Should you move to Greece? What it gives you, what to prepare for and who it suits (2026)

In brief

As of 7 November 2026, Greece suits people who want a warm, outdoor life, a price level well below the EU average (87.4 against 100 in a preliminary Eurostat figure for 2025, as quoted in our cost-of-living guide) and special tax routes. By our own arithmetic a single person lives on about 1,083 to 1,758 euros a month in Athens and a couple on about 1,558 to 2,475. The tasks to plan for are the groceries, which are priced above the EU average, the seasonal island rents and an administration that rewards early appointments. Greece rose two places to 53rd in the 2026 Global Peace Index.

What moving to Greece gives you

• A price level well below the EU's. The preliminary 2025 figure is 87.4 against an EU 100, though food is higher at 105.3, so the saving is in rent and services more than in the supermarket. Athens rent for a one-bedroom was about 560 to 850 euros in one 2026 market guide. Our cost-of-living guide shows six budgets: a single person 1,083 to 1,758 euros a month, a couple 1,558 to 2,475 and a family of four 2,156 to 4,619 (the top figure includes one child at an international school). ELSTAT's household survey for 2025 gave an average household spend of about 1,820 euros a month, for all households.
• A calm environment. In the 2026 Global Peace Index Greece is 53rd with a score of 1.828, up two places, according to several summaries.
• A 7% tax route for foreign pensioners. Under Article 5B a pensioner who moves tax residence to Greece can pay a flat 7% on foreign-source income for up to 15 tax years. AADE decision A.1192/2026 of 22 September 2026 moved the application deadline from 31 March to 31 October; if you move by 2 July you can apply for that year or the next, and the tax is paid by the last working day of December. The condition about the country you come from is described in two ways, so check it with an adviser.
• A non-dom route for high earners. Under Article 5A, a flat 100,000 euros a year on foreign-source income, 20,000 euros for each family member, for up to 15 years, according to law-firm summaries. One guide mentions an investment requirement and another says there is none, so confirm the current rule with a Greek tax adviser.
• Residence routes. Remote workers can read about the digital nomad visa: since February 2026 it cannot be started from inside Greece as a tourist and a national D visa comes first. Investors can read about the golden visa, and retirees about retiring in Greece.
• A way of life people talk about. Our pieces on Greek expat life and why expats love Greece show the daily picture: sea, outdoor time and neighbourhood rhythms.

What to prepare for

Each point is a task with a solution, not a warning.

• Groceries and eating out. Food is priced above the EU average (105.3), and restaurants and cafes rose 7.4% in the year to December 2025 in the ELSTAT data as reported. Solution: budget from the food index, not from the overall index, and shop at local markets.
• Seasonal island rents. Sources agree that demand from June to September pushes island rents up and that many landlords prefer short lets. Solution: sign a year-round lease before the season, or choose Athens, Thessaloniki or Crete outside the peak.
• Administration. A tax number and a social-security number come first, and the residence permit follows. Our first-30-days checklist puts the steps in order. Solution: book appointments early and keep a folder of legalised documents.
• Language. State schools are free but teach in Greek. Solution: a basic Greek course, and for children an international school: the International School of Athens lists 12,500 to 14,500 euros a year for 2025/26 in our guide. See schools and education when relocating.
• Health cover. Non-EU applicants for a residence permit must hold private cover, with vendor quotes of about 30 to 90 euros a month per person. Solution: compare policies against the permit's minimum, and keep the policy until public enrolment is confirmed.
• Tax timing. The 7% regime has deadlines and a payment date, and missing the payment can revoke it. Solution: read tax residency when relocating and put the 31 October and December dates in your calendar with an adviser.

Who it suits, and who may prefer another country

• Retirees with a foreign pension: the 7% route, a lower price level and an outdoor climate make a strong combination, with a plan for the deadlines.
• Remote workers: Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete offer reliable infrastructure; check the digital nomad permit income threshold, which sources state in two ways (3,500 euros or about 4,139 dollars).
• Families: state schools in Greek, or an international school budget; the Athens family budgets above show the range.
• High earners and entrepreneurs: the non-dom route, with advice.

If you want a fast, English-first administration or a low food bill, a different country may fit better; our guide to choosing a country helps compare.

A first-90-days plan

• Days 1 to 10: tax number, rental contract and a place to live for the first month.
• Days 11 to 30: social-security number, health cover, bank account, local SIM.
• Days 31 to 60: test daily life in one neighbourhood and compare your costs with the budgets above.
• Days 61 to 90: decide whether to stay, change city or island, or return; see how to run a trial year abroad.

Budget, rent and where a property purchase fits

Using our own sums, Athens budgets run from about 1,083 euros a month for a single person with modest habits to about 4,619 for a family with one child at an international school. Rent is the main variable: Athens about 560 to 850 euros for a one-bedroom, Thessaloniki somewhat cheaper, Crete about 450 to 650 euros in central Heraklion, and the islands higher in season.

Owning can replace rent. See what 70,000 to 350,000 euros buys in Greece, the village revival programmes and stone-house restoration costs and permits, and the idea of buying where you holiday and renting it out. The overview of the decision is in should you move abroad.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

FAQ

Is Greece cheap to live in? Overall yes: the preliminary 2025 price level is 87.4 against an EU 100. Food is the exception at 105.3, so a budget built from groceries and restaurants should be set higher than a budget built from rent alone.

How does the 7% regime for pensioners work? Under Article 5B you pay a flat 7% on foreign-source income for up to 15 tax years after moving tax residence to Greece. The application deadline is 31 October and payment is due by the last working day of December; confirm the conditions and your country's treaty with a Greek adviser.

Can I move to Greece to work remotely? Yes, through the digital nomad permit, but since February 2026 a national D visa from a consulate comes first and the income threshold is stated in two ways in our sources. Check the current requirement before you apply.

Is the 100,000-euro non-dom route worth considering? It is aimed at high earners with large foreign-source income, with 20,000 euros extra per family member. Sources differ on whether an investment is required, so speak to a Greek tax adviser.

What is a sensible way to test Greece first? Rent for three to six months in the city you like, outside the island summer peak, run your routine and compare your costs with the budgets above before you sign a long lease or buy.