Italy vs Greece
Greece costs roughly 10% less than Italy, though Italy has significantly faster internet infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Greece is approximately 10% less expensive than Italy based on cost of living including rent. This makes Greece a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Greece has a FIRE Score of 77/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 53.6, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Greece is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Italy
Retirees with steady income fare better here than remote workers chasing savings. Rent outside the center runs $660.88/mo, cheap by European standards, but income tax climbing to 43% erodes any freelance upside fast. The Elective Residence Visa requires EUR 2650/mo in passive income, and citizenship stays complex even after years of residency.
$1,138/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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About Greece
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 EUR 3,500/mo FIP visa income look past this easily, since $893.50/mo covers living costs before rent. A 1BR near the center runs just $560.16/mo, and high English proficiency smooths daily life despite the medium 53.6 safety score.
$1,546/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Italy | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2 — Increased Caution | Level 1 — Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 151 +12.9 | 138.1 |
| Healthcare Index | 65.1 +6.6 | 58.5 |
| Safety Index | 53.1 | 53.6 +0.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 51 | 46.5 +4.5 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,017.2 | $893.5 +123.7 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,632.9 | $3,156.2 +476.7 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $845.17 | $560.16 +285.01 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $660.88 | $442.05 +218.83 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,474.53 | $952.28 +522.25 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,091.27 | $759.56 +331.71 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 285.05 Mbps +103.3 | 181.77 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Greece. File confidently from abroad.
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