Moving from the U.S. to Greece will obviously result in a lower cost of living. But other factors start to complicate this image. Salaries are much higher in the U.S., and certain areas of Greece have seen an explosion in the cost of real estate.

So, the question of which country is more affordable to live in can be a bit muddy.

Below is an informational guide comparing the cost of living in Greece and the United States. It highlights major spending categories like housing, food, and transportation. Whether you’re an expat, a digital nomad, or simply evaluating a move to Greece, this overview provides key insights into how both countries stack up financially.

If the switch sounds like a good idea for you, check out our guide on becoming a Greek dual citizen.

1. Overall Cost of Living

  • Monthly Expenses (Single Person)
    • Greece: ~€1,142
    • United States: ~€2,366
  • Monthly Expenses (Family)
    • Greece: ~€2,801
    • United States: ~€5,530

Greece can be about 52% less expensive than in the United States. That said, average after-tax salaries in the United States (around $5,000 per month, or €4,468) are notably higher than in Greece (€1,023).

Takeaways:

  • Greece’s lower cost of living can be especially advantageous for digital nomads and those whose salaries are coming from outside the country.
  • If you are relying on Greek employment after your move, the drop in the cost of living might be more than eliminated by a drop in pay.

2. Housing and Utilities

Housing costs appear to be the biggest difference maker between the two countries.

Expense Greece United States
One-Person Rent ~€552 ~€1,509
Family Rent ~€1,012 ~€2,656
Utility Bill (1 person) ~€131 ~€119
Utility Bill (family) ~€202 ~€182

Takeaways:

  • The cost of housing varies widely in the U.S.
  • The efficiency of a home, the climate, and local taxes can play a big role in housing costs. And they can’t be easily captured by this guide, so it’s worth doing your own calculations, too.

3. Food and Groceries

Greece is renowned for its fresh produce and local markets—the food culture here is truly world-class. When compared to the United States, grocery and dining costs vary depending on specific items. But it’s almost always cheaper to eat in Greece (both for groceries and dining out).

Dining Out

Item Greece United States
Lunch Menu (inexpensive) ~€13 ~€18
Dinner for 2 (mid-range) ~€49.90 ~€72.30
Fast Food Combo ~€9.14 ~€10.40
Beer in a Pub (0.5 L) ~€4.66 ~€5.97
Cappuccino ~€3.69 ~€4.94

Groceries

Product Greece United States
Milk (1 L) ~€1.66 ~€1.04
Bread (0.5 kg) ~€1.29 ~€3.37
Rice (1 kg) ~€2.20 ~€4.19
Chicken Breast (1 kg) ~€9.91 ~€11.20
Apples (1 kg) ~€2.00 ~€4.85
Tomato (1 kg) ~€2.02 ~€4.57
Potato (1 kg) ~€1.19 ~€2.71

Takeaways:

  • Both groceries and restaurant dining are cheaper in Greece.

4. Transportation

Greece’s public transportation infrastructure differs from the large, car-centric culture in much of the United States.

Expense Greece United States
Local Transport Ticket ~€1.35 ~€2.28
Monthly Transport Pass ~€38.70 ~€67.50
Taxi Ride (8 km) ~€13.40 ~€17.70
Gasoline (1 L) ~€2.01 ~€0.94

Takeaways:

  • Greek public transport (buses, metro in Athens, etc.) offers more affordable fares than most U.S. cities, though coverage might be more limited outside urban centers.
  • Gasoline is roughly twice as expensive in Greece, influenced by taxes and fuel import costs. This partly accounts for the fact that many Greeks rely on scooters, public transport, or smaller cars, while the U.S. is world-renowned for its car ownership and larger vehicles. (The U.S. has 850 vehicles per 1000 people while Greece has 555.)

5. Income and Employment

The cost of living is only one crucial factor of two when factoring in how expensive a place is to live. You also need to understand average salaries and purchasing power. This is where our comparison gets much more complicated. Because while living expenses are lower in Greece, so are wages.

Indicator Greece United States
Monthly Salary (after tax) ~€1,023 ~€4,468
GDP per Capita ~€22,158 ~€78,739
Months Covered by Salary ~0.9 months* ~1.9 months*

* Indicates how many months of living expenses one month’s salary can cover for an average single person.

Takeaways:

  • Although Greece’s cost of living is significantly lower, an average salary (e.g., €1,023) is often insufficient to cover monthly expenses without extra savings or supplemental income.
  • The United States offers higher earning potential, which might offset the added costs for some professionals.

6. Education and Childcare

For families—especially those with many children—education and childcare are an enormous part of budget planning.

Expense Greece United States
Daycare/Preschool (monthly) ~€420 ~€1,349
International Primary School (yearly) ~€7,061 ~€19,493

Takeaways:

  • Greece’s public education system is inexpensive for citizens and residents, while the U.S. system can be more expensive, especially for private or international schools. Similarly, daycare in the U.S. often poses a financial burden for families.

Greece Is Cheaper, But Not Necessarily More Affordable

The numbers are pretty clear. Greece is technically less expensive in terms of housing, food, and dining out.

But wages and overall purchasing power remain substantially higher in the U.S. And that opens us up to the difference between cost and affordability.

For individuals with remote incomes and/or substantial savings, Greece can be an attractive place to stretch one’s budget, enjoy a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, and benefit from relatively low daily expenses.

But for those who are still looking to establish themselves, the United States offers a much higher earning potential.

Where you choose to live ultimately comes down to a variety of factors. And with so many cultural and lifestyle differences between the two countries, cost of living begins to be only one of many ways to make your decision.

Ultimately, only you and your family can know which country makes a better home.

If you do decide to become a Greek citizen, contact us for a free consultation.