Greece is one of the most outstanding countries when it comes to historical, cultural heritage, climatic conditions and the beauty of landscapes. It is deservedly called the land of olive groves and luxurious beaches, and leading travel agencies are rightfully called one of the most beautiful in the world. Greece is also recognized as the country with the best climate on the planet — summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild and humid, although with slight differences depending on the specific city.
The peculiarities of life in Greece include many aspects that make it attractive to move. In our article, we will look at the TOP most promising Greek cities, the pros and cons of living in it and its satellites, in order to figure out which city of this country is better to go to.
Greece in detail
Greece is a small country in the south of Europe. As of 2024, its population is about 10.4 million people, most of whom are ethnic Greeks. The landscape consists mainly of mountainous terrain and plateaus. The famous Olympus Mountains (2,917 meters) and Parnassus (2,457 meters) are located here. Greece owns more than 6,000 islands, of which about 227 are inhabited, which is about 20% of its territory. Due to this feature, the country has one of the longest total coastlines — approximately 13.676 km.
The beaches of Greece are known for their cleanliness, many of them are marked with the “Blue Flag”. The cleanest beaches are on the islands of Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, as well as on the Peloponnese and Halkidiki peninsulas. Forests cover about 30% of the country’s territory.
The Greek economy continues to develop. Industry provides about 16% of revenues to the state budget, tourism — about 20%, agriculture — about 4%, and the bulk of income comes from the service sector (about 60%). The average salary in the country for 2024 is about €1,277 per month after deduction of tax.
The climate of Greece varies from temperate in the north to subtropical in the south. The official currency is the euro, as Greece is a member of the European Union. The official language is Modern Greek, with different dialects in different regions. In popular tourist locations and large cities (for example, in Athens), English is widely spoken, especially among young people.
Orthodox Christianity is the state religion, but there are also communities of Muslims, Catholics, Protestants and other faiths in the country. A type C Schengen visa is used to visit Greece for a short period of time, and a type D visa is used for a long—term stay.
The average life expectancy in Greece is higher than the EU average: for women it is about 84 years, and for men it is about 78 years. Scientists attribute this to a good climate and nutrition.
The statistics look favorable, but its correctness can be verified only by immersing yourself in the culture and way of life of Greece. There you can encounter not the most pleasant nuances, such as bureaucracy. You can learn about the various nuances associated with moving to this country from our interview article about personal experience of living in Greece, both on the mainland and on its island part.
Athens is the country’s business card
Athens is the historical center of the country, where about 3 million people live and the cultural, economic and political life of the country is concentrated.
Athens has a well-developed transport infrastructure. Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is the main aviation hub of Greece and one of the largest in Europe. It is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center, and is directly connected to Athens:
- The third metro line (Blue line), through which you can get directly to the city center.
- By commuter trains (Proastiakos), which allow you to get to Larisis Central Station, as well as go to Corinth, Chalkidiki and other cities.
- By bus service, including central bus stations in other cities.
Moreover, Larisis station is the intersection of all railway arteries of the country, through which you can get to other cities and parts of the country, not counting the island ones. The station is also connected to the metro and is a hub for intercity and suburban trains.
There is a port of Piraeus for communication with numerous islands. From here, ferries depart to islands including Crete, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos. All three nodes are connected by different branches of the metro and are accessible for both rail and bus transport.
At the same time, the infrastructure in the Greek capital is actively developing. One of the most ambitious projects is the expansion of the subway through the construction of a new branch line by 2028. It is also planned to expand Athens airport, but the planning horizon here is very long — the project is planned to be implemented by 2046.
Realty
In 2024, the real estate market in Athens continues to show positive trends. Property prices in central areas and popular tourist areas are rising due to increased demand from both local residents and foreign investors. On average, the cost per square meter of residential real estate in Athens is about €2000-3500, depending on the area and type of property:
- The central districts of Athens: about €3043 per square meter.
- Northern areas: about €2,846 per square meter.
- Southern areas: about €3,750 per square meter.
