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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Rethymno 2024
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Cost of Living in Rethymno

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Rethymno helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Rethymno is around €400-€500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €700-€800 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €300-€400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €500-€600 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Rethymno varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €50,000 to €100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €100,000 to €200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €30,000 to €60,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €60,000 to €120,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Rethymno is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs €1.50 and a monthly pass costs €20. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport costs around €20.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Rethymno is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, a liter of milk costs around €1.00, and a dozen eggs costs around €2.00. Prices for other items such as fruits, vegetables, and meats vary depending on the season and quality.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Rethymno varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around €5-€7, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-€20. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around €30-€50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Rethymno is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, water, and garbage is around €50-€60. The average monthly cost for internet and cable is around €30-€40.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Rethymno varies depending on the school and grade level. Preschool tuition ranges from €500-€1000 per year. Elementary school tuition ranges from €1000-€2000 per year. Middle school tuition ranges from €2000-€3000 per year. High school tuition ranges from €3000-€4000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rethymno

"The cost of living in Rethymno is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is moderately priced, while outside the city center, it is significantly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite reasonable. Groceries in Rethymno are fairly priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Dining out in inexpensive restaurants is quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Rethymno is also reasonably priced, with regular bus services connecting different parts of the city. However, owning and maintaining a car can be quite costly due to high gasoline prices. Healthcare in Rethymno is generally affordable, especially if you are covered by public health insurance. However, private healthcare can be quite expensive. In terms of leisure activities, the cost can vary. Entrance fees to museums and historical sites are usually modest, while tickets for theater and cinema are priced similarly to other European cities. Sports activities like gym memberships can be a bit pricey. Overall, the cost of living in Rethymno is quite balanced, offering a good quality of life at a reasonable cost. However, it's important to note that these costs can vary greatly depending on personal lifestyle and preferences," said one expat living in Rethymno.

Can I live in Rethymno on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rethymno 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'd recommend looking into areas like Kallithea, Violi Charaki, or Misiria. 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 without all the modern amenities you're used to, but it's doable.On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like the Old Town or Panorama, as they tend to be more expensive and cater to tourists. Rent in these areas can be quite high, and you might struggle to find a place within your budget.When it comes to transportation, you'll probably want to rely on public transportation or even consider getting a bicycle. Owning a car can be expensive, especially when you factor in gas, insurance, and parking costs. The good news is that Rethymno is a relatively small city, so getting around by bus or bike is quite feasible.As for groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local tavernas and avoid touristy areas, but you'll still want to limit how often you do so.Finally, you'll need to be conscious of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out for drinks or attending events can add up quickly, so you'll want to find more budget-friendly activities. Luckily, Rethymno has plenty of beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy your free time without spending a lot of money.In conclusion, living in Rethymno on $1,500 a month is possible, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being conscious of your grocery and entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Rethymno.

Can I live in Rethymno on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rethymno for a while 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 some sacrifices and adjustments to make it work. For example, you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going out for drinks every weekend. When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in affordable neighborhoods like Kallithea, Violi Charaki, or Misiria. These areas are still close to the city center and have all the necessary amenities, but the rent is generally more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like the Old Town or Panorama. In terms of transportation, you might want to consider using public transportation or even getting a bicycle instead of owning a car. Gas prices in Greece can be quite high, and parking in Rethymno can be a challenge, especially in the more popular areas. Grocery shopping can be quite affordable if you stick to local markets and avoid imported products. You'll find that fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local products are quite reasonably priced. However, if you're used to buying specific brands or imported goods, you might have to adjust your shopping habits or be prepared to pay a bit more. Overall, living in Rethymno on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," said one expat living in Rethymno.

Can I live in Rethymno on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Rethymno for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it's a great place to live.First, let's talk about housing. There are some more expensive neighborhoods, like the Old Town, where you might find it difficult to find a place within your budget. However, there are plenty of more affordable neighborhoods, like Atsipopoulo, Violi Charaki, and Koubes, where you can find a nice apartment or house for a reasonable price. I'd recommend looking in those areas if you want to save on housing costs.As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive, but the public transportation system is pretty good, and you can get around the city easily by bus or taxi. Plus, Rethymno is a very walkable city, so you might find that you don't need a car at all. If you do decide to get a car, consider buying a used one to save money.When it comes to food, eating out can be pricey, especially in the touristy areas. However, there are plenty of local markets and grocery stores where you can buy fresh produce and other ingredients to cook at home. This will not only save you money but also allow you to enjoy some of the delicious local cuisine.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Rethymno. You can spend your days exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking in the nearby mountains, or visiting historical sites like the Fortezza Castle. There are also plenty of local festivals and events throughout the year that you can attend for little to no cost.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the modern amenities you're used to aren't as readily available in Rethymno. For example, you might have to give up some of your favorite brands or products, as they might not be available in local stores. Additionally, while the healthcare system in Greece is generally good, you might find that the quality of care isn't quite what you're used to, so you might want to consider purchasing private health insurance to supplement the public system.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Rethymno on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. With a little bit of planning and some minor sacrifices, you can have a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Greek city," commented an expat living in Rethymno.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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