Comparing the cost of living between the United States and Greece

By the Editors at Where To Flee

Compare:
Wichita, Kansas annual cost of living $11,201
Athens, Greece annual cost of living $12,708

[More about Living in Greece here]

This cost of living comparison does not take into account the variations between specific cities or regions within Greece to the United States. In general, the cost of living in Greece is clearly lower than the United States. A simplified comparison would be that the cost of living for a month in Wichita, Kansas is roughly equal to similar costs in Athens, the Greek capitol. (This article at salary.com says that the annual living cost for Wichita, Kansas is $11,201. The annual cost for Athens is $12,708 according to livingcost.org ) Bear in mind that rent and general costs of living in Athens are considerably higher than the rest of Greece, not counting prime tourism hot spots like Mykonos island, for example.

Rent costs in Greece vs United States:

1 bedroom apartment within city €409.10 ($437.28)
1 bedroom apartment outside of city center €348.07 ($372.09)
3 bedroom apartment within city €704.48 (#753.09)
3 bedroom apartment outside of city center €643.04 ($687.41)

Source: Numbeo

While Greece is lower in cost for housing and food (whether for the kitchen or a restaurant meal) and for the use of public transportation likes buses and subway systems compared to the United States, Greece can cost more for maintaining a car because fuel and taxes are higher on average than the United States.

Purchasing a home in Greece

Using the Greek web site Spitogatos we looked at the costs for homes across Greece:

Athens Suburb Papagos

Papagos, Greece. This is a highly-rated suburb area of Athens close to the city center but also separated from the noise of the city by being placed up onto the mountain Ymittos which curls around the Eastern side of the capitol. Papagos is a leafy and residential suburb known for its quiet streets, tree-lined avenues, and open green spaces.

€ 640,000 - 1,614 sq ft apartment (150 m²); 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, constructed 2021

€ 390,000 - 1,227 sq ft apartment (114 m²); 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 1982

€ 165,000 - 1,065 sq ft apartment (99 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 1989

€ 50,000 - 300 sq ft studio (114 m²); Studio, kitchenette, bathroom, first published 2023

Nafplio

Nafplio, Greece. This area is considered a seaside town in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It is also a popular tourist destination featuring historical sites, natural beauty, and modern amenities. The town is famous for its picturesque old town area with narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant squares, as well as historical fortresses. The town also has beaches and plenty of local cuisine.

€ 175,000 - 1356 sq ft apartment (126 m²); 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, currently under construction

€ 390,000 - 1636 sq ft Detached House (152 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 1990

€ 82,500 - 560 sq ft apartment (52 m²); 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 2006

€ 32,000 - 861 sq ft Detached House (80 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 bathroom, constructed 1960

Zante

Zante (aka Zakynthos) Ionian Islands, Greece. This island is located in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of mainland Greece. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, award-winning beaches, and dramatic Mediterranean landscapes. Zante is a popular destination for hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, with several nature reserves and marine parks to explore. There are a number of traditional Greek villages upon the island plus the main town referred to as Port of Zakinthos.

€ 205,000 - 731 sq ft Villa (68 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath

€ 140,000 - 1937 sq ft Detached House (180 m²); 3 Bedroom, a Bath

€ 390,000 - 1636 sq ft Detached House (152 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 1990

€ 82,500 - 1205.56 sq ft Detached House (112 m²); 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 1998

€ 35,000 - 656 sq ft Apartment (61 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 bathroom

Patras

Patras (aka Patra) is on the northwestern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. Patra is the third-largest city in Greece and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. It is also the location of the world famous Rio-Antirrio bridge which connects Patras (and the Pellopense in general) to the mainland across the Gulfs of Patras and Corinth.

€ 155,000 - 1216.32 sq ft Apartment (113 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 2000

€ 100,000 - 1270.14 sq ft Apartment (118 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 1986

€ 75,000 - 1582 sq ft Apartment (147 m²); 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath

€ 48,000 - 1076 sq ft Apartment (100 m²); 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 2000/ stripped bare to walls for reconstruction

€ 37,000 - 269 sq ft Studio Apartment (25 m²); 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, constructed 1995

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