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Official Data ELSTAT 2026 Guide
Cost of Living in Greece (Nationwide): Official Statistics & What They Mean (2026 Guide)
Greece continues to attract international buyers and expats for its lifestyle, climate, and strong year-round appeal. For planning a move or an investment, it helps to look at official, nationwide data to understand how households typically allocate their budgets.
This guide uses ELSTAT (Hellenic Statistical Authority) publications—primarily the Household Budget Survey (HBS) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—to provide a credible baseline you can reference with confidence.
The official baseline: average household spending
ELSTAT’s Household Budget Survey measures what households actually spend on average. It’s a useful starting point for setting expectations—especially if you’re relocating, buying a second home, or planning an investment strategy that includes time spent in Greece.
Average monthly household expenditure (Greece, 2024): 1,724.54
Use this as a nationwide reference point when planning a realistic monthly budget. Your final numbers will vary by household size, property type, and location (Athens vs islands vs mainland cities).
Where budgets typically go (useful for relocation and investment planning)
ELSTAT groups spending into categories (housing, food, transport, etc.). Even though exact costs vary by location and lifestyle, these categories are a practical way to structure your planning.
Common planning buckets
- Housing & utilities (day-to-day running costs)
- Food & groceries
- Transport
- Health
- Communication (internet/mobile)
- Education & childcare (where applicable)
- Restaurants, leisure & lifestyle
| Planning area | What to think about |
|---|---|
| Housing & utilities | Property type, energy efficiency, heating/cooling needs, building fees (if applicable) |
| Transport | Commute patterns, car ownership vs public transport, island logistics |
| Lifestyle | Dining, leisure, and seasonal spending (especially for island living) |
What this means for investors
For property buyers, cost-of-living context is useful because it helps you:
- Plan a comfortable lifestyle budget if you intend to spend time in Greece
- Set realistic expectations for day-to-day running costs
- Evaluate locations based on lifestyle fit (city living, coastal living, island living)
Using CPI to describe how prices move
When you want to reference whether consumer prices are trending up or down, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the official measure.
In investor-facing content, CPI is best used to:
- Support statements about overall price trends with an official source
- Provide context for budgeting decisions over time
- Keep your article credible without relying on crowd-sourced price lists
Choosing the right location (nationwide perspective)
Nationwide data gives you a grounded baseline, while your final budget will depend on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. The best next step is to match your goals to the right area—whether you prefer a vibrant capital-city base, a coastal lifestyle, or selected islands.
Next step: If you’re considering a move to Greece or a property purchase and want a shortlist of areas that match your lifestyle and budget goals, we can help you structure it end-to-end.
FAQ
Why use nationwide statistics instead of crowd-sourced cost-of-living lists?
Nationwide statistics from ELSTAT provide a consistent baseline based on measured household spending and official price indices. Crowd-sourced lists can be useful for anecdotes, but they often vary widely and may not reflect typical household patterns.
Does cost of living vary significantly by location in Greece?
Yes. Athens, premium coastal areas, and popular islands can differ from mainland cities and less touristic regions. Use nationwide data as a baseline, then refine your budget based on the specific area and your lifestyle.
What costs should property owners plan for beyond the purchase price?
Owners should plan for ongoing costs such as utilities, maintenance, and annual property tax (ENFIA). If you rent out the property, you should also plan for tax and compliance requirements.
How can Domitech help with budgeting and area selection?
Domitech Real Estate helps international buyers compare locations, shortlist properties, and understand practical ownership considerations. We can help you align your budget and lifestyle goals with the right area in Greece.
Contact Domitech Real Estate
If you’d like a shortlist of areas that match your lifestyle and budget goals, contact us to plan the next steps.
- Address: 253 Kifisias Ave. Kifisia, Attica 14561, Greece
- Phone: 210 8017156
- Mobile: +30 698 5803774
- Email: [email protected]
Official sources
- ELSTAT — Household Budget Survey 2024 (Average monthly household expenditure): https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/2de55fc0-c2b5-c2ae-21d6-c31a98233a6e
- ELSTAT — Household Budget Survey 2024 (summary PDF): https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/18678055/DT_eop_2024_EN.pdf/d33a2eda-0a74-7516-6cfe-75cfae8c4b40
- ELSTAT — Consumer Price Index (CPI) publications hub: https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/SDT03/-