- Western areas: about €1909 per square meter.
- Eastern districts: about €2,133 per square meter.
- Piraeus: about €2,471 per square meter.
The labor market
Athens, as the capital of Greece, is the main economic and business center of the country. The city is home to offices of large international companies, financial institutions, government organizations and service sector institutions. The sectors of the economy that offer the largest number of jobs include tourism, information technology, finance, education and healthcare.
The average salary in Athens varies by sector and position. As of 2024, it is about €1,300 after taxes. In the IT sector, financial and legal fields, salaries can significantly exceed this level, reaching €2000-3000 and above.
Recreation and leisure
Athens offers many opportunities for recreation and leisure. The city is rich in historical and cultural attractions such as the Acropolis, the ancient Agora and the Parthenon. Numerous museums, theaters and art galleries provide extensive opportunities for cultural enrichment.
The city is also known for its cafes, restaurants and nightclubs, especially in the Gazi, Kolonaki and Plaka districts. For outdoor enthusiasts, beaches in the southern suburbs such as Glyfada and Vulyagmeni, as well as mountain trails and parks are available.
Education
Athens offers a wide range of educational institutions, including public and private schools, universities and specialized educational institutions (for example, the University of Athens and the Athens Polytechnic University). International schools are available for foreigners, such as the American School in Athens and the British St. Lawrence School, with curricula in English.
Quality of life
The quality of life in Athens varies depending on the area of residence. There are more amenities and access to cultural and historical sites in the central areas, but there is much more noise. Suburban areas such as Kifissia and Vouliagmeni offer a quieter atmosphere, better ecology and more greenery, but are more expensive. Kolonaki and Glyfada are the best areas of Athens to live in.
In total, of the pros and cons of moving to Athens:
Positive
- The housing market in the capital is well developed — the sale of apartments in Athens is one of the most active in the country, the choice of objects is large.
- It is much easier to move to this Greek city for permanent residence than to others.
- The education system is well developed here.
- The average salary is about 1300 euros, the minimum is from 910 euros per month. Qualified specialists receive on average from 2,200 euros.
- A developed Russian-speaking diaspora. This is also why many Russians are actively interested in buying, selling apartments in Athens, as well as renting them.
- The capital of Greece is popular with tourists all year round. On the one hand, it is an opportunity to earn money by renting housing without seasonal disruptions, on the other — constant noise and crowds.
Minuses
- The busy life of the metropolis and the crowds of tourists are not suitable for everyone, the transport system is often overloaded.
- The environmental situation is not the most favorable, smog often appears.
- It is not always easy to find a job, especially without knowledge of the language and high qualifications — many people come here to work from different cities of Greece and from other countries. The main areas in which you can work are trade, the service sector, tourism and, accordingly, the rental of real estate (rent for a studio starts at around 550 euros per month). Many also work in industry — food, chemical, metallurgical.
- The summer is hot with high temperatures up to +40 °C.
- Apartments and houses are offered for sale in Athens at high, and often frankly inflated prices. The cost of the products is also rather high.
Thessaloniki is a quiet and peaceful option
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. It is located in the Macedonia region in the north of the country, and if the climate in Athens is Mediterranean, then in Thessaloniki it is temperate continental, and in the mountainous part it is alpine. Due to this, the climate here is milder than in the capital.
Despite the status of the country’s second megacity, Thessaloniki has far fewer residents. Taking into account the suburbs and satellite cities, the entire agglomeration is about 1.1 million people, which is three times less than in Athens.
The transport infrastructure of Thessaloniki is one of the strengths of the city. Public transport is well developed: it includes express routes connecting important points of the city, for example, the city center, universities and large shopping malls.
The new Thessaloniki Railway Station is the central transport hub connecting Greece. Despite the name, it was built in 1961 and accepts both passenger and freight trains from all over Europe.
Macedonia International Airport is located just 15 km south of the city and is the second busiest airport in Greece. Both the airport and the train station can be reached by bus, taxi or car.
