| Copyright 2004-2012 Carol Palioudaki. Living in Crete www.livingincrete.net |
| Living in Crete |
| About Living in Crete |
Cost of Living in Crete 2012
The real cost of living in Crete is higher than many imagine and prices in Greece
have increased year-on-year, particularly since the introduction of the Euro in 2002.
Basic goods and fuel on the islands, like Crete, tend to be a little more expensive
than on the mainland due to transportation costs.
Figures from eurostat in June 2008 show Greece's spiralling prices and inflation of
4.9% in May 2008, that's 1.3% above the eurozone average.
These figures show that Greek consumers paid 66 percent more for the contents
of their shopping trolley than Germans.
Those living in Crete on a fixed income from the UK, such as pensioners, are feeling
the pinch strongly as the pound - euro exchange has dropped considerably since
2008.
The Greek government's austerity measures in 2011 include increased VAT on
goods and services, the current top VAT rate being 23%, although there is a lower
13% rate for food.
New taxes introduced in 2011 for Greece house owners include the 'emergency'
property tax, which means property owners have an added tax burden of around
500 euros per year on average.
So is it all doom and gloom?
Although the cost of living has definitely risen dramatically, those who live in Crete
can make their euros go further with thrifty shopping. Savings can be made at the
large supermarket chains such as Carrefour and Lidl by buying their own brand
goods. Buy local fresh fruit and vegetables only when they are in season, imported
goods are far more expensive, and shop at the local farmers markets, the 'laiki' -
every town in Crete has one (ask locally for the location and days of the laiki in
your nearest town).
The overall prices of consumer goods are fairly competitive. Shop around or buy in
the sales (mid January to end February and in August), particularly for larger items
such as electrical goods and furniture.
Eating out in Crete is still relatively cheap, particularly away from the main tourist
areas and local 'in' places. Village tavernas usually offer the best value and many
tavernas held their prices during 2011.
Further details about current costs in Crete & Greece can be found on the forum
thread: Cost of Living in Greece
Retiring in Crete
Crete is a popular retirement destination for Greece lovers and many Brits and
others have made the move to retire to live in Crete.
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has much to offer. The capital city of the
island, Heraklion, has a resident population of approximately 135,000 people and is
the fourth largest city in Greece. The total population of Crete (last census 2005) is
623,666 inhabitants. This figure swells in the summer when migrant workers and
tourists stay on the island.
There are many beach, mountain and village locations which are a short distance
from one of the main towns so that year round living in Crete is easy and varied.
Free heallth care is available in Crete for British and EU pensioners under the EU
reciprocal arrangements
Pensioners should be aware that exchange rate fluctuations can affect their income
and decisions based on factors today could have a different outlook in five years
time. Consider taking professional financial advice before a move.
About Life in Crete and this Website
Crete may be one of the latest holiday and property hotspots for those seeking to
escape the rat race but for me it has been home for more than 20 years.
After exploring mainland Greece I first arrived in Crete in 1984 and fell under the
island’s spell immediately. It’s such a beautiful and diverse island… just ten
minutes drive from the bustling towns are fabulous beaches, spectacular
mountains and countryside, while the hospitality of the Cretan people is renowned.
It takes time to settle into a foreign country and learn the ropes. Information is
hard to come by, even harder when you have little grasp of the language when the
simplest task can become a nightmare. I have experienced this many times over
the years I have spent living in Greece and had nowhere to turn to for information.
Of course it is out there somewhere, but finding it is the hard part and once you
have found it, it’s all Greek!
Today, with the Internet, mobile phones and frequent flights you never feel that far
from anyone or anywhere. Back then it was much harder; when working in remote
Cretan mountain villages it was always a major expedition to get into town to find
an international phone line to call home.
Still, Cretan culture is unique and can take a little getting used to, while the laid-
back Greek lifestyle is not without its frustrations. Bureaucracy, for example,
seems to have been refined into an art form and often requires endless patience.
This website offers impartial information and aims to answer many of the basic
questions about everyday life in Crete, Cretan culture and bureaucratic procedures.
Some of the information is based on extracts from my book Living in Crete. A Guide
to Living, Working, Retiring & Buying Property in Crete
If you are seeking further detailed information the Living in Crete book covers in
depth all that you need to know before or after a move or property purchase.
Whether you are moving to Crete or are already living, working or studying in Crete
or Greece this informative guide book will help make your stay as painless and
trouble-free as possible and can be used time and again as a reference book. You
can purchase a copy of the book here online
The information contained in these web pages is based on personal experience
and that of other Crete residents, plus research from government departments.
New rules and regulations are updated on the site as they become known.
You will find that the official line in some cases can vary depending on whom you
speak to; literally which particular police officer or clerk, for example, happens to
deal with your case in question. The documents listed on this site will cover most
eventualities.
The information contained in these pages is intended as a guide only. Individuals
should always consult the relevant authorities, a Greek lawyer or accountant about
legal and taxation issues relating to their personal circumstances.
TIP: photocopies of your passport (+ copies of residence permit, tax return, IKA
stamps if you have them) and a few photographs should be carried with you on
any visit to any government office, then if you are lucky you may get the job done
in one or two trips instead of three or four!
Enjoy your stay in Crete.
