Relocation Guide to Greece
Living and working in Athens & Thessaloniki — prepared by River Search.
Welcome to Greece
Greece continues to be one of Europe's most popular destinations for multilingual professionals seeking career growth, sunshine, and a better quality of life. Every year, thousands relocate to work for international organisations supporting customers across Europe in languages including German, Dutch, French, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Italian and Spanish.
Whether you are considering a move to Athens or Thessaloniki, this guide will help you understand what life in Greece is really like.
Why move to Greece?
Athens
Greece's capital city
Home to the majority of multinational contact centre, technical support, content moderation and business process outsourcing organisations.
Major employers
What to expect
- Excellent public transport
- International restaurants and nightlife
- Large expat communities
- Major shopping centres
- Regular flights across Europe
Typical monthly costs
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment) | €600 – €1,000 |
| Utilities | €100 – €180 |
| Internet | €25 – €35 |
| Transport pass | €27 |
| Groceries | €250 – €400 |
| Gym membership | €25 – €50 |
Popular areas with expats
Thessaloniki
Greece's second city
A slightly slower pace of life whilst still providing excellent career opportunities, popular for its affordability and strong quality of life.
What to expect
- Lower rental costs
- Walkable city centre
- Excellent restaurants and cafés
- Strong student and international community
- More relaxed lifestyle
Typical monthly costs
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment) | €450 – €800 |
| Utilities | €90 – €160 |
| Internet | €25 – €35 |
| Transport pass | €27 |
| Groceries | €220 – €350 |
| Gym membership | €20 – €40 |
Popular areas with expats
Monthly budget examples
Athens
| Accommodation | €750 |
| Utilities | €140 |
| Internet | €30 |
| Transport | €27 |
| Groceries | €300 |
| Social activities | €250 |
| Gym | €35 |
| Total | €1,532 |
Thessaloniki
| Accommodation | €600 |
| Utilities | €120 |
| Internet | €30 |
| Transport | €27 |
| Groceries | €280 |
| Social activities | €200 |
| Gym | €30 |
| Total | €1,287 |
Frequently asked questions
Is English widely spoken?
Yes. English is widely spoken, particularly in major cities and international workplaces.
Do I need to speak Greek?
No. Most multilingual employers operate entirely in English and your native language.
Is Greece safe?
Greece is considered one of the safer countries in Europe and is a popular destination for both tourists and international workers.
What is the weather like?
Athens averages around 300 days of sunshine annually, while Thessaloniki enjoys a similar Mediterranean climate with slightly cooler winters.
Advice from our recruiters
Candidates who relocate to Greece successfully tend to:
- Embrace the local culture
- Join expat communities
- Explore the country
- Learn basic Greek phrases
- Budget carefully during your first month
Most candidates report a significant improvement in work-life balance and quality of life after relocating.
How River Search supports you
Relocating to another country is a major decision. Our team supports you throughout, including:
- Interview preparation
- Offer management
- Relocation guidance
- Salary and benefits advice
- Ongoing support throughout your journey
Ready to make the move?
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