How Much Would It Cost To Live on Greece’s 3 Most Instagrammed Islands?
Written by
Emily Fowler
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Living in Greece is more than just a fantasy pinned to a vision board. For many expats, digital nomads and long-term travelers, it’s an affordable way to stretch a dollar in a place that still feels like paradise. From daily café culture to sun-bleached alleyways, the country has a lot going for it, and it’s cheaper than many expect.
Though the picture-perfect islands may be harder on the budget, the cost of living in Greece is significantly lower than that of the U.S. Here are some average costs, based on data from International Living.
Housing
Renting a furnished two-bedroom apartment in a nice area can range from $860 to $1,200 a month depending on the location. Property ownership is affordable compared to much of Europe, but hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos demand higher price tags, especially with the Greece Golden Visa now requiring an €800,000 (around $905,000 USD) investment for those locations.
Groceries and Dining Out
Groceries are reasonably priced and mostly locally sourced, with a typical grocery budget for two people around $345 a month. Eating out is also very reasonable, with takeaway meals for two running between $5.40 and $8.50, and a meal out for two (with wine!) coming in at around $40.
Transport
Public transport in cities like Athens is affordable and well-connected, but on the islands, a car or scooter may be necessary. Petrol is expensive at $2.10 per liter. Ferries between islands can cost over $40 for a one-way ticket. Locals on certain islands can apply for rebates up to 50% off ferry travel.
Utilities and Internet
Rising costs have nudged up the average monthly utility bill, but it still beats many U.S. cities. Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) typically cost around $77 per month for an average-sized property, depending on location and usage. Internet, on average, costs $45 per month, with high-speed connections widely available in most urban areas.
How Much It Costs To Live on the Most Instagrammed Greek Islands
While day-to-day costs are relatively low across much of the mainland, island living is a different story. Analysis by VIP Santorini looked at over 200 Greek islands to see which ones dominate Instagram — and unsurprisingly, the most photogenic destinations tend to come with the highest price tags.
Here’s how three of the most hashtag-heavy islands stack up in terms of livability, cost of living (per person, without rent) and population.
Santorini
- Hashtag count: 9,623,000
- Cost of living: $1,659 per month for a single person
- Population: 17,400
A favorite for romantic getaways and blue-domed selfies, Santorini is also one of the priciest places to live in Greece. With a small population and heavy reliance on tourism, housing is limited and utilities often spike during peak season. The high cost of living reflects its popularity — making it better suited for short-term stays or well-funded expats.
Crete
- Hashtag count: 7,637,000
- Cost of living: $619 per month for a single person
- Population: 623,000
Greece’s largest island by population, Crete offers a strong balance of affordability and infrastructure. Cities like Chania and Heraklion have access to international airports, and generally lower costs than some of the hotspot islands, but still have thriving local communities. The significantly lower monthly living cost makes it a practical choice for long-term living without sacrificing culture or amenities.
Mykonos
- Hashtag count: 6,626,000
- Cost of living: $560 per month for a single person
- Population: Over 4,800
Living on Mykonos can mean paying a premium for its party-island allure, despite a deceptively-low estimated cost of living. The tiny population and seasonal economy mean high rent, limited long-term housing and inflated grocery prices during summer. It’s scenic and stylish, but not necessarily built for budget living year-round.
While the hashtag counts may drive wanderlust, they also correlate with cost. The more Instagrammable the island, the more inflated the price. But for those willing to budget smart, Greek island life is still within reach.
Cost of living and population figures were sourced from LivingCost.org.
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Sources
- International Living, “Cost of Living in Greece.”
- Global Citizen Solutions, “Greece Golden Visa New Rules 2025: Everything You Should Know.”
- VIP Santorini, “Santorini Private Tours and Transfers.”
- Livingcost.org, “Cost of Living in Santorini.
- Livingcost.org, “Cost of Living in Crete.”
- Livingcost.org, “Cost of Living in Mykonos.”
