hi
also a crete wannabee  but got a few years in britain yet  before i get there.
i posted a similar question on this and a similar site in corfu a year or so back
basicly im told  that to actualy live in greece/crete, a couple can have a decent lifestyle on around 12 to 15,000 euro a year, not allowing for house purchase/accomodation


Cost Of Living

The cost of living is substantially lower than in most countries yet reflects a comparable standard of living and a wonderful quality of life. Add a very low crime rate, low pollution, and plenty of sunshine and you have an extremely attractive package.   
A couple living in Greece can expect to require an annual income of around £12,000 (17,000 Euro)

    Example: -

House running costs + food 7,384
Two people eating out twice per week 2,080
Car Insurance 310
Petrol 5,000 miles per year at £2.25p per Gal 360
Return trip to the UK to visit family and friends 600
Contingency fund 1266
Total per year £ 12,000

How does that compare with your costs in the UK ?

The detailed breakdown of these costs is illustrated below.



House running Costs

                                House Running Costs for 2 people for one year.

Water 150
Electricity 400
Heating 400
House Insurance 350
Food for 2 people eating in. 6,084
Total £7.384 or 10,700 Euro


There are no rates on property in Greece if the building is less than 150m2 


pinched that from another site.... hope it helps

thanks from me for that breakdown of costs ,Brian.I too am looking to move to crete in possibly the near future, your research very helpful,

those figures i posted at top of the page , i feel are at least a year out of date, so from a personal point of view i'd add at least 10 to 20 % to it.
if im wrong i'd rather live in a bit of luxury, rather than struggle.
and as lshall05 said  they  are based on retiring in Greece/Crete

Hi everyone, Thank you Brian and the other people for giving me a few figures to look at. Brian in your breakdown does that figure for household costs include a figure for rent.? I would be on my own so i would only need a small place, also i would rather get a bike or use buses etc, than run a car.Also if any one reads this , can you rent easily enough for 6 months at a time until you really find somewhere you love? .I am coming to Stalis on holiday in Sept to have a look around ,but the big move would not be until early next year. Thanks all , Jonny.

Stalis is like a ghost town in the winter.it would be better for you and cheaper to rent in a residential town or village that does not rely on tourists.

Thanks again, if stalis is quiet in the winter, that would not put me off, what about Paleochora and Agaia Galini, have been to these years ago and they were lovely, can you still find long stay rents?.Is it best to book somewhere first, or can you just turn up (probably march ).I have been reading the forum pages and there is an abundance of info, my head is hurting . Cheers Jonny.

Oops that should have been 180 pounds a month sorry