Posted by 🛒 What does life really cost?
Greece is a dream destination for many vacationers – sun, sea, good food.
But how expensive is life there really?
Are groceries cheaper or more expensive in Greece than in Germany?
The short answer:
👉 Basic foodstuffs are often somewhat cheaper, while imported brand-name products are more expensive.
Those who shop locally can save a lot of money – those looking for German products will pay more.
In this article, you’ll find current prices for 2025, comparisons, tips, and regional differences – so you can plan your vacation or grocery budget precisely.
1. General Overview
The cost of living in Greece is, on average, 20–30% lower than in Germany.
This applies especially to:
Bread, fruit, vegetables,
Wine, oil, cheese,
and local products.
More expensive items include:
Dairy products (brand names),
Meat,
Packaged goods,
and imported products (Nutella, Coke, chips, etc.).
💡 Tip:
You can save a significant amount by shopping at supermarkets like Lidl, AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, or at farmers’ markets.
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Prices & money in Greece
| Prices Greece | Food prices Greece |
| Petrol prices Greece | Cigarette prices Greece |
| Alcohol prices Greece | Tipping Greece |
| Money Greece | Lidl Greece |
2. Average food prices in 2026 (supermarket)
(As of spring 2025 – nationwide average)
| product | Price in € | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Bread (1 loaf, 800 g) | 1,50–2,00 | Freshly baked in bakeries |
| Milk (1 liter) | 1,40–1,60 | more expensive than in Germany |
| Butter (250 g) | 2,50–3,00 | mostly imported |
| Cheese (Feta, 200 g) | 2,50–3,50 | locally produced |
| Yogurt (1 kg, Greek) | 3,00–4,00 | thick, high-quality |
| Eggs (10 pieces) | 3,00–3,50 | mostly outdoors |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | 7,00–8,00 | slightly more expensive than in Germany |
| Beef (1 kg) | 10–14 | highly fluctuating |
| Pork (1 kg) | 7–9 | popular with Greeks |
| Rice (1 kg) | 2,00 | |
| Pasta (500 g) | 1,20–1,80 | Local brands are cheaper |
| Olive oil (1 liter) | 6–9 | best quality worldwide |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 1,00–1,30 | cheap |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 1,50–2,50 | seasonal |
| Cucumber (1 piece) | 0,80–1,20 | Regionally different |
| Onions (1 kg) | 1,00 | |
| Apples (1 kg) | 1,80–2,50 | |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 1,20–1,80 | very cheap in winter |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 1,80–2,20 | Imported goods |
| Water (1.5 l bottle) | 0,40–0,60 | |
| Cola (1,5 l) | 1,80–2,20 | more expensive than in Germany |
| Beer (0.5 l can Mythos/Fix) | 1,00–1,30 | locally brewed |
| Wine (0.75 l) | 4–8 | good & affordable local wines |
| cigarettes | 5,00–6,00 | Article: Cigarette prices in Greece |
💡 Conclusion:
Regional products are inexpensive – imported brands often cost 30–50% more.
3. Differences between the mainland and islands
As with gasoline and other prices, the following also applies here:
🏝️ It’s more expensive on the islands.
| region | Price level | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Athens / Thessaloniki | cheap | large supermarkets, competition |
| Crete / Rhodes | +10 % | Island surcharge |
| Santorini / Mykonos | +25–30 % | Import costs, tourist prices |
| Naxos / Paros | +15 % | moderate |
| Mainland (Peloponnese, Epirus) | cheap | locally produced |
| Small islands (e.g. Koufonissi) | +40 % | small selection |
💡 Tip:
If you’re vacationing on an island, buy larger quantities on the mainland (e.g., before your ferry crossing) – especially drinks and non-perishable goods.
4. Discount Stores & Supermarkets in Greece
The main chains:
| supermarket | Description |
|---|---|
| Lidl | widely available, lowest prices, many German products |
| AB Vassilopoulos | modern, large selection, mid-range prices |
| Sklavenitis | Largest Greek chain, good quality |
| My Market | Strong regionally (Athens, Crete) |
| Masoutis | Northern Greece, family-oriented |
| Kritikos | small chain, many islands |
| Galaxias | local products, fair prices |
| Mini Markets | Expensive, but convenient (open until 11 pm) |
- 💡 Tip:In tourist areas, it’s best to shop in the morning – many products are sold out or more expensive in the evening.
5. Weekly Markets (“Laiki agora”)
A highlight for locals and tourists alike are the weekly markets, which take place once a week in every town.
Here you can find:
fresh fruit and vegetables directly from the producers,
olives, cheese, honey, herbs,
often cheaper than in the supermarket.
product Market price Supermarket comparison Tomatoes (1 kg) 1,00 € 1,80–2,50 € Oranges (1 kg) 0,80 € 1,30 € Cucumber (1 piece) 0,50 € 1,00 € Feta (1 kg, loose) 8,00 € 10–12 € Honey (500 g) 6–8 € similar Olive oil (1 l) 6 € 7–9 €
💡 Insider tip:
At the end of the market day (after 1 p.m.), many goods are sold at lower prices to clear out stock.
6. Restaurant Prices & Snack Bars
Eating out in Greece is usually cheaper than in Germany, especially in traditional tavernas.
| Dish / Drink | Price in € | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Greek salad | 6–8 | large & fresh |
| moussaka | 8–10 | classic |
| Souvlaki / Gyros Pitta | 3–4 | Snack price |
| Fish dish (sea bream, calamari) | 12–18 | depending on the region |
| Wine (glass) | 2,50–4 | House wine |
| Beer (0.5 l) | 3–4,50 | local brands |
| Espresso / Freddo | 2–3 | |
| Water (0.5 l) | 0,50 | Mandatory offer |
| Breakfast (coffee + pastries) | 4–6 |
💡 Note:
In taverns, bread and water are automatically served – often with a small table charge (“cover charge”) of €1–2 per person.
