6 Best Places to Live in Greece for Expats: Pros, Cons & Insider Tips

Matilda
Oct 22
11 min read

Updated: Oct 27

Greece has quietly become an expat magnet in recent years. Today, over 1.2 million foreign residents call it home, with big communities from Albania, Germany, the UK, and the USA.

Whether you’re chasing a long-term career in Greece, testing the waters with seasonal work, or planning a digital-nomad stint, there’s a corner here with your name on it.

But as a native Greek, I know that Greece is so much more than just blue domes and pretty beaches. And choosing where to live in Greece isn't easy. It’s about finding a city or island that fits your career goals, lifestyle, and budget—good internet, realistic salaries, year-round vibe, healthcare access, and a commute that won’t steal your sunlight. The right match looks different for a remote marketer, seasonal hospitality worker, or a young family.

So let’s dive into the best places for expats to live in Greece, from lively student cities to island hubs. I’ll share the insider, on-the-ground details I wish everyone had on day one: cost of living, job market, expat community, and the crucial “would I actually live here year-round?” test.

And to keep it unbiased, the pros and cons come directly from expats who’ve lived in these places and shared their experiences online, so you get practical, unfiltered insights into living in Greece before you start packing your bags.

Why Greece Is a Top Choice for Expats in 2025

Wondering why Greece? And why now? Here’s what keeps coming up when expats share why they stayed longer than planned:

Affordable lifestyle (for EU standards): Rent, groceries, and eating out still cost less than in most Western European countries.
300+ days of sunshine a year: Vitamin D is practically a Greek birthright.
EU residency options: Especially for freelancers, retirees, and remote workers through programs like the Digital Nomad Visa.
Strong English presence: Especially in big cities and tourist areas, you’ll get by without speaking Greek (though locals appreciate the effort if you try).
Work-life balance that actually exists: Late dinners, long weekends, and a social culture that values living well.

Add friendly locals and an ever-growing expat network, and it’s no wonder so many people come for “a year abroad” and end up staying for five. (Or forever.)

6 Best Places in Greece for Expats

I’ve rounded up the six best places to live in Greece for expats, each with its own rhythm, career potential, and community vibe. Whether you’re a first-time expat seeking your first international career step in a buzzing city, planning a seasonal move, or settling into a calm coastal base, you’ll find your fit.

Here’s the lineup:

Athens – the capital and career hub for expats.
Crete – city-meets-island life with year-round living.
Santorini – short-term paradise for seasonal expats.
Mykonos – vibrant social scene and luxury lifestyle.
Thessaloniki – student-friendly, affordable, and full of charm.
Patras – authentic Greek city life at a slower pace.

Each one has its own flavor. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which Greek city or island fits your version of expat life best.

1. Athens: The Career Hub for Expats in Greece

Athens almost always tops the list of the best places to live in Greece for expats. And for good reason. It’s the capital, the country’s biggest city, and home to over 3 million people in the wider metro area, which means jobs, connections, and year-round energy.

If you’re building a career in Greece, Athens is your safest bet. The job market is steadily growing, especially in customer support, IT and tech, tourism, and shared-service hubs. The city attracts thousands of foreign nationals each year from the EU, UK, and the US. And if you’re hoping to land a job without knowing the local language, Athens gives you the best odds. Multinationals and English-first teams are everywhere.

You’ll also get neighborhood choice in every flavor: historic Plaka, creative pockets like Koukaki/Exarchia, and coastal Glyfada/Vouliagmeni if you want a beach-before-breakfast lifestyle.

A bonus point is that living in Athens makes weekend escapes ridiculously easy: ferries to the islands, day trips to ancient sites, and quick flights across the EU are right on your doorstep.

But let's see what expats say about the pros and cons of living there.

Pros of Living in Athens

Lower cost of living than many EU capitals, great value for food & everyday life.
Amazing food scene, history, culture, and lively nightlife.
Beaches and islands close by, easy weekend getaways.
Generally improved work–life balance compared to many big cities.

Cons of Living in Athens

Salaries are relatively low, and entrepreneurship can be tough.
Bureaucracy and some infrastructure quirks (e.g., manual water heaters, patchy internet).
Traffic and commute pains, public transport can be crowded.
Cleanliness issues in some areas, strikes can be disruptive.
Housing in Athens is pricier than elsewhere in Greece and can be hard to find.

If you want career momentum with Mediterranean sunshine (and weekend hops to the islands), Athens will likely be your front-runner. If you’re still weighing it up, check our deep dive on living and working in Athens as an expat.

That said, big-city buzz isn’t for everyone. If you’re craving slower mornings, sea air, or a tighter-knit community, let’s explore the best alternative places to live in Greece for expats, including Greek islands that balance year-round living with that postcard charm.

2. Crete: The Island + City Blend for Long-Term Living

Crete is one of the best places to live in Greece for expats if you want a little bit of everything—sun, space, real community, and year-round life.

It’s Greece’s largest island (about 635,000 residents) and blends modern amenities with that traditional Greek pace everyone dreams about. Heraklion, the capital (≈ 174,000 people), has a growing expat presence, mostly from EU countries, and enough city buzz to keep your weekdays practical and your weekends fun.

