Community CrossborderJobs • August 12, 2025

The cost of living in Greece


🌞 Why Young Professionals Should Say “Yes” to Working in Greece (Even if Salaries Are Lower)

Greece often trails behind the Netherlands and Germany. But here’s the thing—life isn’t just about the paycheck. It’s about what your paycheck buys you, the lifestyle you live, and the memories you make. And in those departments, Greece quietly outshines many higher-income countries.


If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping your grey office view for turquoise waters, morning walks past ancient ruins, and a social calendar packed with unforgettable events—keep reading.



Lower Salaries, Higher Life Quality?


Sure, an IT or marketing role in Greece might pay less than in Amsterdam or Berlin. But here’s the reality check:


  • Rent is often 50% cheaper outside tourist hotspots.
  • Fresh produce, seafood, and local wine are incredibly affordable.
  • The pace of life is slower, the sun shines more, and stress levels are lower.


That extra €500 in a northern European salary? It often disappears into higher rent, transport, and overpriced coffee. In Greece, it can buy you a month of weekend island-hopping or an agritourism retreat under olive trees.




 Work Hard, Live Fully


In Greece, your after-work life can feel like a holiday. Here’s how:



Urban Festivals with Soul


  • Street Mode Festival in Thessaloniki: Graffiti, BMX, live bands, street food. Think Berlin vibes… with sunshine and sea nearby.
  • Colour Day Festival in Athens: Imagine thousands of people dancing under clouds of colored powder—it’s pure joy in music form.
  • Athens Digital Arts Festival: Dive into the future with VR, digital installations, and creativity at every corner.



Taste Your Way Through the Country


  • Spend weekends learning olive oil making at Eumelia Farm, or cooking local dishes with Greek grandmothers at Mama’s Flavours.
  • Sip wine in Cycladic vineyards as the sun dips into the Aegean.



 Adventure Awaits Every Weekend


  • Hike the epic Vikos Gorge, raft down the Voidomatis River, or go kayaking off Milos’ white cliffs.
  • Island-hop to Sifnos, Folegandros, or Antiparos—crowd-free, postcard-perfect, and just a ferry ride away.



Arts, Film & Networking


  • Join the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and meet creatives from around the world.
  • Athens’ Meetup scene is buzzing—language exchanges, startup pitches, and hiking clubs are a message away.




 Where Work Feels Like a Holiday


Imagine this:

You close your laptop at 5pm and head to the beach. In 15 minutes, you’re swimming in crystal-clear waters. Your friends join you, and soon you’re watching the sunset over plates of grilled octopus and fresh tzatziki. Tomorrow might bring a rooftop film screening, a philosophy hike in the Peloponnese, or a sunrise yoga session overlooking the Acropolis.


In the Netherlands or Germany, you might get two weeks a year like this.

In Greece, it’s your everyday backdrop.




 Why It’s the Perfect Move for 18+ and Young Professionals


  • Affordable lifestyle compared to Northern Europe.
  • A social scene that blends ancient tradition with modern creativity.
  • Endless outdoor hobbies—year-round.
  • Warmer climate = better mood & health.
  • Easy travel to other European destinations.


You might not become a millionaire in Greece, but you could become rich in life experiences—and that’s worth more than a padded bank account you never have time to enjoy.




Your New Life Awaits


If you’re craving a life where your calendar is full of festivals, hikes, wine tastings, and spontaneous island trips—while still building your career—Greece is calling. Lower salaries? Maybe. Lower life satisfaction? Absolutely not.


Pack your laptop, your curiosity, and your sunscreen. You’ll quickly see that in Greece, you work to live—not live to work.