12 Budget-Friendly Cities in Greece Where Your Wallet Can Finally Take a Vacation

Greece is famed for many things, including picturesque beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, ancient cities brimming with historic landmarks and archaeological sites, beautiful islands with charming small towns, and luxurious vacation resorts. However, many people don’t realize that Greece is also well-known for being an affordable destination.

For example, the cost of living in Athens, the Greek capital, is over $400 less than in Rome, Italy, and there are even more affordable places than Athens. To learn more, we’ve compiled a list of 12 budget-friendly cities in Greece. These entries were selected because they have a low cost of living and many things to see and do.

Athens

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Athens is Greece’s most visited tourist destination and one of the world’s most visited cities. Once the heart of ancient Greece, millions of people visit the city yearly to explore its fascinating architecture and historic landmarks. The highlight of any trip to Athens is the Acropolis.

Sitting proudly above the city on a rocky outcrop, the ancient citadel is home to the ruins of multiple significant buildings, such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheum, and the Temples of Athena. It also offers impressive views of the city from above. You’ll also find the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the National Archaeological Museum in the city. According to Living Cost, the cost of living in Athens is just $1,287 monthly.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a beautiful port city on the Thermaic Gulf in Northern Greece. Like Athens, it’s best known for its architecture, rich history, and traditional cuisine. It also has a lively nightlife scene and pristine beaches. A single person can live in the city for approximately $1,272 monthly.

When not sunbathing on Agia Triada Beach or dipping your toes in the clear emerald waters, explore the city’s iconic landmarks and get lost in Ano Poli, the upper town. In the city, you’ll find Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman buildings with a story to tell, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a maze of streets lined with tavernas. Don’t miss the White Tower, the Church of Osios David, and the Trigonion Tower.

Larissa

Located in Central Greece, Larissa is the largest city and capital in the Thessaly region. It’s famed for its relaxed atmosphere, postcard-perfect scenery, and historic architecture. It’s a fantastic place to visit if you love the great outdoors, as there are many hiking trails around the city.

However, Larissa’s biggest draw is its fascinating attractions and landmarks, which include a 15th-century market, ancient theaters, and ruins that date back to the 4th century B.C. Two places you don’t want to miss are the Larissa Ancient Ruins and the hilltop Acropolis of Agios Achillios. You can also learn more about the city at the Archaeological Museum. Regarding finances, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in Larissa for roughly $350 monthly.

Lefkada

The next budget-friendly city on our list is Lefkada, a beautiful city on the island of Lefkada. Lefkada is a gorgeous island that promises visitors soft-sand beaches, exciting attractions, and charming waterfronts. Lefkada City is an excellent place to base yourself for your visit. Here, you’ll find many things to do, friendly locals, picturesque coastal views, and great food.

Better still, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options, low grocery costs, and cheap eats across the city. In Lefkada, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the city or visiting the island’s best spots. We recommend enjoying the sun at Milos Beach, strolling along Lefkas Marina, hiking to Nydri Waterfalls, and exploring Agia Mavra Fort.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a fascinating city at the northern tip of an island with the same. If you love history, there’s no better place to visit. You’ll find some of Greece’s best historical landmarks in Rhodes, including the 7th-century Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes. Most of the action, including the palace, is in Rhodes Old Town.

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Down this multi-millennium medieval town’s winding cobblestone streets lie ancient sites, authentic restaurants, and floating souvenir stalls. However, our favorite attraction is the two pillars that mark the location of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. The cost of living in Rhodes is approximately $1,000 monthly.

Kastoria

If you’re searching for a unique Greek experience, we recommend visiting Kastoria. You won’t find white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise beaches, but you will find a picturesque Greek city on the shores of a scenic lake surrounded by mountains. Kastoria sits on the shores of Lake Orestiada and is surrounded by the mesmerizing Grammos and Visti Mountains.

As such, hiking, sailing, and cycling are popular activities. The city also has many historical landmarks, unique sights, and traditional Greek buildings. Points of interest include the Byzantine Museum, Dragons Cave, and the Folklore Museum of Kastoria. From a financial standpoint, you should be able to live in Kastoria for roughly $500 monthly, excluding rent.