Career-wise, tourism and hospitality drive the island, with plenty of seasonal and short-term roles plus customer support jobs tied to international companies. Summer brings a population swell (tourists + seasonal workers), which means more opportunities and more energy.

Day to day, Crete is friendly and social. The expat community is established, and locals are famously welcoming. (Yes, the “neighbor with homemade moussaka” stereotype is real.)

Ready for the unfiltered view? Here are the pros and cons of living in Crete as an expat, pulled from people who’ve actually lived there and shared their experiences online.

Pros of Living in Crete

Great for outdoor lifestyle, great beaches, and mountains.
Slower pace of living and strong community vibe.
Generally lower cost of living than in many EU cities.
Good fit for remote workers/retirees seeking quiet, small-city living.

Cons of Living in Crete

Limited job market (heavy on tourism/agriculture), salaries often low.
Driving and infrastructure can be frustrating, and public transport can underwhelm.
Bureaucracy and repairs can be slow and paperwork-heavy.
Healthcare is fine for basics, but complex care may require mainland travel.
Wildfire risk in the summer months has caused evacuations in recent years.

If Crete sounds like your pace but you’re still exploring, let’s hop to another crowd-favorite island, which is a solid pick for expats testing Greece with a short-term or seasonal stay.

3. Santorini: Ideal for Short-Term or Seasonal Expats

Santorini may be small (≈ 15,000 residents), but it’s iconic for a reason: caldera views, white-washed lanes, and that deep-blue Aegean.

If you’re exploring the best places to live in Greece for a few months, Santorini is a strong fit for short-term or seasonal stays, especially if you work in hospitality, tourism, or creative remote roles.

Because the island’s economy revolves around tourism, most expats arrive for the April–October season. That means plenty of seasonal jobs and an easy on-ramp to island life, with a built-in international crowd from the US, Australia, and the EU.

Day to day, the lifestyle is exactly what you’re imagining: mornings by the sea, busy shifts with a view, and golden-hour sunsets over the caldera.

But there are trade-offs. Popularity pushes up rents and daily costs, especially in peak months, and housing requires early planning (book ahead or arrange through an employer). If you’re testing the waters, start with a clear budget, a dated contract, and a plan for shoulder-season income.

Now, for the unfiltered view: here are the pros and cons of living in Santorini as an expat.

Pros of Living in Santorini

Stunning scenery, daily caldera views, sunsets, and island charm never get old.
Tight-knit expat and local community once you settle in (especially outside peak tourist areas).
Relaxed, slower pace of life compared to mainland cities.
Great for those in tourism, hospitality, or creative remote work who value lifestyle over hustle.
Mild winters and plenty of sunshine year-round.
Surprisingly decent internet for a small island.

Cons of Living in Santorini

High cost of living, especially rent, due to constant tourism demand.
Overtourism in summer, it gets crowded, noisy, and prices skyrocket.
Limited job diversity beyond tourism and hospitality, and low off-season income.
Infrastructure struggles (water shortages, traffic jams, waste management) during peak months.
Seasonal isolation, many businesses close in winter; flights and ferries are less frequent.

If you’re craving even more options for seasonal work with a stunning backdrop, let’s explore another Greek island: Mykonos.

4. Mykonos: Best for Social, Nightlife-Loving Expats

Mykonos is one of the best places to live in Greece for expats if you thrive on a glam, high-energy lifestyle. It’s especially popular with younger expats and digital nomads.

While the island’s permanent population sits around 10,000, it multiplies in summer as tourists, seasonal workers, and expats roll in.

If you love a social, fast-paced vibe, Mykonos delivers. (Think sunrise swims, beach clubs by day, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t quit.)

But it comes with a higher cost of living, especially in peak season. Rents and dining are steeper than most Greek locales, and housing can be competitive, so line up accommodation early (ideally through an employer).

On the plus side, English is widely spoken, seasonal hospitality and events roles are plentiful, and you’ll find strong LGBTQ+ visibility and community. Off-season, expect a much quieter rhythm, reduced ferry and flight schedules, and some venues closing. This is great if you crave calm after the summer rush, tricky if you need a year-round buzz.

Let's see what expats are saying about the pros and cons of living in Mykonos.

Pros of Living in Mykonos

Iconic Cycladic vibe: gorgeous beaches, whitewashed lanes, big nightlife/LGBTQ+ scene.
English is widely spoken, easy to get by in tourist areas.
Strong seasonal work opportunities in tourism and hospitality if that’s your field.

Cons of Living in Mykonos

Very expensive (rent, dining, going out), especially in peak season.
Overtourism and crowds in summer, party-first atmosphere not for everyone.
Quiet and limited off-season, many places close, and life can feel isolating.
Housing can be hard to find and pricey compared to other Greek islands.

But if island life feels a little too seasonal and you’re craving a year-round city with energy, culture, and a lower cost of living, let’s head north to Thessaloniki.

5. Thessaloniki: A Student-Friendly Greek City with a Relaxed Vibe

Thessaloniki is Greece’s laid-back “second city.” It's a sweet spot for expats who want urban life without the capital-city rush.

