Living in Thessaloniki: the ultimate expat guide

Thessaloniki's economy has undergone significant transformation in recent years, emerging as a technology and innovation hub alongside its traditional strengths in shipping, manufacturing, and tourism. The city hosts multinational companies including Cisco, Deloitte, and numerous tech startups, while the upcoming ThessINTEC technology park is expected to create over 7,000 jobs in the next decade.

Key Employment Sectors

The main industries offering employment include information technology, tourism and hospitality, shipping and logistics, customer service centers, and education. Multilingual professionals are particularly sought after, with demand for speakers of Dutch, German, French, and Nordic languages in customer service roles. The service sector accounts for nearly two-thirds of the city's workforce.

Work Permits and Regulations

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Greece without a permit. Non-EU nationals require a work visa sponsored by a Greek employer, an EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers, or the popular Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning at least €3,500 per month. The standard workweek is 40 hours, and employees receive at least 20 days of paid annual leave.

The following table provides key employment indicators for Thessaloniki and Greece:

Sources: Numbeo, EURES/Eurostat, Trading Economics

Thessaloniki is one of Greece's premier university cities, with approximately 50% of its population connected to the academic community as students, faculty, or staff. The city offers excellent opportunities for international students seeking quality education in a historic Mediterranean setting.

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) is the largest university in Greece and one of the most prestigious in the Balkans. Established in 1925, it hosts over 88,000 students across 41 departments. The main campus covers 230,000 square meters in the city center. Undergraduate programs at public universities are tuition-free for all students, including international students. Postgraduate programs may have fees ranging from €2,000 to €6,000 per year depending on the department. The Medical School offers an English-taught program with tuition of approximately €12,000 per year.

Other Institutions

Additional higher education options include the University of Macedonia (economics and social sciences), the International Hellenic University, and the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT), which offers American-style undergraduate and graduate programs in English. While most programs at public universities are taught in Greek, an increasing number of English-taught master's programs are available, particularly in business, engineering, and journalism.

For more information, visit:

1. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
2. University of Macedonia
3. American College of Thessaloniki

Sources: Wikipedia, QS World University Rankings

Families relocating to Thessaloniki will find a range of educational options, from Greek public schools to international institutions following various curricula. International schools are particularly popular among expat families who want their children to continue education in English or prepare for global university admission.

International Schools

Pinewood – The American International School of Thessaloniki is the most established international school in the region. Founded in 1950, it offers an American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12 and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association. It also provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Annual tuition ranges from €6,300 to €10,800 depending on grade level, with a capital levy of €2,500 for new students.

Anatolia College offers the IB program and combines Greek and American education. The École Française de Thessalonique provides French-language education following the French national curriculum, with fees between €3,150 and €4,185 per year.

Enrollment and Requirements

International schools typically require academic records, passport copies, and proof of residency. Most follow the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar (September to June). It is advisable to apply several months in advance, as popular schools may have waiting lists. Greek public schools are free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, but instruction is entirely in Greek.

The table below shows approximate annual fees for international schools:

Sources: Pinewood School, Numbeo

Thessaloniki offers diverse housing options at prices significantly lower than Athens and most Western European cities. The rental market is active, with furnished and unfurnished apartments available across various neighborhoods. Expats typically rent before buying to familiarize themselves with the city's different areas.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Kalamaria and Panorama are favored by families seeking quieter residential environments with good schools and green spaces. Ano Poli (Upper Town) offers charming traditional architecture with cobblestone streets and panoramic views, attracting students and artists. The City Center around Aristotelous Square and Tsimiski Street provides walkability and proximity to amenities. Ladadika is known for vibrant nightlife and dining. Thermi, near the airport and international schools, appeals to professionals and families preferring suburban living.

Rental Prices and Procedures

Rental contracts in Greece are typically for 3 years (minimum 1 year). Tenants usually pay 1-2 months' rent as a security deposit. Many landlords prefer bank transfers for rent payments. Utilities (electricity, water, heating) are generally paid separately. Most rental listings can be found on platforms like Spitogatos, XE, and HomeGreekHome.

The table below shows average monthly rental prices in Thessaloniki:

Sources: Numbeo 2025, Investropa

Thessaloniki is celebrated throughout Greece for its cultural richness, legendary nightlife, and diverse entertainment options. The city's compact size means most attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues are within walking distance or a short bus ride.

Museums and Historical Sites

The city boasts over 30 museums and numerous UNESCO-listed Byzantine monuments. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki houses treasures from ancient Macedonia, including gold artifacts from royal tombs. The Museum of Byzantine Culture showcases over 3,000 artifacts from the Byzantine era. The iconic White Tower, a 15th-century Ottoman fortification on the waterfront, offers panoramic views and a museum about the city's history. A combined ticket for major museums costs €15.

Entertainment and Nightlife

The Ladadika district is the heart of Thessaloniki's renowned nightlife, with bars, tavernas, and clubs packed into atmospheric narrow streets. Valaoritou Street offers trendy cocktail bars and live music venues. The Nea Paralia waterfront promenade stretches for 5 km and is perfect for evening walks, jogging, and cycling. The city hosts major events including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (November), the Thessaloniki International Fair (September), and numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.

Outdoor Activities

Day trips to the beaches of Halkidiki (30-60 minutes away) and hikes on Mount Olympus (about 90 minutes) are popular weekend activities. The gardens along the waterfront include playgrounds, cafés, and sports facilities. Gym memberships average €40 per month, and cinema tickets cost around €9.

Sources: Discover Greece, Thessaloniki Travel

Life in Thessaloniki follows a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm with a strong emphasis on social connections, outdoor activities, and enjoying good food. The city is compact and walkable, with most daily needs easily accessible within neighborhoods.

Transportation

The Thessaloniki Metro opened in November 2024 after decades of construction, with 13 stations covering 9.6 km from the New Railway Station to Nea Elvetia. A single ticket costs €0.60, with trains running every 3-5 minutes. An extension to Kalamaria is expected in 2025-2026.

The OASTH bus network remains the backbone of public transport, with over 260 routes covering the metropolitan area. A standard bus ticket is €0.60 for urban routes, while a monthly pass costs approximately €22. The airport express buses (X1, X2) cost €2. Taxis are affordable, starting at €3.50 with approximately €1.45 per kilometer.

Lifestyle and Culture

Thessalonians typically enjoy late dinners (after 9 PM), long coffee breaks at cafés, and weekend strolls along the Nea Paralia waterfront promenade. Shops usually close during the afternoon (2-5 PM) and reopen in the evening. August is traditionally a vacation month when many local businesses close. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, the business sector, and among younger Greeks, though learning basic Greek is appreciated.

Sources: TheTA Transport Authority, Thessaloniki Blog

Thessaloniki offers one of the most affordable costs of living among major European cities, making it attractive for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. Overall expenses are approximately 20-25% lower than in Athens and significantly below Western European averages.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

A single person can live comfortably on €1,200 to €1,600 per month including rent. Without rent, monthly expenses average around €775 to €900. The table below provides a detailed breakdown:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

A family of four should budget approximately €2,800 to €3,500 per month including rent, or around €2,700 excluding rent.

Sources: Numbeo 2025, LivingCost.org