens-Center or Athens-North neighborhoods like Koukaki, Pangrati, or Ampelokipoi for around 575 to 750 euros (675 to 880 US dollars), or a larger two-bedroom in many parts of Thessaloniki.
This budget unlocks regular dining out two to four times per week at mid-range tavernas, gym memberships, weekend trips to nearby islands or Peloponnese beaches, and the option to rent a car for road trips without financial stress.
The key upgrade from a 2,000 dollar budget in Greece is flexibility: you can comfortably run a small car or stay transit-first, build a stronger healthcare buffer, and still have money left for unexpected pleasures or emergencies.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, a retiree with 5,000 US dollars per month (about 4,260 euros) lives an upper-comfort or semi-luxury lifestyle in Greece, while 10,000 dollars (about 8,530 euros) puts you firmly in full luxury territory.
At 5,000 dollars, you can rent premium apartments in sought-after Athens neighborhoods like Kolonaki or coastal Glyfada for around 1,200 to 1,800 euros (1,400 to 2,100 US dollars), while at 10,000 dollars you can access high-spec properties in Filothei-Psychiko or prime Vouliagmeni with sea views.
At these budget levels in Greece, you enjoy frequent fine dining, premium private healthcare with top specialists, regular domestic and international travel, paid household help like cleaning services, and the ability to rent villas on islands like Corfu or Chania during off-peak seasons without worrying about the bill.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement budget for a single person in Greece falls between 2,300 and 2,800 euros per month, which translates to roughly 2,700 to 3,300 US dollars.
We recommend adding a safety buffer of 20 percent on top of your comfortable budget, which means an extra 460 to 560 euros (540 to 660 US dollars) per month set aside for unexpected costs in Greece.
The comfortable budget in Greece covers categories that a basic budget cannot: a better-located apartment, stronger private health insurance, regular dining out, a gym or hobby classes, occasional domestic travel, and a meaningful emergency fund for seasonal utility spikes or surprise medical bills.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement in Greece requires a monthly budget between 4,000 and 6,500 euros, which translates to roughly 4,700 to 7,600 US dollars.
This budget in Greece covers premium housing in neighborhoods like Kolonaki or seaside Vouliagmeni (rents of 1,500 to 2,500 euros or 1,760 to 2,930 US dollars), top-tier private healthcare plans (300 to 500 euros monthly), a private vehicle, regular fine dining, domestic staff, and frequent travel both within Greece and internationally.
The most popular neighborhoods for luxury retirees in Greece include Kolonaki and Kifisia in Athens, the Glyfada-Voula-Vouliagmeni coastal strip in Attica, parts of Thessaloniki like Panorama, and island hotspots like Chania in Crete, Corfu Town, and select areas of Mykonos or Santorini during off-season.
The main advantage of a luxury budget in Greece beyond comfort is freedom from trade-offs: you never have to choose between healthcare quality and travel, you can hire help for daily tasks, and you can respond to opportunities like last-minute island getaways or premium event tickets without financial stress.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Greece. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Greece in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Greece?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a comfortable single retiree in Greece in 2026 looks roughly like this: rent 550 to 900 euros (645 to 1,055 US dollars), utilities 170 to 280 euros (200 to 330 US dollars), food 350 to 600 euros (410 to 700 US dollars), transport 30 to 400 euros (35 to 470 US dollars depending on car ownership), healthcare 150 to 350 euros (175 to 410 US dollars), and miscellaneous 250 to 600 euros (295 to 700 US dollars).
Housing typically consumes the largest share of a retiree's budget in Greece, accounting for roughly 25 to 35 percent of total monthly spending, or around 550 to 900 euros (645 to 1,055 US dollars) for a decent one-bedroom in a major city.
Food and groceries take up about 15 to 25 percent of the monthly budget in Greece, typically landing between 350 and 600 euros (410 to 700 US dollars) depending on how often you eat out versus cook at home.
The budget category that varies most based on personal lifestyle in Greece is transportation: a retiree using only public transit and occasional taxis might spend 30 to 80 euros monthly, while owning a car can push costs to 180 to 400 euros or more with fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Greece?
The top three hidden or overlooked fees that surprise foreigners in Greece are seasonal electricity bills (which can double in summer for air conditioning or winter for heating), healthcare out-of-pocket costs even when you have insurance (private visits, diagnostics, and dental add up fast), and property transaction costs if you buy (notary, registry, and agent fees on top of the 3 percent transfer tax).
When first arriving in Greece, foreigners should budget for one-time setup costs including apartment deposits (typically one to two months' rent, so 550 to 1,800 euros or 645 to 2,110 US dollars), utility connection fees (50 to 150 euros or 60 to 175 US dollars), tax number registration (free but may require translator costs), and furnishing basics if renting unfurnished (500 to 2,000 euros or 585 to 2,345 US dollars depending on needs).
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Greece ranges from about 400 to 665 euros (470 to 780 US dollars), while a two-bedroom typically costs 650 to 1,065 euros (760 to 1,250 US dollars), with significant variation by city and neighborhood.