7. Prices in tourist vs. local taverns
| Type of location | Price level | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local tavern | cheap | Gyros + drink: €8–10 |
| Tourist tavern (by the sea) | +20 % | Moussaka + wine: €14 |
| Luxury restaurant (Santorini, Mykonos) | +50–100 % | Fish dish: €25–40 |
💡 Tip:
Eat where the locals are sitting – a simple rule that saves money and disappointment.
8. Drinks & Alcohol Prices
| product | Supermarket price | Tavern price |
|---|---|---|
| Water (1.5 l) | 0,40–0,60 | 0,50 (Mandatory price) |
| Soft drinks | 1,50–2,00 | 2,50–3,00 |
| Beer (0.5 l Mythos/Fix) | 1,00–1,30 | 3,00–4,50 |
| Wine (0.75 l, local) | 4–8 | Glass 3–4 |
| Ouzo (0.7 l) | 8–12 | Glass 3–4 |
| Raki / Tsipouro | 10–14 | Shot glass 2–3 |
💡 Tipping Tip:
In Greece, it’s customary to round up or leave 5–10% – see also Tipping Greece.
9. Products that are particularly inexpensive
Fruits & vegetables (regional, seasonal)
Olive oil & olives
Wine from Greece
Feta & Greek yogurt
Water & bread
10. Products that are more expensive
Milk, butter, cheese (imported)
Cold cuts
Sweets & chocolate (brand names)
Coffee (Nescafé, Jacobs, etc.)
Soft drinks & energy drinks
11. Money-saving tips for tourists
Prefer local products.
→ Greek yogurt instead of imported Danone.
Shop at farmers’ markets.
→ cheaper & fresher.
Buy large bottles of water instead of small ones.
→ A 6-pack of 1.5L bottles costs €2.
Drink house wine.
→ usually local, good, and inexpensive.
Eat lunch instead of dinner.
→ Many tavernas offer affordable set menus during the day.
Avoid tourist supermarkets.
→ Small shops on beaches are often 30–50% more expensive.
12. Seasonal Differences
Many products are cheaper in winter because there are fewer tourists.
Prices rise particularly in summer (July–August):
on islands,
water and drinks,
fruit and dairy products.
Spring (April–May) is the best time for affordable, fresh fruit and vegetables.
13. Comparison to Germany (2025)
| product | Greece | Germany | comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread | 1,80 € | 2,50 € | cheaper |
| Milk | 1,50 € | 1,20 € | more expensive |
| Cheese (Feta) | 3,00 € | 3,50 € | similar |
| Meat | 9 € | 10 € | slightly cheaper |
| tomatoes | 2,00 € | 2,50 € | cheaper |
| Beer | 1,20 € | 1,30 € | even |
| Wine | 5 € | 6–8 € | cheaper |
| olive oil | 7 € | 10 € | cheaper |
| Soft drinks | 2,00 € | 1,50 € | more expensive |
| In total | ca. −15 % | 0 % | slightly cheaper |
14. Prices on popular islands
| Island | Example product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crete | Bread €1.80, milk €1.50, wine €5.00 | moderate |
| Rhodes | Tomatoes €2, beer €1.30 | slightly more expensive |
| Santorini | Bread €2.50, beer €2.00, milk €1.80 | expensive |
| Mykonos | Milk €1.90, Wine €9 | Luxury level |
| Naxos | Potatoes €1, cheese €2.50 | cheap |
| Corfu | Cheese €3, water €0.50 | moderate |
15. Food & Culinary Culture in Greece
Greeks traditionally eat simply, freshly, and seasonally:
Vegetables, olive oil, bread, cheese, fish, and a little meat.
Those who follow the local way of eating live:
healthier,
more affordably,
and more sustainably.
A trip to the supermarket in Greece is therefore not only cheaper – but also more Mediterranean.
16. Inflation & Price Trends
After the energy price shock of 2022, food prices have stabilized.
Inflation in 2024 was around 3.5%, and 2.5% is projected for 2025.
The biggest price drivers remain:
Dairy products,
Meat,
Imported goods.
Fresh vegetables remain consistently affordable.
17. Environmentally Friendly Shopping
Greece has banned free plastic bags since 2022.
Bags cost €0.05–€0.10 each.
👉 So it’s best to bring your own reusable shopping bag.
Many markets also focus on regional products – shorter transport routes, less plastic.
18. Groceries for Long-Term Vacationers
Those staying for several weeks or months:
benefit from bulk discounts at markets,
can buy local olive oil in 5-liter canisters (€25–35),
and save significantly by cooking their own meals.
A week of self-catering for two people costs an average of €70–100, depending on the island.
19. Interesting price examples
| Shopping example | Total price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 loaf of bread + 1 liter of milk + 10 eggs + 1 kg of tomatoes + 1 beer | 9,00 € |
| Breakfast (coffee, pastries, juice) | 5,00 € |
| Dinner at a restaurant (2 people, including wine) | 30–35 € |
| Weekly shopping (2 people, self-catering) | 80–100 € |
20. Conclusion – Food Prices in Greece: Mostly Affordable, but Varies Regionally
Food in Greece is slightly cheaper than in Germany, especially regional products.
Imported goods, on the other hand, cost more.
Overall:
Eat like the Greeks, and you’ll pay less – and eat better.
👉 In short:
Supermarket prices: 10–20% lower than in Germany
Islands: more expensive, mainland: cheaper
Tavernas: fair prices, especially at lunchtime
Local products = best quality & price
This way, your Greek vacation will be delicious, authentic, and affordable.