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Crowded Market in Athens, Greece

Living in Greece

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Mar 09, 2024

Summary: People often describe life in Greece as relaxed and laid-back. Expats love the warm climate, stunning beaches, and the friendly locals. The cost of living for an expat in Greece is relatively low compared to other European countries. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 per month. The population of Greece is approximately 10.7 million people. The largest cities in Greece are Athens (3.2 million people), Thessaloniki (1 million people), Patras (213,000 people), and Heraklion (174,000 people). The cons of living in Greece include the high unemployment rate, the lack of job opportunities, and the slow bureaucracy. Additionally, the cost of living in Greece is increasing, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

What do I need to know about living in Greece?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Greece, they said:

"Learn some Greek before you arrive..although, more & more people speak English, it will be appreciated by your new neighbors.... The other thing I'd suggest is.. network.. find, join, meet, make friends,with people already here .. have some type of support network in place before arriving.. You may need it, when whatever your trying to get done.. is being handled in only the way that Greeks know how..! Good Luck.," remarked one expat living in Thessaloniki, Greece.

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Greece to ensure they can afford to retire there. 2. It is important to understand the healthcare system in Greece and to make sure that expats have adequate health insurance coverage. 3. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the tax system in Greece and any applicable tax treaties with their home country. 4. It is important to learn the language, as English is not widely spoken in Greece. 5. Expats should also research the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining them. 6. It is also important to research the different types of housing available in Greece and the associated costs. 7. Expats should also consider the cultural differences between their home country and Greece and be prepared to adjust to a new way of life," wrote one member in Greece.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Crowded Market in Athens, Greece

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