Pros and Cons of Living in Greece
Last updated on Mar 01, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Greece include its beautiful Mediterranean climate, its rich cultural heritage, its stunning landscapes, and its delicious cuisine. On the other hand, the cons of living in Greece include its high cost of living, its high unemployment rate, and its frequent political instability.
What are the pros and cons of living in Greece?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Greece responded:
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the relaxed lifestyle and warm climate of Greece. They also enjoy the country's rich culture, history, and cuisine. Many expats and digital nomads find the cost of living in Greece to be quite affordable, making it a great place to live on a budget. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in living in Greece to be quite challenging. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Greek," explained one expat living in Greece.
"I love the area where I live and honestly I wish there was more incentives for homeowners / landlords to rent out their place to locals rather than use them for Airbnb. It is nearly impossible to find a nice modern place for a decent rate in the area. and I understand why they do it because owners pay a much lower tax rate to rent out to tourists vs locals. They should do something about that because it's a big problem," said one in Athens.
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What do expats in Greece appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Greece appreciate the warm hospitality of the locals, the vibrant culture, the stunning landscapes, the delicious food, and the relaxed lifestyle. They also enjoy the rich history and the many archaeological sites, as well as the vibrant nightlife and the beautiful beaches. Additionally, expats appreciate the fact that Greece is a safe and welcoming country with a strong sense of community," remarked one in Greece.
"Friends and family are not casual relationships here. They will bend over backward to help and support you in whatever way they can. One just has to learn to ask and accept that help," explained one expat.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Greece often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the pace of life in Greece is often slower than what expats are used to, and the bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate. Furthermore, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those in other countries," remarked one in Greece.
"Realizing that the sense of humor and level of tolerance for foreign ideas of many of the locals is very different from mine," explained one expat.
About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Greece?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Greece?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Greece?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Greece accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Greece like?
- Is the cost of living in Greece high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Greece?
- What are healthcare services like in Greece?
- Is the cost of living in Greece high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Greece?
- What is the weather like in Greece?
- Are there good restaurants in Greece?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Greece?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Greece?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Greece?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Greece?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Greece?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?