Since Thessaloniki is located on the shores of the Aegean Sea, the city has a large port of the same name. It accepts cruise liners and ferries connecting the city with other parts of Greece and the Mediterranean.
But despite all this logistical diversity, car traffic in Thessaloniki remains intense, especially during peak hours. The metro has high hopes for solving the traffic problem. It is expected that the main metro line will be ready for operation in the second half of 2024.
The metro will serve up to 315 thousand passengers daily and will reduce the number of cars on the city’s roads by 60 thousand. Quite impressive figures, considering that the population of Thessaloniki is only 320 thousand people.
Realty
The average cost per square meter of housing in different areas of the city differs depending on the location and type of real estate. In the central area of Thessaloniki, the cost of 1 sq.m. was about €2,430. This reflects an increase of 13% compared to the same period last year, when the price was €1,869 per square meter.
In the suburbs, the average price per square meter is €1,832, which also shows an increase of 11% compared to 2023. In the rest of the Thessaloniki prefecture, prices vary, and the lowest average cost was recorded at €1006 per 1 sq.m.
The labor market
The most sought-after professions in Thessaloniki are programmers, engineers, managers and healthcare professionals. The average salary varies depending on the industry and the level of experience. According to data for 2024, the average annual salary in Thessaloniki is about €31,530, which is equivalent to about €2,627 per month before taxes.
Recreation and leisure
Thessaloniki is known for its historical monuments and museums such as the White Tower, the Archaeological Museum, the Rotunda of St. George and the Byzantine Museum. Among the cultural events, the Dimitri Festival, held in autumn, and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival stand out.
Local restaurants and cafes offer seafood dishes and traditional Greek treats such as souvlaki and gyros. The Ladadika area is known for its many taverns and restaurants, and the Valaoritu area is famous for its active nightlife with many bars and clubs.
Education in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is an important educational center in Greece: the Aristotelian University and the University of Macedonia are located in the city. There are also both public and private schools, many of which offer instruction in several languages, including English.
Standard of living
Thessaloniki has a high quality of life due to the combination of low cost of living, high level of health and education, as well as cultural wealth and a favorable environmental environment. The cost of living is comparatively lower than in most major European cities.
According to data for 2024, the average rent for housing is about €600-800 per month per studio. Prices for products and services are also lower than in other European capitals. For example, lunch at an inexpensive restaurant will cost about €10-15, and a monthly public transport pass costs about €30.
Healthcare is at a high level. Both large hospitals and specialized medical centers operate in the city. The level of medical care is comparable to other European countries, while the cost of medical services is often lower.
Thessaloniki is considered a safe city with a low crime rate. The environmental situation in the city is also improving due to efforts to reduce air pollution and develop green areas.
So, the pros and cons of living in Thessaloniki:
Positive
- Thessaloniki is located on the northern coast of Greece on the shores of the Aegean Sea. In summer, the temperature is usually +25-30 °C.
- Due to less transport and industry, the air in Thessaloniki is cleaner compared to Athens.
- Education is open to international students, including in English.
- Renting a studio in the city center costs from €600 to €800 per month, and outside the center — about €450 per month, which is more affordable than in Athens.
- Thessaloniki is known for its cultural events, museums and historical monuments. The city offers a rich nightlife, many restaurants and cafes, as well as various festivals and events.
Minuses
- Thessaloniki is not a traditional resort town, which makes real estate here less attractive for renting to tourists. However, real estate can be profitably resold to those who are looking for permanent housing.
- The cost of gasoline in Thessaloniki is high, which makes car ownership expensive. Many residents prefer to use public transport or bicycles, for which the city has a good infrastructure.
- Finding a high-paying job can be more difficult, especially in some sectors of the economy. Despite the availability of vacancies, competition for some positions remains high.
- Infrastructure problems may occur in some areas of the city, such as traffic jams during rush hours and insufficient parking spaces.
