Cost of Living in Kalamata
Summary: If you're moving to Kalamata, understanding the the cost of living in Kalamata helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Apartment rentals in Kalamata are relatively affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around €400-€500 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around €500-€600 per month. Outside of the city center, prices can be even lower. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Kalamata, Greece can vary greatly depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around €50,000-€60,000, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around €70,000-€80,000. Outside of the city center, prices can be even lower. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Kalamata, Greece is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs €1.20, while a monthly pass costs €20. Taxis are also available and typically cost around €3-€4 for a short ride. |
Groceries | Groceries in Kalamata, Greece are generally affordable. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, while a liter of milk costs around €1. A kilogram of potatoes costs around €1.50, while a kilogram of apples costs around €2.50. |
Restaurants | Eating out in Kalamata, Greece is relatively affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-€20 per person, while a meal at a fast food restaurant costs around €5-€7 per person. |
Utilities | Utilities in Kalamata, Greece are generally affordable. The average monthly cost for electricity, water, and garbage is around €50-€60. Internet and cable TV can cost around €30-€40 per month. |
Private School Tuition | Private school tuition in Kalamata, Greece can vary greatly depending on the school. Preschool tuition can cost around €200-€300 per month, while elementary school tuition can cost around €400-€500 per month. Middle school tuition can cost around €500-€600 per month, while high school tuition can cost around €600-€700 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kalamata
"The cost of living in Kalamata is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Kalamata are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out in inexpensive restaurants is also quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Kalamata is also quite affordable, with monthly passes available at a reasonable price. However, many residents prefer to use cars, and the cost of gasoline is comparable to the rest of Europe. Healthcare in Kalamata is generally affordable, especially if you are covered by public health insurance. Private healthcare can be more expensive, but it is still reasonable compared to other European countries. Overall, the cost of living in Kalamata is quite low, making it an attractive place for both locals and expats," said one expat living in Kalamata.
Can I live in Kalamata on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Kalamata for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Verga, Ano Verga, or Asprochoma. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a place that's not as modern as you're used to, but it's definitely doable.On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Navarinou Street or the area around the central square, as these tend to be more expensive. Also, keep in mind that utilities and internet can be a bit pricey, so you'll want to factor that into your budget.As for transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or even walking or biking around the city. Kalamata is not a huge city, so it's relatively easy to get around without a car. If you do need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service or renting one for a short period.When it comes to food, you can save money by shopping at local markets and cooking at home. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local tavernas and avoid touristy areas. I've found that the cost of groceries is reasonable, especially if you buy seasonal produce and local products.Entertainment-wise, you might have to cut back on some of your usual activities. Going out for drinks or to the movies can add up quickly, so consider finding free or low-cost activities to do in your spare time. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, parks, and historical sites to explore in and around Kalamata, so you won't be bored.In conclusion, living in Kalamata on $1,500 a month is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation costs, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Kalamata.
Can I live in Kalamata on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Kalamata for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, or you might have to cut back on some of your shopping habits.When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the more affordable neighborhoods like Verga, Ano Verga, or Asprochoma. These areas are still close to the city center and have all the necessary amenities, but the rent is generally cheaper than in the more upscale neighborhoods like Mikri Mantineia or Kitries. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $500 to $800 a month, depending on the size and condition of the place.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Kalamata. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and around $100 to $150 on utilities, including electricity, water, and internet. Public transportation is also quite cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $30.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Kalamata, like going to the beach or exploring the beautiful countryside, you might have to limit your visits to the cinema, theater, or other cultural events. However, there are still plenty of affordable options for dining out and enjoying the local nightlife.Overall, living in Kalamata on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. But in my experience, the beautiful surroundings, friendly locals, and laid-back lifestyle more than make up for any compromises you might have to make," said one expat living in Kalamata.
Can I live in Kalamata on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Kalamata for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not even have to make many sacrifices at all. Kalamata is a beautiful city with a lower cost of living compared to other European cities, so your budget should be more than enough to cover your expenses.When it comes to housing, there are several affordable neighborhoods you can consider. For example, the area around the city center is quite reasonable, with many apartments and houses available for rent. You can also look into the neighborhoods of Verga, Ano Verga, and Mikri Mantineia, which are a bit further from the city center but still offer a good quality of life and beautiful views of the sea.On the other hand, if you want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods, you might want to stay away from the beachfront areas, such as Navarinou Street and the surrounding streets. These areas tend to have higher rental prices due to their prime location and proximity to the beach.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are quite affordable in Kalamata. Eating out at local tavernas and restaurants is also reasonably priced, so you won't have to sacrifice your social life or dining experiences. Plus, there are plenty of modern amenities available in the city, such as shopping centers, gyms, and entertainment options.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to adjust to a slower pace of life compared to what you're used to, as Kalamata is a smaller city with a more laid-back atmosphere. However, this can also be seen as a positive aspect, as it allows you to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle and truly appreciate the beauty of the region.Overall, I believe that living in Kalamata on a $5,000 a month budget is not only possible but can also be quite comfortable and enjoyable. With a bit of research and planning, you can find a suitable neighborhood and enjoy all the modern amenities you're used to without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Kalamata.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.