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

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €50,000-€70,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €90,000-€120,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €30,000-€50,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €60,000-€80,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Zakynthos 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-€25.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Zakynthos 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. A kilogram of apples costs around €2.00 and a kilogram of potatoes costs around €1.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Zakynthos 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-€40.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition costs around €200-€300 per month. Elementary school tuition costs around €400-€500 per month. Middle school tuition costs around €500-€600 per month. High school tuition costs around €600-€700 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Zakynthos

"The cost of living in Zakynthos is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European destinations. 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 Zakynthos are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at competitive prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Transportation costs are also quite low in Zakynthos. A one-way ticket on local transport is cheap, and the cost of gasoline is on par with the rest of Greece. Healthcare in Zakynthos is generally affordable, especially when compared to countries like the United States. However, it's important to note that while public healthcare is available, many residents opt for private healthcare, which can be more expensive. In terms of leisure activities, a monthly gym membership is reasonably priced, and cinema tickets are also quite affordable. Overall, the cost of living in Zakynthos is quite low, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and expats," said one expat living in Zakynthos.

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

"I've been living in Zakynthos 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 Alykes, Kalamaki, or Argassi. These areas are more budget-friendly compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Tsilivi or Laganas.When it comes to housing, you'll likely need to rent a smaller apartment or even consider sharing a place with roommates to save on rent. Utilities can be quite expensive, so try to find a place with energy-efficient appliances and be mindful of your usage.For transportation, owning a car can be costly due to high gas prices and maintenance fees. Instead, consider using public transportation, biking, or walking to get around. This will not only save you money but also help you stay active and healthy.Eating out can be quite expensive, especially in touristy areas. To save money, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, opt for more affordable local tavernas instead of high-end restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly. Instead of going out to bars and clubs, consider hosting gatherings at your home or enjoying the beautiful beaches and nature that Zakynthos has to offer. There are also many free or low-cost cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Zakynthos is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, utilizing public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Zakynthos.

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

"I've been living in Zakynthos 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 some 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 Laganas, Kalamaki, or Argassi. These areas are still close to the main town and have plenty of amenities, but the cost of living is generally lower than in more upscale neighborhoods like Vasilikos or Tsilivi. You can find a decent apartment for around $500-$700 a month in these areas, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.One thing to keep in mind is that the cost of utilities can be quite high in Greece, especially during the summer months when you'll likely be using air conditioning. To save on electricity, try to use energy-efficient appliances and be mindful of your usage. You might also want to consider getting a scooter or a small car for transportation, as public transportation isn't always reliable and can be quite expensive if you're using it frequently.As for groceries, shopping at local markets and smaller grocery stores can help you save money. You'll find that fresh produce and other staples are generally cheaper than at larger supermarkets. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local tavernas and avoid touristy areas, where prices tend to be inflated.Overall, living in Zakynthos on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in order to live comfortably. It's a beautiful island with a lot to offer, so I think you'll find that the trade-offs are worth it in the end," said one expat living in Zakynthos.

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

"I've been living in Zakynthos 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 Kalamaki and Tsilivi, which are popular tourist areas with higher prices. I'd recommend looking for a place in a more affordable neighborhood, like Laganas or Argassi. You can find a nice apartment or even a small house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, which leaves you plenty of money for other expenses.As for utilities, they're not too expensive here. You can expect to pay around $150 to $200 a month for electricity, water, and internet. If you're used to having a high-speed internet connection, you might have to sacrifice a bit on that front, as the internet speeds here aren't always the best. But it's still manageable for everyday use.When it comes to groceries, you can find most of the things you're used to at local supermarkets, but some imported items might be a bit more expensive. I'd recommend shopping at local markets for fresh produce, as it's usually cheaper and better quality. Overall, you can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month on groceries.Eating out and entertainment can be quite affordable in Zakynthos, especially if you avoid the more touristy areas. A meal at a local taverna will usually cost you around $10 to $15 per person, and there are plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a good time without breaking the bank.Transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly bus pass costing around $30. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $300 to $400 a month, or even buy a used car if you plan on staying for a longer period.In terms of healthcare, the public healthcare system in Greece is decent, but you might want to consider getting private health insurance for better coverage and faster access to specialists. This can cost you around $100 to $200 a month, depending on the plan you choose.So, with all these expenses in mind, you can definitely live comfortably in Zakynthos on $5,000 a month. You might have to make some sacrifices, like living in a more affordable neighborhood and adjusting to slightly slower internet speeds, but overall, it's a beautiful and affordable place to live," commented an expat living in Zakynthos.

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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