Cost of Living: Greece vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Greece and Japan.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Greece is 20.8% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Restaurants, where costs are 51.5% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $79 in Greece for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 49.6%

Greece is 49.6% cheaper

Property Prices 42.3%

Greece is 42.3% cheaper

Childcare 28.3%

Greece is 28.3% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 20.8%

Greece is 20.8% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Restaurants +51.5%
  • Clothing And Shoes +45.0%
  • Transportation +40.8%

Is Greece cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Greece is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Greece are 20.8% lower than in Japan.

Where Greece is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 49.6% cheaper
  • Property Prices 42.3% cheaper
  • Childcare 28.3% cheaper

Where Greece is more expensive:

  • Restaurants 51.5% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 45.0% more expensive
  • Transportation 40.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Greece: 17.07 $ Japan: 7.01 $
143.5% more expensive in Greece

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Greece: 540.76 $ Japan: 624.64 $
13.4% cheaper in Greece

Monthly public transport pass

Greece: 34.15 $ Japan: 58.97 $
42.1% cheaper in Greece

1 liter of milk

Greece: 1.73 $ Japan: 1.56 $
10.9% more expensive in Greece

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Greece is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 20.8% on living expenses by choosing Greece over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

20.8%

Greece is 20.8% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

51.5%

Greece is 51.5% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

27.3%

Greece is 27.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

24.8%

Greece is 24.8% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

40.8%

Greece is 40.8% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

22.1%

Greece is 22.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

8.3%

Greece is 8.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

7.2%

Greece is 7.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

28.3%

Greece is 28.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

45.0%

Greece is 45.0% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

18.0%

Greece is 18.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

42.3%

Greece is 42.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

49.6%

Greece is 49.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Greece Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 17.07 $ 7.01 $ 143.5%
Greece is 143.5% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 56.92 $ 35.03 $ 62.5%
Greece is 62.5% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 10.24 $ 5.61 $ 82.5%
Greece is 82.5% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.91 $ 3.36 $ 16.4%
Greece is 16.4% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.33 $ 1.12 $ 108.0%
Greece is 108.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.58 $ 0.82 $ 29.3%
Greece is 29.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.89 $ 0.94 $ 5.3%
Greece is 5.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 7.40 $ 2.32 $ 219.0%
Greece is 219.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.25 $ 8.42 $ 73.3%
Greece is 73.3% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 13.66 $ 11.20 $ 22.0%
Greece is 22.0% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.72 $ 2.04 $ 33.3%
Greece is 33.3% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.73 $ 1.56 $ 10.9%
Greece is 10.9% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.41 $ 1.59 $ 11.3%
Greece is 11.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.60 $ 4.51 $ 42.4%
Greece is 42.4% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 4.46 $ 2.24 $ 99.1%
Greece is 99.1% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.83 $ 12.14 $ 13.9%
Greece is 13.9% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 10.48 $ 6.92 $ 51.4%
Greece is 51.4% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 14.15 $ 17.18 $ 17.6%
Greece is 17.6% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.11 $ 5.37 $ 60.7%
Greece is 60.7% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.04 $ 2.62 $ 22.1%
Greece is 22.1% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.50 $ 4.78 $ 68.6%
Greece is 68.6% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.17 $ 4.84 $ 55.2%
Greece is 55.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.28 $ 2.85 $ 55.1%
Greece is 55.1% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.19 $ 2.65 $ 55.1%
Greece is 55.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.08 $ 1.39 $ 22.3%
Greece is 22.3% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 34.15 $ 58.97 $ 42.1%
Greece is 42.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 5.24 $ 4.20 $ 24.8%
Greece is 24.8% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.37 $ 1.54 $ 11.0%
Greece is 11.0% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.55 $ 4.20 $ 8.3%
Greece is 8.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.25 $ 3.15 $ 60.3%
Greece is 60.3% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 17.07 $ 23.82 $ 28.3%
Greece is 28.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 2.09 $ 1.22 $ 71.3%
Greece is 71.3% more expensive
New Economy Car 29,596.47 $ 23,415.29 $ 26.4%
Greece is 26.4% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 28,677.13 $ 17,953.06 $ 59.7%
Greece is 59.7% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 218.54 $ 178.92 $ 22.1%
Greece is 22.1% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 24.59 $ 27.25 $ 9.8%
Greece is 9.8% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 33.10 $ 35.66 $ 7.2%
Greece is 7.2% cheaper
Gym Membership 48.49 $ 60.05 $ 19.3%
Greece is 19.3% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 24.47 $ 15.69 $ 56.0%
Greece is 56.0% more expensive
Movie Ticket 9.68 $ 13.31 $ 27.3%
Greece is 27.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 461.59 $ 348.57 $ 32.4%
Greece is 32.4% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 9,481.22 $ 13,519.03 $ 29.9%
Greece is 29.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 88.75 $ 49.02 $ 81.0%
Greece is 81.0% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 40.73 $ 32.77 $ 24.3%
Greece is 24.3% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 92.45 $ 63.16 $ 46.4%
Greece is 46.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 115.49 $ 87.75 $ 31.6%
Greece is 31.6% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 540.76 $ 624.64 $ 13.4%
Greece is 13.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 444.41 $ 424.63 $ 4.7%
Greece is 4.7% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 919.04 $ 1,366.33 $ 32.7%
Greece is 32.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 755.16 $ 825.90 $ 8.6%
Greece is 8.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,130.63 $ 6,447.80 $ 51.4%
Greece is 51.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,643.31 $ 3,555.73 $ 25.7%
Greece is 25.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,092.77 $ 2,177.14 $ 49.8%
Greece is 49.8% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.61 1.82 153.3%
Greece is 153.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Greece to see the equivalent costs.

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Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Greece and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Greece vs Japan

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Greece

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Japan

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Greece Cost of living in Japan

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