Heraklion — the benefits of living on the island of Crete
Heraklion, also known as Heraklion, is the largest city and the administrative center of the island of Crete, one of the largest and most famous Greek islands with a population of about 174,000 people. The city has a rich history, rooted in the Minoan civilization, when the famous Knossos Palace was located here. Heraklion combines ancient ruins and modern architecture, creating a unique atmosphere for residents and tourists.
There is no railway network in Crete, so buses are the main form of public transport in Heraklion. The routes cover the entire city and the nearest settlements. Motor transport connects Heraklion with other cities of Crete, such as Chania, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos, as well as with the main tourist attractions of the island. Heraklion Airport is located just 5 km from the city center. It can be reached by bus, taxi or car.
The port of Heraklion serves passenger ferries, cruise liners and cargo ships. Ferries connect Heraklion with Athens (the port of Piraeus), other Aegean islands and the Greek mainland.
Realty
As of June 2024, the average price for residential real estate in Heraklion is about €1,726 per square meter. This is slightly below the average level in Crete, where prices range from €1,800 to €2,400 per square meter. The average rental price is about €8.87 per square meter per month. This figure is slightly higher than the average for Greece, but remains affordable compared to other popular regions of the country.
The labor market
In Heraklion, the average annual income is about €28,128, which is equivalent to about €2,344 euros per month before taxes. The most sought-after professions are specialists in the field of tourism and hospitality, pharmacists, engineers and architects. The demand for workers in the tourism industry is especially high during the summer season.
Recreation and leisure
Heraklion is known for its cultural events, such as the Heraklion Summer Festival, which includes concerts and theatrical productions, and the Wine Festival in Archanes, which attracts wine and gastronomy lovers.
City life in Heraklion is active and diverse. There are many restaurants and cafes where you can taste traditional Cretan dishes such as dacos and calicounia. The nightlife of Heraklion will also not disappoint: there are many bars and nightclubs in the city, especially in the center and on the waterfront.
Boat trips to nearby islands are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, and the city’s beaches provide opportunities for water sports such as diving and windsurfing.
Education
One of the main educational institutions is the University of Crete, whose campuses are located in Heraklion and Rethymno. It is considered one of the best educational institutions in Greece. The Technological Educational Institute of Crete is also located in Heraklion and offers programs focused on applied sciences and technologies. It is closely linked to the local industry and economy, and provides students with opportunities for practical training and internships.
Standard of living
The cost of living in Heraklion is comparatively lower than in the major cities of mainland Greece, such as Athens and Thessaloniki. The average cost of renting a studio in the city center is about €400-500 per month.
There are both public and private clinics in the city offering a wide range of medical services. The University Hospital of Heraklion is one of the leading medical institutions in Crete.
The pros and cons of living in Crete:
Positive
- Pleasant marine climate without sudden changes (up to +20-30 ° C in summer), excellent environmental situation.
- The housing market is well developed. Villas and townhouses predominate here, other housing formats need to be searched.
- An active Russian-speaking community (but most of it is on vacation, not permanent residence).
- Good infrastructure.
Minuses
- Finding a job in Heraklion, as in other places in Crete, is very difficult — many times more difficult than on the mainland of the country. Migrants are usually employed in the fields of entertainment and tourism, services, but competition is high.
- The economy of Heraklion is highly dependent on tourist activity, and the standard of living is heterogeneous due to seasonal fluctuations in income.
- Transport links to the mainland are only by air or sea.
Rhodes is a resort town with its own atmosphere
Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, and the main administrative and economic center of the island is the city of the same name — Rhodes.
Historically, Rhodes is known as the place where one of the seven wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes, was located. The island is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Grand Master’s Palace, the fortress walls and the narrow streets of the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As in the case of Heraklion, buses are the main form of public transport on the island. The bus network covers the urban area, the main settlements of the island and popular tourist destinations such as Lindos, Faliraki and Kamiros. Taxis are available in the main tourist areas. Well, you can get to the island either by water or by air through the main airport of Rhodes, which is located 14 km southwest of the city.
