Cost of living in Thessaloniki in 2025

If you are contemplating a move to Greece, let us introduce Thessaloniki as a lively (and usually less expensive) option to Athens. Because Thessaloniki's cost of living in 2025 is still considerably cheaper than most Western European cities, you can obtain the same high standards of living and levels of cultural engagement, and the benefits of a robust accommodation and infrastructure.

Whether you're seriously considering a move to Greece, planning to purchase a property as an investment, or seeking a Greek residency permit like the Golden Visa, understanding local prices is crucial.

Thessaloniki is around 15–30% lower in prices when surveyed against Greece's major cities costs. This disparity, which is more significant for rented housing, utilities, and daily outlays, makes Thessaloniki especially interesting for digital nomads, retirees, and families who want to be part of today's European lifestyle, but retain some financial common sense. At iLand, we've been helping international clients make informed decisions about life and investment in Greece since 2014.

Stay with us as we explore detailed cost breakdowns and smart living tips for anyone considering a move to Thessaloniki in 2025. smart living tips for anyone considering a move to Thessaloniki in 2025.

What is the Cost of Living in Thessaloniki?

Living in Thessaloniki offers a balanced lifestyle between affordability and quality. As the second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki offers most of the amenities you'd expect from a European city, all at a more affordable price than places like Athens or Western Europe. In 2025, the cost of living in Thessaloniki remains relatively stable, especially when compared to other EU cities.

For a Single Person

A single person can comfortably live in Thessaloniki with an estimated monthly budget of €850 to €1,200, depending on their lifestyle and housing choices. Here's a breakdown of the typical monthly expenses:

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €350 – €600 (depending on the neighborhood and whether it's furnished)

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): €100 – €150

• Groceries: €200 – €300

• Public transport & mobility: €30 – €50

• Leisure, dining, extras: €100 – €200

This makes Thessaloniki one of the more affordable urban centers in Southern Europe, particularly for students, digital nomads, and remote workers.

For a Family of Four

For a small family, the cost of living in Thessaloniki, Greece, is still reasonable when compared to other European cities. A family of four typically needs €2,300 to €3,000 per month, broken down approximately as follows:

• Rent (2–3 bedroom apartment): €600 – €900

• Utilities: €150 – €250

• Groceries & household needs: €500 – €800

• Schooling (if private/international): €300 – €700 per child

• Transportation, activities, insurance: €400 – €600

Of course, these are averages and can vary based on lifestyle and neighborhood. Central areas or apartments close to the sea tend to be more expensive, while suburban or less touristic neighborhoods offer better value.

What is the currency in Greece? And what was the history of that? Click on the link and discover more.

List of Cost of Living in Thessaloniki (2025)

Thessaloniki is known for its welcoming atmosphere, Mediterranean lifestyle, and relatively affordable living costs, especially when compared to many other European cities. Here's a detailed breakdown of the average monthly expenses you can expect as a single person or a family living in Thessaloniki in 2025.

Housing & Rent

One of the biggest factors influencing the cost of living in Thessaloniki is housing. Rental prices are moderate and vary depending on location, apartment size, and condition.

Groceries & Food

Thessaloniki has a vibrant food scene, with a mix of traditional markets and modern supermarkets. Grocery prices remain affordable in 2025.

Transportation

Public transportation in Thessaloniki is well-developed, with a growing metro system, buses, and affordable taxi services.

Healthcare & Insurance

Greece has a dual public-private healthcare system. As a resident, you’ll have access to affordable services, but many expats prefer private insurance for quicker service and English-speaking staff.

Education (for families)

Thessaloniki offers a range of public, private, and international schools. Public education is free, but many expat families choose private or international options for language and curriculum compatibility.

Total Estimated Monthly Costs

Benefits of Living in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is not just Greece's second city. It is a vibrant cultural and economic center where the past, present, and future are all jumbled together. Whether you are looking to make a permanent move, invest in real estate in Greece, or just stop by on a residency program, Thessaloniki has a unique set of benefits that make it an excellent choice for anyone, but especially families.

Mediterranean Lifestyle for Less

Thessaloniki offers the best of both worlds, combining a Mediterranean lifestyle with a lower standard of living compared to other European destinations. They've made living life easy here; from fresh food markets to beachfront cafes, it's all designed to be enjoyed, not struggled over. You'll find your money will stretch further here, and you can enjoy the same level of relaxed living regardless of whether you are a digital nomad, retiree, or business owner.

Rich History and Young, Creative Vibe

Thessaloniki's ancient past is balanced and juxtaposed with its youthful vibe thanks to students and the city's nascent start-up scene. The vestiges of its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman pasts are permitted to interact with the vibrancy of a new city that expresses itself through creativity. The synthesis of past and present creates a rich ecosystem for living and working.

Safe, Walkable, and Family-Oriented

Safety is one of the primary drivers that influences families and retirees deciding to move abroad. Thessaloniki is one of the safest urban areas in Greece, sowing the seeds of friendliness and footmobility throughout the neighborhoods. It's safe enough to walk along the promenade in the evening and enjoy the sights.

A Smart Consideration for Real Estate Investment

The real estate industry in Thessaloniki is improving, and while prices are increasing, they are still affordable. Because of this, it's an ideal entry point and investment for international investors, especially those seeking to qualify for the Greek Golden Visa. Whether you are looking for an urban apartment, suburban villa, or a renovated/resale property with high-yielding rentals, there are some smart opportunities for you.

Comparing the cost of living in Thessaloniki and Athens

Thessaloniki and Athens are both quality standard cities to live in; however, in 2025, Thessaloniki is the less expensive place to live 2025. Overall, the living costs in Thessaloniki will probably be 15-25% lower than those in Athens. Rent is considerably lower, particularly in city-center flats, as will daily living costs such as dining out, grocery shopping, and even public transport cost less.

Athens is the capital of Greece and its economic centre, which offers more business opportunities and global services; however, this usually brings a higher cost of living. If lifestyle is the inducing factor, then for those people/families that require a less frenetic lifestyle and do not receive the premium associated with living in the capital city, Thessaloniki presents a much more convenient and less cost option for those wishing to invest in property, or would like to go in for Greek residency via iLand property and migration alternatives.

If you want to learn more about the cost of living in Athens, please refer to the other article.

Conclusion

Thessaloniki ranks as one of the most livable and affordable cities in Greece because it has a depth of culture, modern amenities, and lower costs of living versus other European cities-especially Athens!  Whether one is a single professional, a family, or a retiree, being in Thessaloniki means having a high quality of life without the massive expenses.

From affordable housing and healthcare to fun local markets and places to live, Thessaloniki is not only an awesome place to live, but it's smart to live here as well. With either the Golden Visa programs or the Greece financially independent person visa, relocating to Thessaloniki to pursue one's dreams has become more achievable than ever.

At iLand, we have helped hundreds of clients take the right steps towards buying property, applying for residency, or simply increasing their understanding of living life in Thessaloniki (and the larger Greek) lifestyle and real estate market. If you are contemplating building the 'Greek dream,' our team is always available to provide the proper direction!