| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Thessaloniki costs around €300-€400 per month. A similar apartment outside the city center costs around €200-€300 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €600-€800 per month, while outside the city center it costs around €400-€600 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is around €1,500-€2,000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter is around €1,000-€1,500. |
| Transportation | A monthly public transportation ticket costs around €30. The starting tariff for a normal taxi is around €3.5, with an additional €1 per kilometer. The price of gasoline is around €1.6 per liter. |
| Groceries | The average monthly cost of groceries for a single person is around €200-€300. This includes items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other basic food items. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €10, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around €40. A regular cappuccino costs around €2.5. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around €150 per month. Internet connection (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs around €30 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school. On average, the annual tuition for preschool is around €4,000-€6,000. For elementary school, the annual tuition is around €5,000-€7,000. For middle school, the annual tuition is around €6,000-€8,000. For high school, the annual tuition is around €7,000-€9,000. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Thessaloniki
“The cost of living in Thessaloniki is generally considered to be lower than in many other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively low.When it comes to groceries, prices can vary. Local markets offer fresh produce, meat, and dairy at reasonable prices, while imported goods and specialty items can be more expensive. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant can be quite affordable, and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is even cheaper.Public transportation in Thessaloniki is also reasonably priced, with tickets for buses and trains costing less than in many other European cities. Taxis are also available and are relatively affordable.Healthcare in Thessaloniki is generally of a high standard and is less expensive than in many other countries. Both public and private healthcare options are available, with private healthcare being more expensive.Overall, the cost of living in Thessaloniki is quite affordable, especially when compared to other European cities. However, salaries in Thessaloniki are also generally lower, so this is something to consider when evaluating the cost of living,” said one expat living in Thessaloniki.
Can I live in Thessaloniki on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Thessaloniki for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is generally lower than in many other European cities, but it’s still not exactly cheap. Firstly, housing is going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center, in neighborhoods like Ano Poli or Ladadika, you’re looking at paying around $500-$600 a month for a decent one-bedroom apartment. These areas are very popular and the prices reflect that. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Evosmos or Stavroupoli, you can find a nice place for around $300-$400 a month. Food is relatively cheap here, especially if you cook at home. You can get fresh produce from the local markets for a fraction of what you’d pay in the US. Eating out can be affordable too, if you stick to the local tavernas and avoid the more touristy places. Transportation is also quite affordable. A monthly bus pass costs around $30, and taxis are reasonably priced. If you have a car, gas can be a bit expensive, but it’s not necessary to have one if you live in the city. As for other expenses, utilities can add up, especially in the winter when you need to heat your home. Expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity, water, and internet. Health insurance is another cost to consider, although it’s much cheaper than in the US. The biggest sacrifice you’ll have to make is probably in terms of entertainment and discretionary spending. Going out for drinks, attending concerts or events, and traveling can quickly eat into your budget. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending in these areas and prioritize what’s most important to you. In terms of lifestyle, you might find that things move at a slower pace here than you’re used to. Shops close in the afternoon for siesta and many businesses are closed on Sundays. But on the flip side, there’s a strong emphasis on enjoying life, spending time with friends and family, and savoring good food and drink. All in all, living in Thessaloniki on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending, be willing to live a bit further from the city center, and adjust your expectations in terms of lifestyle and pace of life. But in return, you’ll get to experience the rich culture, history, and beauty of this amazing city,” commented an expat living in Thessaloniki.
Can I live in Thessaloniki on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Thessaloniki for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Thessaloniki is relatively low compared to many other European cities. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $500-$600 a month. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Evosmos or Stavroupoli, you can find even cheaper options. These areas are still quite nice and have all the necessary amenities like supermarkets, cafes, and public transportation. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Kalamaria and Panorama are more upscale and therefore more expensive. You might want to avoid these areas if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Groceries are also quite affordable in Thessaloniki. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on food if you cook at home. Eating out is also not too expensive if you stick to local tavernas and avoid the more touristy places. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, will probably cost you around $150-$200 a month. Public transportation is also quite cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $30. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or even free things to do in Thessaloniki. The city is full of historical sites, museums, and parks. The beautiful waterfront promenade is a great place for a walk or a bike ride, and the local beaches are free to access. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to. For instance, you might not be able to afford a car or frequent trips to the spa. But overall, I think you’ll find that Thessaloniki offers a great quality of life for a very reasonable cost,” said one expat living in Thessaloniki.
Can I live in Thessaloniki on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Thessaloniki for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle and what you consider to be ‘modern amenities’. If you’re used to high-end luxury, then you might have to make some adjustments. But if you’re okay with a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle, then you’ll be just fine. Rent is probably going to be your biggest expense. The most affordable neighborhoods are Ampelokipoi, Menemeni, and Stavroupoli. You can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $500-$600 a month. They’re not the most glamorous parts of the city, but they’re safe and have all the basic amenities you need like supermarkets, pharmacies, and public transportation. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to look at Kalamaria or Panorama. These are some of the most expensive areas in Thessaloniki, but they’re also some of the nicest. You can expect to pay around $1,000-$1,500 a month for a 2-bedroom apartment in these areas. Food is relatively cheap in Thessaloniki, especially if you cook at home. You can get fresh produce from the local markets for a fraction of what you’d pay in the US. Eating out is also quite affordable. You can get a decent meal at a local taverna for around $10-$15. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite affordable. You can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for all of these combined. As for transportation, Thessaloniki has a decent public transportation system. A monthly pass costs around $30. If you prefer to drive, gas is a bit expensive compared to the US, but it’s still manageable. The biggest sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life. Things don’t move as quickly in Greece as they do in the US. But once you get used to it, it’s actually quite refreshing. All in all, I’d say that living in Thessaloniki on $5,000 a month is definitely doable. You might have to make some adjustments, but you can still live a comfortable and enjoyable life,” commented an expat living in Thessaloniki.