For a one-bedroom in Greece, rents range from budget areas like Thessaloniki suburbs at around 400 to 500 euros (470 to 585 US dollars) up to premium Athens-South coastal neighborhoods at 665 euros or more (780 US dollars).
For a two-bedroom in Greece, you can find options in Thessaloniki for around 650 to 800 euros (760 to 940 US dollars), while Athens-Center runs about 925 euros (1,085 US dollars) and Athens-South coastal areas push above 1,065 euros (1,250 US dollars).
Retirees seeking affordable rent in Greece often find the best value in neighborhoods like Peristeri, Aigaleo, or Piraeus suburbs in Athens, or Toumba and Triandria in Thessaloniki, where you get decent apartments without paying central-location premiums.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Greece.
What do utilities cost monthly in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly utilities cost for a typical retiree apartment in Greece ranges from about 170 to 280 euros (200 to 330 US dollars), with significant seasonal variation due to heating and cooling needs.
The breakdown in Greece looks roughly like this: electricity runs 60 to 160 euros per month (70 to 190 US dollars) depending heavily on season, water costs about 7 to 17 euros (8 to 20 US dollars) for typical usage in Athens, and gas (where applicable) adds another 20 to 50 euros (23 to 60 US dollars) in winter months.
Internet and mobile phone service in Greece typically costs 30 to 50 euros per month combined (35 to 60 US dollars), with many providers offering bundle deals that include both home internet and a mobile plan.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single retiree in Greece should budget roughly 380 to 700 euros (445 to 820 US dollars) for food and transportation combined each month, though this varies widely based on lifestyle choices.
For groceries alone in Greece, a single retiree cooking at home can spend 300 to 400 euros per month (350 to 470 US dollars), shopping at local markets and supermarkets for fresh Mediterranean produce, olive oil, bread, and proteins.
Dining out regularly in Greece shifts food costs significantly: expect to pay 10 to 20 euros per taverna meal, so eating out three to four times weekly adds 150 to 250 euros monthly (175 to 295 US dollars) on top of groceries.
Transportation costs in Greece split dramatically: public transit users in Athens pay around 30 euros monthly for an unlimited pass (35 US dollars), while owning a car adds 180 to 400 euros or more (210 to 470 US dollars) for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and road taxes.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Greece
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Can I retire in Greece if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average home price in Greece varies enormously by location, with prices per square meter ranging from about 1,200 euros in affordable mainland areas to over 4,000 euros in premium coastal Athens, translating to typical apartment prices of 85,000 to 290,000 euros (100,000 to 340,000 US dollars) for a standard 70-square-meter unit.
The realistic price range for a 70-square-meter apartment in Greece spans from affordable areas like Thessaloniki at around 185,000 euros (217,000 US dollars), to mid-range Athens-Center at about 172,000 euros (202,000 US dollars), up to premium Athens-South coastal neighborhoods at 290,000 euros or more (340,000 US dollars).
For retirees in Greece, apartments in urban areas or established towns generally offer the best value because they come with existing infrastructure, easy access to healthcare and services, and a more liquid resale market compared to remote houses or island properties that may sit empty during off-season.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Greece.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Greece should realistically plan for a down payment of 30 to 40 percent, which on a 172,000 euro Athens apartment means having 52,000 to 69,000 euros (61,000 to 81,000 US dollars) in cash.
Yes, foreigners in Greece often face higher down payment requirements than locals because Greek banks lend more conservatively to non-residents due to documentation hurdles, income verification challenges, and perceived property risk, which is why many foreign buyers simply purchase in cash to simplify the process.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Greece.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Greece.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical 70-square-meter apartment in Athens-Center (purchased for around 172,000 euros) ranges from about 90 to 330 euros (105 to 385 US dollars) for a cash buyer, or significantly higher if you carry a mortgage.
These ownership costs in Greece include the annual ENFIA property tax (spread monthly, typically 10 to 60 euros or 12 to 70 US dollars), building common charges (30 to 120 euros or 35 to 140 US dollars for elevator, cleaning, shared areas), a maintenance reserve (50 to 150 euros or 60 to 175 US dollars for repairs), plus utilities on top.
Typical monthly ENFIA property tax in Greece runs 10 to 60 euros (12 to 70 US dollars) for a standard apartment, while HOA or building maintenance fees range from 30 to 120 euros (35 to 140 US dollars) depending on whether your building has an elevator, central heating, or a doorman.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers off guard in Greece is the cumulative impact of special assessments for building repairs: when the roof needs fixing or the elevator requires replacement, owners can face one-time charges of several thousand euros that were not in the original budget.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Greece.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, comparing a typical Athens-Center apartment (575 euros monthly rent for 50 sqm versus 172,000 euros purchase price for 70 sqm), renting often wins for stays under 7 years because buying ties up significant capital and adds transaction costs of roughly 5 to 8 percent upfront.