The main city port accepts cruise liners, ferries and private yachts, and connects Rhodes with the Greek mainland (Athens, Piraeus) and other islands of the Dodecanese and the Aegean Sea. There are also several small ports and marinas on the island, such as Mandraki Marina, which serve local and international yachts, as well as sailing vessels.
The main transport hubs of Rhodes are well connected. Bus routes connect the airport with the city of Rhodes and other key points of the island, including the port.
Realty
As of 2024, the average price per square meter of housing in Rhodes is about €2,100 in the city center — in coastal areas prices may be higher. The average rental price is approximately €8.75 per square meter per month. Rental housing is especially in demand during the tourist season, which affects the price increase.
The labor market
The average annual salary in Rhodes is about €30,844, which is equivalent to about €2,570 per month before taxes. The job market in Rhodes, as in the rest of Greece, is highly dependent on the tourist season. In summer, the demand for labor in the hotel and restaurant business increases dramatically. Outside of the tourist season, the number of vacancies decreases, but the demand for specialists in such fields as education, healthcare and IT remains.
Recreation and leisure
Rhodes offers a wide range of beaches with clear water and a variety of amenities. Elli Beach and Faliraki are among the most popular holiday destinations. Marine activities include diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and yachting. There are several diving centers on the island.
Every year in September, the Rhodes Quintet Festival is held on the island, which includes classical music concerts, theatrical productions and art exhibitions. Also in July, the Rhodes International Film Festival takes place, which attracts filmmakers and audiences from all over the world.
Education
There are no major universities in Rhodes, which forces students who want to get higher education to go to the mainland. There are several branches and training centers from major Greek universities in the city. However, their training programs are directly related to the main sectors of the island’s economy, for example, tourism.
Standard of living
Healthcare in Rhodes is at a high level. There are both public and private clinics on the island. Rhodes State Hospital and several private clinics provide quality medical care. And in emergency cases, patients can be transferred to specialized medical institutions on the mainland.
Pros and cons of living in Rhodes:
Positive
- Rhodes has a mild climate with warm summers and mild winters with an average annual temperature of about 20°C.
- The cost of living in Rhodes is lower than in major Greek cities such as Athens.
- There are enough medical facilities on the island to meet the needs of residents.
- Rhodes is considered a safe place to live with a low crime rate.
Minuses
- There are no major universities in Rhodes, which forces students to move to other cities for higher education.
- In summer, the demand for labor in the hotel and restaurant business increases sharply, but outside the tourist season, the number of vacancies decreases.
- Despite the presence of a well-developed transport network, during peak tourist seasons there may be problems with congestion of roads and public transport.
Larisa — a quiet life in the bosom of nature
Larissa is a large city in the central part of Greece, which is the capital of the Thessaly region. The city is known for its archaeological sites such as the ancient theater and the Roman Forum, as well as green parks including Alcazar Park and the Pinhos River recreation area. People move to Larissa more often in search of a permanent job due to the industrial development of the city. Tourism is not so developed here, because the coastal cities of Greece are better suited for living and recreation.
Larissa’s economy is based on agriculture, industry and trade. The city is the center of the agro-industrial complex of the region, where cereals, vegetables and fruits are grown. The textile, food and construction industries are also developed in Larisa.
Buses are the main form of public transport in Larissa. The network of bus routes covers both the urban area and the suburbs. Taxis are widely available at an affordable price, and if you have a license, you can rent a car. The rental is popular among tourists who want to explore the surroundings of the city and the Thessaly region. Moreover, you can rent a bike, since the city has an extensive network of bike paths.
The city is located between Thessaloniki and Athens and a railway artery runs through it, making the city one of the major logistics hubs. The railway station and bus terminals are located in the central part of the city, providing access to public transport, taxis and major highways connecting the city with the nearest settlements and tourist attractions.
But everything is not so good with the airport: it is located at a distance of 53 km from the city, and although it is connected by bus and special high-speed routes, it is still far away. This will have a particularly negative impact when paying for a taxi to the airport.