Kavala

Another budget-friendly city in Northern Greece is Kavala, a vibrant coastal city loved for its laid-back lifestyle, scenic coastline, and 15th-century castle. Unlike Kastoria, Kavala has a handful of soft-sand beaches to enjoy, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit or swimming shorts. You’ll spend approximately 40% less on rent in Kavala than in Athens.

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While it can be tempting to spend most of your time in Kavala on Rapsani Beach and Perigiali Beach, there are plenty of things to see in the city, too, starting with the castle. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the city, Kavala Fortress offers an insight into Kavala’s past and epic views from its round tower. You also don’t want to miss the Kavala Archaeological Museum and the Kavala aqueduct.

Kalamata

Kalamata is known best for black Kalamata olives. However, the city itself has far more to offer than delicious olives. Located in Southern Greece’s sun-soaked Peloponnese region, this lovely seaside city is a hive of activity. It doesn’t matter if you’re a history lover, a big foodie, or a beachgoer; you’ll find something you enjoy.

Better yet, the cost of living in Kalamata is only $1,058 monthly, including rent. Built atop the ancient city of Pharai, history buffs will enjoy a trip to Kalamata Old Town. You’ll find the Church of the Holy Apostles, 23rd Of March Square, and the Castle of Kalamata. Meanwhile, beachgoers can soak up the sunshine on Paralia Kalamatas, and foodies can tuck into local cuisine at Kalamata’s Open Market.

Nafplion

A couple can live in Nafplion, Northern Greece, for $1,080 monthly before rent. Adding rent, a couple can get by for approximately $1,600 with moderately priced accommodation in the city. Once the capital of Modern Greece, Nafplion is a beautiful city with fewer crowds, a relaxed atmosphere, and stunning scenery.

If you’re not meandering the cobblestone streets, admiring the architecture, and tucking into delicious Greek cuisine, you’ll likely find yourself relaxing at the beach. Must-visit places in Nafplion include Arvanitia Beach, Akronafplia’s Castle, the Lion of the Bavarians, and the Fortress of Palamidi. If you get the chance, a boat trip to Bourtzi Castle is also in order.

Ioannina

Outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore Greece’s lush countryside and mountains should head to Ioannina. Ioannina is a picture-perfect city in Northern Greece famed for its scenic views, outdoor activities, and laid-back vibes. You can stay in the city and enjoy everything it offers for less than $1,100 monthly, including rent, utilities, and food.

The city sits on Lake Pamvotida and is surrounded by tall mountains. Therefore, popular activities include hiking, boating, biking, and climbing. Thrill seekers might also be pleased to hear that paragliding and snow skiing are possible. Meanwhile, the city itself is pretty beautiful. It’s bursting at the seams with historic architecture, cobblestone streets, museums, and street food markets. What’s not to like?

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Chania

Travelers seeking peace and tranquility love Chania, a small city along the northwest coast of Crete. It’s perfect for loved-up couples, history lovers, and families looking for a fun-filled beach vacation. You’ll find many accommodation options, plenty of things to see and do, and an affordable cost of living of $1,169 monthly.

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Chania is most loved for its breathtaking 14th-century Old Venetian Port. This stunning location is home to a maze of winding streets lined with colorful pastel-colored houses, waterfront restaurants with a view, and famous landmarks like the Lighthouse of Chania and Kucuk Hasan Mosque. Just outside the port lies many beautiful beaches. Away from the Old Port, you’ll discover stunning beaches, including Paralia Hrisi Akti and Nea Chora Beach.

Corfu

The final city on our list is Corfu, the capital of Corfu Island. This historic city is loved for its Venetian architecture, lively harbor, and authentic Greek charm. The city’s crown jewel is the domineering Old Fortress of Corfu. This 15th-century fortification stands proudly above the city, offering an insight into Venetian architecture and panoramic city views.

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Once you’ve explored the fortress, get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the city, searching for iconic landmarks, such as the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, Spianada Square, and the Corfu Museum of Asian Art. Then, relax at Faliraki Bathing Beach and sip cocktails by the sea. If you can live like a local, you’ll survive off less than $1,000 monthly in Corfu.