The typical break-even point in Greece where buying becomes cheaper than renting falls around 7 to 10 years, assuming you buy cash, transaction costs total about 5 percent, and property values appreciate modestly without major maintenance surprises.
Key factors that make buying more or less attractive for retirees in Greece include your timeline (shorter stays favor renting), whether you have mortgage-free cash (avoiding Greek bank loan hurdles), the liquidity of your chosen neighborhood (Athens-Center resells faster than remote islands), and your tolerance for maintenance responsibilities in a foreign country.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Greece versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Greece in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main retirement visa option for non-EU retirees in Greece is the Financially Independent Person permit, which has no fixed government fee but requires proof of stable income and private health insurance, while the Golden Visa route requires a minimum real estate investment of 400,000 to 800,000 euros (470,000 to 940,000 US dollars) depending on location.
The key financial requirements for the Financially Independent Person visa in Greece include demonstrating stable monthly income of around 3,500 euros (4,100 US dollars) or equivalent savings, which is a widely cited benchmark tied to ministerial decisions, plus comprehensive private health insurance coverage.
Annual visa renewal costs in Greece vary but typically include government fees of around 150 euros for retirees (175 US dollars), plus costs for document translation, notarization, and potentially legal assistance, bringing total annual renewal expenses to roughly 300 to 600 euros (350 to 700 US dollars).
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Greece is underestimating the documentation requirements: applications often get delayed because income proof, health insurance contracts, or criminal background checks were not properly apostilled, translated, or updated to current dates.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Greece.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, if you become a Greek tax resident (generally by spending 183 or more days per year in Greece), you will owe Greek tax on your worldwide income, though a special 7 percent flat tax regime exists for foreign pensioners who transfer their tax residence to Greece.
Foreign income types in Greece are treated differently: foreign pensions can qualify for the 7 percent flat rate if you meet the regime's conditions, while investment income and Social Security payments may be taxed at standard progressive rates unless a tax treaty provides relief.
Yes, Greece has tax treaties with many major countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations, which can prevent double taxation and may allow credits or exemptions on certain income types depending on the specific treaty provisions.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Greece is that becoming a tax resident triggers worldwide taxation, so you must carefully plan your residency status and consider whether the 7 percent pensioner regime or treaty benefits apply to your specific situation before making the move.
What health insurance do retirees need in Greece in 2026?
As of early 2026, retirees in Greece typically need private health insurance, which costs around 80 to 200 euros per month (95 to 235 US dollars) depending on age and coverage level, and this insurance is often mandatory for residence permit applications.
Foreigners can access public healthcare in Greece once they are properly registered as residents and enrolled in the social security system, but most retirees maintain private coverage because public system wait times can be long and private clinics offer faster access to English-speaking specialists.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Greece, including private insurance premiums plus out-of-pocket costs for private visits, medications, dental, and unexpected procedures, falls between 1,800 and 4,200 euros (2,100 to 4,900 US dollars), which works out to 150 to 350 euros monthly (175 to 410 US dollars).
Buying real estate in Greece can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Greece, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| ELSTAT Household Budget Survey 2023 | Greece's official statistics agency benchmark for actual household spending. | We used national spending distributions to anchor realistic retirement budgets. We validated rent shares and food costs against their reported averages. |
| Spitogatos Property Index Q4 2025 | Major Greek property portal with transparent area-level price data. | We estimated rents and purchase prices by neighborhood using their euro-per-sqm figures. We converted these into typical apartment costs for planning. |
| European Central Bank EUR/USD Rate | The Eurozone's official reference rate used by banks. | We converted all USD amounts using the ECB rate dated January 2026. We kept monthly estimates internally consistent in one currency. |
| Bank of Greece Property Price Index | Greece's central bank official measure of residential prices. | We validated that property prices are rising and by roughly how much. We avoided relying only on listing portals for trend direction. |
| AADE Real Estate Transfer Tax | Greece's tax authority definitive source for property taxes. | We used the 3 percent transfer tax in all-in purchase cost estimates. We applied it as a baseline cost that almost every buyer faces. |
| OECD Health at a Glance 2025 | Internationally comparable health statistics from official national data. | We justified a realistic healthcare buffer for Greece's high out-of-pocket pressure. We avoided underestimating medical costs in budget planning. |
| OASA Athens Public Transport Prices | Official Athens transit authority for current fares. | We priced realistic no-car transport budgets in Athens. We used it as a benchmark for other Greek cities. |
| EYDAP Water Tariff 2026 | Official utility tariff sheet effective January 2026. | We computed realistic monthly water bills for Athens households. We used it as a real invoice anchor for utilities. |
| Greek Ministry of Migration Golden Visa | Official government site for investor residence permit rules. | We grounded Golden Visa as a real option with current requirements. We captured the private health insurance requirement for permits. |
| AADE Tax Incentives Document | Official AADE summary of special tax regimes for new residents. | We explained the 7 percent pensioner tax regime with an official anchor. We framed options without replacing personalized tax advice. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Greece compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Related blog posts