Heraklion vs Thessaloniki

Heraklion is a solid mid-tier pick for expats who want Mediterranean living without Athens prices, with a cost of living index of 53/100 and a 1-bedroom city center apartment at $640/mo. The catch is the local economy: an average monthly net salary of $1,113/mo means many residents earn less than a single expat's mid-range budget of $1,950/mo, so remote workers and retirees with outside income get far more mileage here than job seekers. The expat community is small and English is common mainly in tourist areas, so expect to learn some Greek if you want a life beyond the harbor. With a 75/100 overall expat score and a 73/100 safety index, it rewards those who prioritize affordability and climate over big-city convenience.

Progressive tax brackets climbing to 44% will hit high earners hard, making Greece a poor fit for anyone still drawing a large US salary. Retirees living on the required USD 3,997/mo FIP visa income look past this easily, since $893.50/mo covers living costs before rent. A 1BR near the center runs around $560.16/mo, and high English proficiency smooths daily life despite the medium 53.6 safety score.