Pros and Cons of Living in Greece
Last updated on May 20, 2025
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:
"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," wrote one expat in Athens.
"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.
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What do expats in Greece appreciate most about the local culture?
"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," remarked one in Athens.
"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," explained one expat.
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," said a person living 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 living in Athens.
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:
- What should I pack when moving to Greece?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Greece?
- Will I be able to find a job in Greece?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Greece appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Greece?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Greece accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Greece like?
- How are healthcare services in Greece?
- What are medical services in Greece like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Greece?
- What are emergency services like in Greece?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Greece?
- How are local medical facilities in Greece?
- As a foreigner living in Greece, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?


