Living in Greece as a Foreigner: Costs, Lifestyle, Schools & More (2025 Guide)

Why More Foreigners Are Choosing to Live in Greece

Greece has long attracted visitors with its sun-soaked islands and ancient cities — but in recent years, it’s also become a top destination for those looking to live in Europe affordably and with quality of life. With the rise of programs like the Greece Golden Visa, more foreigners — especially from Turkey, the Middle East, and Europe — are choosing to make Greece their new home.

So, what’s it really like to live in Greece as a foreigner? Whether you’re thinking of investing, retiring, or relocating with your family, here’s what you need to know.

 

Cost of Living in Greece (2025)

Compared to countries like France, Germany, or the UK, Greece is very affordable — especially outside the tourist hubs.

 

Monthly Costs Breakdown:

Rent: €600–€1,000 for a 2-bedroom in Athens; €400–€700 in smaller cities

Utilities: €100–€150

Groceries: €250–€400 per person/month

Dining out: Casual meals ~€10–€15; coffee ~€2.50

Tip: Thessaloniki, Patras, and Kalamata offer great quality of life at lower costs than Athens.

 

Education & Schools for Foreign Families

Public Schools in Greece

Free for residents

Classes in Greek; limited support for non-Greek-speaking children

Private & International Schools

Bilingual or English/French/German curriculum

Tuition: €5,000–€12,000 per year

 

Top schools in Athens:

St. Catherine’s British School

Campion School

International School of Athens (ISA)

 

Healthcare System in Greece

Greece offers both public and private healthcare options.

Public (EOPYY): Affordable but may have long wait times

Private: High quality, faster service, widely used by expats

Insurance: Starts from €50/month for basic coverage

Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have excellent private hospitals with English-speaking staff.

Language: Do You Need to Speak Greek?

English is spoken widely in cities and tourist areas.

Greek is helpful for local integration and bureaucracy.

Many municipalities offer free or low-cost Greek language courses.

Apps like Duolingo or hiring a tutor can ease the transition.

You can live in Greece without speaking Greek — but learning the basics goes a long way.

 

Social Life & Lifestyle

Life in Greece is relaxed, communal, and outdoorsy.

Community life: Cafés, neighborhood markets, local festivals

Outdoor living: Beaches, sailing, hiking, day trips to islands

Food culture: Mediterranean cuisine, fresh markets, long dinners

Pace of life: Slower, more personal — and yes, siestas are still a thing!

 

Residency & Visa Options

To live legally in Greece, you need one of the following:

Common Options for Foreigners:

Greece Golden Visa (investment-based residency starting at €250,000)

EU passport (if you’re an EU citizen)

National long-term visa (Type D) for work, study, or family reunification

Retirement visa for financially independent individuals

Golden Visa holders don’t need to live full-time in Greece but can access healthcare, education, and other services if they do.

 

Pros and Cons of Living in Greece

Pros:

Affordable cost of living

EU residency and mobility

Safe, family-friendly environment

Excellent food and healthcare

Friendly, welcoming culture

Considerations:

Bureaucracy can be slow

Language barrier in some regions

Fewer job opportunities compared to other EU countries

 

Final Thoughts: Is Greece Right for You?

Greece offers a compelling mix of financial value, lifestyle, and security. Whether you’re relocating for family, investing for residency, or planning a future in the EU, Greece provides the warmth, freedom, and opportunity many are looking for — without the high cost of other European capitals.

Want to explore living in Greece or applying for the Golden Visa?

We offer personalized support for:

Property investment

Residency applications

Relocation logistics

→ Contact us today for a free consultation and next steps.