Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, helping expats find health coverage that works for their specific situations.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
Quick Comparison: Italy vs Greece
Here's a side-by-side look at the key factors that matter most to expats. We'll dive deeper into each below.
| Factor | Italy | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost of Living | $1,500-2,800 | $1,000-1,800 |
| Healthcare Rating | Very Good | Adequate |
| Insurance Required | Yes | Yes |
| Private Insurance Cost | €80-200/month | Local private: €50-120/month. International plans: €80-200/month. |
| Primary Language | Italian | Greek |
| Climate | Mediterranean | Mediterranean |
Cost of Living
Your budget will go further in some places than others. Here's what to expect for monthly expenses:
Italy
$1,500-2,800/month
- Rent (1BR): $600-1,400
- Food: $350-500
- Utilities: $100-150
- Healthcare: €80-200/month
Greece
$1,000-1,800/month
- Rent (1BR): $400-900
- Food: $250-400
- Utilities: $80-120
- Healthcare: Local private: €50-120/month. International plans: €80-200/month.
Greece offers lower costs, which can mean more financial freedom or the ability to save while living abroad.
Healthcare Systems
Italy
Very GoodRegional variation, good in north, slower in south
Public System
SSN: Residents
Greece
AdequatePublic system struggling, private recommended
Public System
EOPYY (National Organization for the Provision of Health Services): Greek citizens, legal residents with AMKA number, EU citizens with EHIC (temporary only)
Both countries have private healthcare options that work with international insurance plans. Most expats use private care for faster service and English-speaking doctors, even if they qualify for public healthcare.
Visa Options
Your visa determines everything from how long you can stay to whether you can work. Here are the main options:
Italy Visas
Elective Residence Visa
Duration: 1 year
€31,000/year passive income
Digital Nomad Visa
Duration: 1 year
€28,000/year income (new 2024)
Investor Visa
Duration: 2 years
€250,000+ investment
Greece Visas
Digital Nomad Visa
Duration: 1 year
€3,500/month income, health insurance
Golden Visa
Duration: 5 years
€250,000 property investment
Financial Independence Visa
Duration: 1 year
€2,000/month passive income
Insurance Requirements
Italy
⚠️ Insurance Required for Visas
Required for visa holders.
Typical cost: €80-200/month
Greece
⚠️ Insurance Required for Visas
Greece requires health insurance for non-EU visa applicants, including the Digital Nomad Visa and D-type residence visas. Minimum requirements: €30,000 coverage including hospitalization and medical repatriation. EU citizens can use EHIC for temporary stays but need private insurance for residence permits. Insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and issued by a company operating in Greece or the EU.
Typical cost: Local private: €50-120/month. International plans: €80-200/month.
Compare Insurance for Both Countries
International plans work in both destinations. Get quotes to see your options.
Compare PlansClimate & Weather
Weather affects everything from your wardrobe to your energy bills. Here's what to expect:
Italy
- Climate type: Mediterranean/Alpine (north)
- Summer: Hot (75-90°F)
- Winter: Mild-Cool (35-55°F)
- Best time to visit: Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
Greece
- Climate type: Mediterranean
- Summer: Hot (80-95°F)
- Winter: Mild (45-60°F)
- Best time to visit: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov
Expat Life & Community
Italy
Language: Italian. English limited outside major tourist centers.
Popular expat cities: Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Naples. These areas have established expat communities, international schools, English-speaking services, and coworking spaces.
Greece
Language: Greek. English common in tourist areas and cities.
Popular expat cities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu. You'll find other expats, international amenities, and communities here.
Who Should Choose Which?
Different situations call for different destinations. Here's our take:
Digital Nomads
GreeceLower cost of living ($1,000-1,800/month) stretches your income further. Italy costs more but may offer better infrastructure.
Retirees
ItalyMilder winters (Mild-Cool (35-55°F)), various visa options. Healthcare: Very Good.
Families with Children
ItalyVery Good healthcare system. International schools available in Rome, Milan.
Budget-Conscious Expats
GreeceMonthly costs of $1,000-1,800 are more affordable. Healthcare and insurance still accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper to live in, Italy or Greece?
Italy costs approximately $1,500-2,800/month while Greece costs $1,000-1,800/month. This includes rent, food, utilities, and basic expenses. Healthcare costs and insurance add €80-200/month in Italy and Local private: €50-120/month. International plans: €80-200/month. in Greece.
Do I need health insurance in Italy and Greece?
Italy: Yes, insurance is required for visa applications. Required for visa holders. Greece: Yes, insurance is required for visa applications. Greece requires health insurance for non-EU visa applicants, including the Digital Nomad Visa and D-type residence visas. Minimum requirements: €30,000 coverage including hospitalization and medical repatriation. EU citizens can use EHIC for temporary stays but need private insurance for residence permits. Insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and issued by a company operating in Greece or the EU.
Which has better healthcare, Italy or Greece?
Italy: Very Good - Regional variation, good in north, slower in south. Greece: Adequate - Public system struggling, private recommended. Both countries have private healthcare options that accept international insurance.
What visas are available for Italy vs Greece?
Italy offers: Elective Residence Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Investor Visa. Greece offers: Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa, Financial Independence Visa. Requirements and processing times vary—check official immigration websites.
Where do expats live in Italy and Greece?
Popular expat areas in Italy: Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Naples. In Greece: Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu. These cities have established expat communities, international services, and English-speaking professionals.
Our Verdict
There's no objectively "better" choice between Italy and Greece. The right answer depends on your priorities:
- Budget: Greece is more affordable
- Healthcare: Both have adequate healthcare options
- Visa ease: Compare specific visa requirements based on your nationality and situation
- Climate: Mediterranean/Alpine (north) vs Mediterranean—personal preference matters
Our recommendation: Visit both places before committing if possible. Short-term stays reveal things research can't—the pace of life, the culture, and whether you actually enjoy being there.
Whichever you choose, get health insurance sorted early. International plans work in both countries, so you can even switch destinations later without changing coverage.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Compare insurance plans that work in both Italy and Greece.
Compare Insurance PlansRelated Resources
Disclaimer: Costs, visa requirements, and policies change frequently. This comparison uses estimates and may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information with official government sources and consult immigration professionals before making decisions.