Carol Palioudakis
www.livingincrete.net
_______________________________________________________________
The real cost of living in Crete is higher than many imagine and prices in Greece
have increased year-on-year, particularly since the introduction of the Euro in 2002.
Basic goods and fuel on the islands, like Crete, tend to be a little more expensive
than on the mainland due to transportation costs.
Figures from eurostat in June 2008 show Greece's spiralling prices and inflation of
4.9% in May 2008, that's 1.3% above the eurozone average.
These figures show that Greek consumers paid 66 percent more for the contents
of their shopping trolley than Germans.
Those living in Crete on a fixed income from the UK, such as pensioners, are feeling
the pinch strongly as the pound - euro exchange has dropped considerably since
2008.
The Greek government's austerity measures in 2011 include increased VAT on
goods and services, the current top VAT rate being 23%, although there is a lower
13% rate for food.
New taxes introduced in 2011 for Greece house owners include the 'emergency'
property tax, which means property owners have an added tax burden of around
500 euros per year on average.
So is it all doom and gloom?
Although the cost of living has definitely risen dramatically, those who live in Crete
can make their euros go further with thrifty shopping. Savings can be made at the
large supermarket chains such as Carrefour and Lidl by buying their own brand
goods. Buy local fresh fruit and vegetables only when they are in season, imported
goods are far more expensive, and shop at the local farmers markets, the 'laiki' -
every town in Crete has one (ask locally for the location and days of the laiki in
your nearest town).
The overall prices of consumer goods are fairly competitive. Shop around or buy in
the sales (mid January to end February and in August), particularly for larger items
such as electrical goods and furniture.
Eating out in Crete is still relatively cheap, particularly away from the main tourist
areas and local 'in' places. Village tavernas usually offer the best value and many
tavernas held their prices during 2011.
Further details about current costs in Crete & Greece can be found on the forum
thread: Cost of Living in Greece
Retiring in Crete
Crete is a popular retirement destination for Greece lovers and many Brits and
others have made the move to retire to live in Crete.
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has much to offer. The capital city of the
island, Heraklion, has a resident population of approximately 135,000 people and is
the fourth largest city in Greece. The total population of Crete (last census 2005) is
623,666 inhabitants. This figure swells in the summer when migrant workers and
tourists stay on the island.
There are many beach, mountain and village locations which are a short distance
from one of the main towns so that year round living in Crete is easy and varied.
Free heallth care is available in Crete for British and EU pensioners under the EU
reciprocal arrangements
Pensioners should be aware that exchange rate fluctuations can affect their income
and decisions based on factors today could have a different outlook in five years
time. Consider taking professional financial advice before a move.
About Life in Crete and this Website
Crete may be one of the latest holiday and property hotspots for those seeking to
escape the rat race but for me it has been home for more than 20 years.
After exploring mainland Greece I first arrived in Crete in 1984 and fell under the
island’s spell immediately. It’s such a beautiful and diverse island… just ten
minutes drive from the bustling towns are fabulous beaches, spectacular
mountains and countryside, while the hospitality of the Cretan people is renowned.
It takes time to settle into a foreign country and learn the ropes. Information is
hard to come by, even harder when you have little grasp of the language when the
simplest task can become a nightmare. I have experienced this many times over
the years I have spent living in Greece and had nowhere to turn to for information.
Of course it is out there somewhere, but finding it is the hard part and once you
have found it, it’s all Greek!
Today, with the Internet, mobile phones and frequent flights you never feel that far
from anyone or anywhere. Back then it was much harder; when working in remote
Cretan mountain villages it was always a major expedition to get into town to find
an international phone line to call home.
Still, Cretan culture is unique and can take a little getting used to, while the laid-
back Greek lifestyle is not without its frustrations. Bureaucracy, for example,
seems to have been refined into an art form and often requires endless patience.
This website offers impartial information and aims to answer many of the basic
questions about everyday life in Crete, Cretan culture and bureaucratic procedures.
Some of the information is based on extracts from my book Living in Crete. A Guide
to Living, Working, Retiring & Buying Property in Crete
If you are seeking further detailed information the Living in Crete book covers in
depth all that you need to know before or after a move or property purchase.
Whether you are moving to Crete or are already living, working or studying in Crete
or Greece this informative guide book will help make your stay as painless and
trouble-free as possible and can be used time and again as a reference book. You
can purchase a copy of the book here online
The information contained in these web pages is based on personal experience
and that of other Crete residents, plus research from government departments.
New rules and regulations are updated on the site as they become known.
You will find that the official line in some cases can vary depending on whom you
speak to; literally which particular police officer or clerk, for example, happens to
deal with your case in question. The documents listed on this site will cover most
eventualities.
The information contained in these pages is intended as a guide only. Individuals
should always consult the relevant authorities, a Greek lawyer or accountant about
legal and taxation issues relating to their personal circumstances.
TIP: photocopies of your passport (+ copies of residence permit, tax return, IKA
stamps if you have them) and a few photographs should be carried with you on
any visit to any government office, then if you are lucky you may get the job done
in one or two trips instead of three or four!
Enjoy your stay in Crete.
Carol Palioudakis
www.livingincrete.net
_______________________________________________________________
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