Living in Greece Pros and Cons: Must-Know Facts

Wondering what it’s really like to move abroad? This guide covers the living in Greece pros and cons that matter most to expats, retirees, and investors.

Living in Greece Pros and Cons: The Benefits

Pro #1: Most Affordable Residency Program

One of the greatest pros of living in Greece is its affordable and investor-friendly residency program: the Greece Golden Visa.

Starting at just €250,000, it's currently the cheapest golden visa via a real estate investment.

It grants you and your family immediate residency rights, and all the benefits that come with it, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, and a clear a path to Greek and European citizenship.

Pro #2: Lively Lifestyle

The vibrant lifestyle of the islands dictates the country's character, where blue skies melt into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea kissed by the warm sun that bathes the country all year long.

If you are thinking of investing in Greece’s real estate, coastal retreats are alluring to investors looking for high flights, with sea sports, amazing beaches, and lively nightlife.

The ever-evolving real estate world is focused on strategically placed locations, and this country is one of them.

You can choose from a picturesque property, a townhouse, surrounded by a lively scenario, or a stunning coastal beach house, we are here to help you to make the best deal and benefit from it.

Living or retiring in Greece can bring you many rewards, not only financial but lifestyle-worthy moments.

Pro #3: Rich Cultural Heritage

Greece has a grand cultural richness, as the country is marked by timeless monuments and sites, revealing its deep ancient history.

In Athens, you can find the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – considered the symbol of Greece – the Epidaurus Theater is the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece and is known for its acoustics.

Another remarkable monument is Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, featuring the Temple of Zeus and the ancient stadium.

You also cannot miss the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Temple of Apollo, and the Minoan Pompeii, a city buried by a volcanic eruption on Santorini Island.

Greece also has a range of museums dedicated to its culture. Located in Athens, you will find the National Historical Museum, the Benaki Museum, the Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum.

In Thessaloniki you can visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture, a display of Greek history. The country has many more historical sites for you to explore.

(Explore more on VisitGreece.gr, the country’s official tourism board.)

Pro #4: Profitable Real Estate Market

Greece's real estate market is filled with grand investment opportunities and some true, hidden gems. If you are a seasoned investor seeking portfolio diversification, the country's real estate sector is a goldmine for profitability, driven by increased international interest, a robust, booming tourism industry, and large-scale demand for both short-term and long-term rentals. This is one of the most financially compelling aspects when evaluating the living in Greece pros and cons as an investor.

In 2024, apartment prices rose by 7.8%, fueled by foreign investment and short-term rental demand. Long-term rental yields range between 4% to 8%, allowing many investors to generate attractive passive income.

With the real estate market projected to grow from $1.59 trillion in 2025 to $1.82 trillion by 2029, it is one of the safest bets any investor can make.

Pro #5: Digital & Economic Boom

The boom of the economic scenario of the country helped improve several sectors, such as healthcare, education, culture, and lifestyle itself. Tourism and real estate stand as emerging markets that attract foreign money and investment, due to affordability, range of options and profits. 

You can now consider Greece a ‘high-tech’ country, with implemented digital platforms, and means for people to access fast and easy to services and products with just a click. From cultural development, creation of bridges between people, improvement of remote work, virtual payments, and digital learning (among others), the country benefits from a well-connected network. 

Pro #6: Lower Cost of Living

Another compelling advantage of living in Greece is its lower cost of living. Compared to many Western European countries, your capital stretches further in many essential aspects, including in housing, dining, healthcare, and daily essentials.

Whether you choose vibrant Athens, scenic Thessaloniki, or a picturesque Greek island, the affordability ensures an enhanced lifestyle without sacrificing quality or comfort.

This lower cost of living, combined with Greece’s lively lifestyle and natural beauty positions the country as an ideal location for retirement, remote work, or raising a family.

As you can see, many of the living in Greece pros and cons revolve around lifestyle, affordability, and long-term value.

Living in Greece Pros and Cons: The Challenges

All cons of living in Greece have a twist, and surely when you think of living in Greece as a foreigner a lot of struggles come to mind, but we are here to clear all that for you and help you see the bright side of every bump in the road. Greece still has a lot to offer, even when you think that the clouds are closing in.

Con #1: Slow Paced Life

Greece’s uncomplicated way of life may not be suitable for everyone, especially those seeking excitement and adventure, especially in rural areas and small towns. These locations represent a more affordable option, with stunning landscapes, and a unique calmness and silence of Greek starry nights.

Making Greece your new home, investing in a flourishing country, either way you will enjoy both. The balance between modernity and tradition represents an enriching experience, a colorful book of memoirs that you will take close to your heart for all your life. You can make your own story, be a part of the people, and use their customs as yours. Live the real calm Greek life.

Con #2: Language Barrier

Of course, language can be a barrier, especially if you do not know a thing, but see it from the other end: it's something you can learn.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, to learn from the best: Greeks themselves. While at it you will surely immerse yourself in the local culture and warm community. Festivals, reunions, gastronomic experiences, the act of sharing and coming together as part of the local society.  

You will be like the locals, benefiting from all the hidden gems kept from visitors and tourists. In Greece there are no Cons, just a unique way of seeing life. It will be more affordable and will grant you access to the most traditional places: to eat, to drink, to dance, to spend your spare time.

For many expats, this challenge is a major part of the pros and cons of living in Greece—but it's also an opportunity to grow.

Con #3: Poor Job Offer

Work is essential and you may need to support yourself and your family, and the Greek job market may not be at its best, there's always the possibility of remote work. There are a lot of job offers that do not require being seated at an office desk. You can try it and create your own workspace, from wherever you want. 

Picture yourself working from a stunning balcony, facing the sea, without a care in the world; or in a village, surrounded by a stunning endless landscape, enjoying the tranquility and peace of your place; even more, a traditional terrace in a historical sight, hearing the mumbling of locals during their daily tasks. 

Con #4: Blending in Can be Hard

An inclusive spirit can open doors for you: work, study, leisure, advice, networking. But how can you unlock this path? Although there is a language barrier, Greek people are known to be experts in hospitality, with a deep sense of sharing, from ancient tales, culture sharing, gastronomic experiences, as a foreign you will have privilege access to true Greek life if you are willing to try.

Thanks to the digital evolution, communities are now more connected than ever. Living in Greece as a foreigner has never been so rewarding, either you are an investor or you are with your family, the warm and welcome locals blended with foreign groups will make you feel home.

It’s one of the most common personal challenges noted in guides about the living in Greece pros and cons, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with Mediterranean culture.

Con #5: Complex Bureaucracy

Greece does not display the easiest tax and legal framework for foreigners to understand or benefit from, especially when it refers to healthcare or paying taxes. We are here to help you go through the whole transition process if you opt for the Greece Golden Visa program, for instance. 

This will bring you many benefits, and although the process is long and complex, our team of experts can help you go through it fast and smoothly, keeping you within the country’s legal framework and informing you of all your rights and benefits – not mentioning Greek real estate options for your investment program.

Ready to Experience the Best of Living in Greece?

Now that you've explored the living in Greece pros and cons in detail, it's clear why so many investors, retirees, and entrepreneurs choose this Mediterranean paradise. With an unbeatable blend of an affordable cost of living, thriving culture, outstanding weather, and Europe’s most accessible residency program, there’s never been a better time to secure your future in one of Europe's most captivating countries.