Cost of Living in Corfu
Summary: If you're moving to Corfu, understanding the the cost of living in Corfu helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Cost of Living Category | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) | €300 - €500 per month |
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | €200 - €350 per month |
Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | €1,500 - €2,500 per square meter |
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | €1,000 - €2,000 per square meter |
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | €30 - €50 |
Taxi (Normal Tariff, 1km) | €1 - €2 |
Groceries (Monthly, for 1 person) | €200 - €300 |
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | €10 - €15 |
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | €30 - €50 |
Utilities (Monthly, for 1 person) | €100 - €150 |
Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) | €250 - €400 |
Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) | €3,000 - €5,000 |
Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) | €3,500 - €6,000 |
Private High School Tuition (Yearly) | €4,000 - €7,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Corfu
"The cost of living in Corfu is generally considered to be lower than in many other European countries. Rent, in particular, is quite affordable, especially when compared to major cities in Europe. The cost of groceries is also relatively low, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out at restaurants can be inexpensive as well, particularly if you choose traditional Greek tavernas over more tourist-oriented establishments. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. However, keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the size and location of your home. Public transportation is quite affordable, but if you choose to own a car, you'll need to consider the cost of petrol, which can be higher than in some other countries. Healthcare in Greece is generally good and less expensive than in many other European countries. However, it's recommended to have health insurance to cover any potential medical costs. Overall, while the cost of living in Corfu is lower than in many other places, it's important to remember that salaries and wages in Greece are also generally lower. Therefore, your lifestyle and spending habits will significantly impact how far your money goes," said one expat living in Corfu.
Can I live in Corfu on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Corfu for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is generally lower than in many parts of the US or Western Europe, but it's not dirt cheap either. Firstly, housing is going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the heart of Corfu Town, where all the action is, you're looking at paying around $600-$700 a month for a decent one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in areas like Alykes or Potamos, you can find places for around $400-$500 a month. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you shop at local markets and cook at home. Eating out can be affordable too, with many local tavernas offering hearty meals for under $10. However, if you're a fan of fine dining or international cuisine, you might find your food budget stretching a bit thin. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, will probably run you around $150-$200 a month. Public transportation is quite affordable, but if you want the convenience of a car, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Corfu. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites. However, if you're into high-end nightlife or luxury shopping, you might find Corfu a bit lacking. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the conveniences you're used to. For example, while Corfu has all the basic amenities, it doesn't have the same variety of shopping or dining options as a big city. You might also find that things move at a slower pace here, which can be frustrating if you're used to a fast-paced lifestyle. Overall, living in Corfu on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments. You'll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and entertainment. But if you're willing to embrace a simpler lifestyle and take advantage of the natural beauty and local culture that Corfu has to offer, it can be a very rewarding experience," commented an expat living in Corfu.
Can I live in Corfu on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Corfu 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. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Corfu is relatively low compared to many other European destinations. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $500-$600 a month. If you prefer to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Kanoni or Kontokali, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $800-$1,000 a month. These areas are beautiful, with stunning sea views and close proximity to the city center, but they're also more expensive. On the other hand, if you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, consider places like Potamos or Alykes. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're still nice and you can find cheaper accommodation, maybe around $300-$400 a month. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $150 a month for basics like electricity, water, and garbage. Internet and mobile phone services are also quite affordable, around $30-$40 a month. Groceries can cost you around $300 a month, but it depends on your eating habits. If you like to cook at home, you can save a lot of money. Eating out is also not too expensive if you stick to local tavernas instead of fancy restaurants. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $15-$20. Transportation is also quite affordable. A monthly pass for public transport costs around $30. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs around $1.70 per liter. So, if you add up all these costs, you'll see that you can live quite comfortably on $3,000 a month. You might not be able to afford luxury, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life. And remember, Corfu is a beautiful island with a lot to offer, from stunning beaches to rich history and culture. So, even if you have to make a few sacrifices, I believe it's worth it," said one expat living in Corfu.
Can I live in Corfu on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Corfu for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is generally lower than in many other European countries. However, you'll need to be smart about where you choose to live and how you manage your budget. For instance, areas like Corfu Town, Dassia, and Kontokali are quite popular and therefore more expensive. They offer a lot of conveniences like proximity to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, but you'll pay a premium for that. On the other hand, areas like Agios Georgios, Arillas, and Sidari are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. They're a bit quieter and more laid back, but you'll still find all the necessary amenities and beautiful beaches. As for sacrifices, you might have to give up some luxuries like eating out at high-end restaurants frequently or having a large, luxurious apartment. But honestly, the local tavernas serve delicious food at a fraction of the price, and smaller Greek-style homes have their own charm. Plus, with the amount of natural beauty and outdoor activities available, you'll likely want to spend more time outside than in. Transportation is another area where you can save. Owning a car can be expensive, but public transportation is quite reliable and affordable. Plus, many places are walkable or bikeable, which is not only cheaper but also a great way to stay fit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In terms of utilities, costs are generally reasonable, but keep in mind that heating can get expensive in the winter if your home isn't well-insulated. Many homes here are older and lack modern insulation, so that's something to consider when choosing a place to live. Overall, I'd say that living in Corfu on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but can be quite comfortable if you're willing to adapt a bit to the local lifestyle. It's a beautiful place with a lot to offer, and the lower cost of living is just one of the many perks," commented an expat living in Corfu.
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.