The metro area counts roughly 812,000 people, a large student population, and a famously welcoming vibe for newcomers. Each year, about 25,000 international students and expats arrive, especially from the Balkans, the EU, and the US, which makes it easy to plug into a community fast.

Compared with Athens, the cost of living is lower, and the everyday joys add up: a waterfront promenade you’ll actually use, a legendary food scene, and a pace that lets you balance work and play without sacrificing your evenings.

If you’re picturing café mornings, seaside walks, and a social calendar that doesn’t drain your budget, living in Thessaloniki as an expat might be your move.

Now for the real-world view: here are the pros and cons of living in Thessaloniki.

Pros of Living in Thessaloniki

Lower cost of living than Athens, rent, food, and transportation are noticeably cheaper.
Vibrant food and café culture, famous for pastries, mezze, and coffee spots that turn into social hubs.
Seaside promenade and walkable city center make daily life relaxed and scenic.
Friendly locals and a strong student and expat mix, it’s easy to build a social circle.
Rich history and culture, from Roman ruins to modern art events and festivals.

Cons of Living in Thessaloniki

Fewer job opportunities compared to Athens, especially in higher-paying or English-speaking roles.
Limited international flights, though Athens is a quick connection away.
Winters can be gray and damp, which surprises some new arrivals.
Traffic congestion in the city center during rush hours.
Air quality issues in some neighborhoods, especially in colder months.

Finally, if you’d rather swap northern city life for something quieter, more traditional, and budget-friendly, head west to Patras.

6. Patras: Authentic, Affordable Greek City Life for Expats

Patras might not be the first city you think of when you’re hunting for the best places to live in Greece for expats, but it quietly ticks a lot of boxes.

With about 167,000 residents, it’s known for history, culture, and one of Greece’s biggest carnivals, without the tourist crush.

If you’re after a slower, more affordable lifestyle, this is a solid bet. The expat presence is modest (mostly EU), and work pops up in tourism, education, and university-linked roles.

Day to day, Patras feels local and livable: seaside walks, neighborhood cafés, and festivals that actually bring the city together. It’s well-connected to the rest of Greece, so weekend trips are easy, and you’ll get a genuine Greek city experience, not a resort town in disguise.

Here's what other expats say about living in Patras.

Pros of Living in Patras

Lower cost of living compared to Athens; Peloponnese prices tend to be cheaper, with reasonable city-center rents.
Mild Peloponnese climate with rare snow and plenty of sun.
Easy access to the sea and outdoors with beaches, a long promenade, and walkable to the castle and old town areas.
Lively vibe thanks to a big student population, nightlife, and events year-round.

Cons of Living in Patras

Job market and salaries can be limited compared with Athens or other EU countries.
Housing admin can be tricky (e.g., renting without local documents is hard).
A bit scruffy in places, urban polish varies by neighborhood.
Seasonal wildfire risk in the wider region has triggered evacuations near Patras.

Let’s bring it all together with a final overview of the best places to live in Greece for expats.

How to Choose the Right Greek City or Island for Your Lifestyle & Career

Here’s the thing most people don’t tell you: not all of Greece feels the same. Your experience will change completely depending on whether you settle in Athens, a Cretan city, or a Cycladic island.

So before you start packing, it’s worth getting clear on what you actually need day to day.

Checklist: Career, Cost, Commute & Community

We pulled together 11 must-consider factors to help you decide where to move. For now, let’s simplify. To choose where to live in Greece, answer these four questions:

Career: Are you coming with a remote job, or are you planning to find work locally? (Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki offer the most options.)
Cost: What’s your monthly budget? Island rent can triple in summer. (Mainland cities stretch your euros further.)
Commute: Do you want to walk to cafés and coworking spaces, or are you okay driving 20–30 minutes to reach them?
Community: Are you looking for an active expat crowd or a quieter, local feel? (You’ll find both, but not always in the same place.)

Once you’ve answered those honestly, the decision starts to make itself.

Seasonal vs. Year-Round: What You Need to Decide

Here’s the part people often underestimate: Greece changes completely with the seasons.

From April to October, the islands buzz with energy. Restaurants are full, ferries run daily, and there are jobs everywhere. But come winter, many of those same towns go quiet. You might love the peace and lower rent... or feel like the last person on earth.

If you need stability, consider Athens, Thessaloniki, or Crete, where you get a real year-round rhythm. But if you’re here for adventure or short-term work, Santorini or Mykonos might make more sense.

There’s no wrong answer, just different versions of Greek life. The key is knowing whether you want to experience the Greek lifestyle for a few months or build a life here.

Final Verdict: Best Places in Greece for Expats

Looking for a quick way to match your goals with the right spot? Here’s my cheat sheet to the best places to live in Greece for expats

Best for career opportunities: Athens
Best for city-island balance: Crete
Best for short-term or seasonal stay: Santorini
Best for a rich social life: Mykonos
Best for budget-friendly city life: Thessaloniki
Best for a slow-paced lifestyle: Patras

Whichever you pick, long-term career or seasonal adventure, there’s a Greek home that fits your plan. And when you land, let me know. (First gyros is on me!)