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Cost of Living in Rhodes

If you're moving to Rhodes, understanding the the cost of living in Rhodes helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €300 – €450 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €250 – €350 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €500 – €800 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €400 – €600 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €1,200 – €2,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €800 – €1,500
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €1.20 – €2.00
  • Monthly local transport pass: €30 – €50
  • Taxi starting tariff: €3.50 – €5.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €1.00 – €1.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.50 – €1.70
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €1.00 – €1.50
  • Bread (500g): €0.70 – €1.50
  • Rice (1kg): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Eggs (12): €2.00 – €3.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): €5.00 – €8.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €7.00 – €12.00
  • Apples (1kg): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): €0.50 – €1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.50 – €1.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5.00 – €10.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10.00 – €15.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €30.00 – €50.00
  • McMeal at McDonald’s: €6.00 – €8.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €3.00 – €4.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €3.00 – €5.00
  • Cappuccino: €2.00 – €4.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €0.50 – €1.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €80 – €150 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 – €0.20
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €25 – €40 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €250 – €500 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €300 – €600 per month
  • Middle school tuition: €400 – €800 per month
  • High school tuition: €500 – €1,000 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Rhodes. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rhodes

“The cost of living in Rhodes, is generally considered to be lower than in many other European cities. Rent, in particular, is quite affordable, especially when compared to larger cities. The cost of groceries and dining out is also relatively low, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet are also less expensive than the European average. However, imported goods and luxury items can be more expensive due to the island’s remote location. Public transportation is quite affordable, but owning and maintaining a car can be costly due to high petrol prices. Overall, the cost of living in Rhodes can be very manageable, especially for those who choose to live like the locals,” said one expat living in Rhodes.

Can I live in Rhodes on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rhodes for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Kallithea, Faliraki, or Ialyssos, where you can find cheaper apartments compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Rhodes Town or Lindos. You can expect to pay around $500-$700 for a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas.When it comes to utilities, you’ll need to be mindful of your usage, as they can add up quickly. Try to limit your use of air conditioning and heating, and be conscious of your water and electricity consumption. You can expect to pay around $100-$150 per month for utilities, depending on your usage.For groceries, you’ll need to shop at local markets and avoid imported goods, as they can be quite expensive. Stick to fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, and try to cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local tavernas and avoid touristy areas, but it’s still more expensive than cooking at home. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 per month on groceries and eating out occasionally.Transportation is relatively affordable in Rhodes, especially if you use public transportation or ride a bike. A monthly bus pass costs around $40, and you can rent a bike for around $50 per month. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher in Greece compared to the US, so you’ll need to budget accordingly.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you’ll need to prioritize and choose wisely. Going to the beach is free, and there are plenty of beautiful spots to explore on the island. However, if you want to visit historical sites, museums, or take part in more expensive activities like scuba diving or boat tours, you’ll need to budget for these expenses.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Rhodes is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, cooking at home, and prioritizing your leisure activities, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Rhodes.

Can I live in Rhodes on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rhodes for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Rhodes include Kremasti, Ialyssos, and Afandou. These neighborhoods offer a good balance between affordability and access to modern amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive areas like Lindos, Faliraki, and the Old Town, as the cost of living in these neighborhoods can be significantly higher.In terms of housing, you’ll likely need to opt for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep your costs down. You can find decent one-bedroom apartments in the more affordable neighborhoods for around $500 to $700 per month. If you’re willing to share a living space with roommates, you can cut that cost even further.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Rhodes due to high fuel prices and maintenance costs. Instead, consider using public transportation or investing in a scooter or bicycle for getting around. This will not only save you money but also allow you to experience the island in a more authentic way.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you’re used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, try cooking at home more often and exploring local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, opt for more affordable local tavernas and cafes instead of touristy spots.Finally, you might need to cut back on some of your entertainment and leisure activities to stay within your budget. While Rhodes offers plenty of free or low-cost activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring historical sites, you may need to limit your visits to more expensive attractions like water parks and guided tours.Overall, living in Rhodes on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation and dining costs, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on this beautiful island,” said one expat living in Rhodes.

Can I live in Rhodes on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rhodes for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it’s a great place to live.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Kallithea or Ialyssos. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a nice two-bedroom apartment for around $600-$800 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Lindos or the Old Town. These areas are more expensive, but they offer beautiful views and a more luxurious lifestyle. However, you can expect to pay around $1,500-$2,000 a month for a two-bedroom apartment in these areas.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Rhodes, so I’d recommend using public transportation or renting a scooter. A monthly bus pass costs around $50, and a scooter rental can be as low as $150 a month. If you do decide to buy a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US, so that will add to your monthly expenses.When it comes to groceries, you can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month if you shop at local markets and cook at home. Eating out can be quite affordable too, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15-$20 per person. However, if you prefer dining at high-end restaurants, you might need to cut back on that to stay within your budget.As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options in Rhodes. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit historical sites, or take part in local festivals and events. A movie ticket costs around $10, and a night out at a bar or club can be as low as $20-$30, depending on where you go.In terms of healthcare, the public healthcare system in Greece is quite good, and you can access it for free or at a low cost if you’re an EU citizen. If you’re not an EU citizen, I’d recommend getting private health insurance, which can cost around $100-$200 a month, depending on the coverage you choose.Overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Rhodes on $5,000 a month, as long as you’re willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. It’s a beautiful island with a rich history and a laid-back lifestyle, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy living here,” commented an expat living in Rhodes.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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