Realty
In Larissa, the average cost of selling residential real estate is €1,174 per square meter. The cost of renting in Larissa is also relatively low: the average price is about €7.31 per square meter per month.
Such prices are due to several factors, the main of which is the lack of direct access to the sea. Accordingly, tourist activity in the city is lower than in other popular regions of Greece. The second nuance is the relatively low level of wages. All this together makes Larissa an industrial city with developed residential areas and a stable economic environment, albeit at a lower level in terms of salaries.
The labor market
The labor market in Larissa is characterized by a variety of jobs in various sectors such as agriculture, industry, education and services. Specialists of working specialties, as well as employees with experience in the field of logistics, are in high demand.
Average salaries in Larissa are lower than in Athens and Thessaloniki, which may partly be explained by the lower economic importance of the city at the national level. A significant part of the jobs are concentrated in agriculture and industry, where salaries are traditionally lower compared to the high-tech and financial sectors.
Recreation and leisure
One of the main attractions is the ancient theater, which was built in the third century BC and housed about 10,000 spectators. The Roman Forum, which is still being excavated, is also of interest to history buffs.
All 8000 years of the city’s existence can be seen firsthand in the numerous museums of Larissa. For example, the archaeological museum of the city (one of the largest) presents artifacts found in the Thessaly region — they cover the periods from the Neolithic to Roman times.
The city is also known for its cultural events and festivals. Every year, Larissa hosts theatrical performances, music festivals and exhibitions that attract locals and tourists.
Education
Larissa’s public schools provide free education. Their curricula meet the national standards of Greece and include compulsory study of the Greek language, mathematics, natural sciences and humanities.
The main institution of higher education in the city is the University of Thessaly. It has a wide range of programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, covering fields such as science, engineering, agriculture, humanities, and social sciences.
Standard of living
Larisa is well suited for those who are planning to move to Greece for the purpose of work, and not necessarily in high-paying positions. This situation consists of a combination of relatively low housing costs and not the highest salaries. To this can be added the low demand for the city as a tourist destination and its industrial development.
Of the pros and cons of living in Larissa, the following can be distinguished:
Positive
- Despite the small number of residents, the infrastructure is well developed.
- The city ranks first in Greece in terms of the number of green spaces, which eliminates the negative impact on nature from industrial enterprises.
- The transport situation is not bad, especially in terms of rail and road connections.
- You can rent a studio from €350 per month.
- If you speak the language and have the appropriate education, you can find vacancies in working specialties.
Minuses
- There is no direct access to the sea.
- Fewer tourist activities compared to other cities of Grazia.
- The salary level is relatively low, especially in comparison with Athens.
- The climate is medium continental, with hot summers and cold winters.
Where is it better to settle — on an island or on the mainland, in a big or small city
When moving to permanent residence, most often the first step is to buy real estate in Greece. This process involves certain nuances and legal requirements, for navigation in which we recommend that you read our step-by-step guide to buying real estate in Greece.
Houses for sale in Greece are put up in large and small towns, on the mainland and islands. Some people think that the best cities to live in Greece are large mainland cities like Thessaloniki or Larissa. Someone, on the contrary, will prefer the island of Rhodes and Heraklion. What to choose is up to you, because each of the options has its own characteristics.
Small settlements mean lower prices for housing and various goods, less aggressive competition in the labor market, low crime rates and an excellent environmental situation. At the same time, infrastructure is less developed in small towns, the range of services is limited, immigrants stand out from the indigenous population more than in megacities.
The islands also have their own nuances: there is almost no work in the off-season, the cities are half-empty, many residents move to the mainland at this time, it becomes difficult or impossible to find many goods and services with the outflow of tourists.
Of course, life in Greece has pros and cons. But now, after reviewing them, everyone will be able to decide for themselves which city to move to for permanent residence so that this process brings only joy.
Author
Mikhail Konon is a copywriter
I write informative articles about real estate, investments, job search and taxes.
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