City Comparison
Heraklion vs Thessaloniki
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Heraklion is ~4% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Heraklion
Greece
COL+Rent
26.4
Rent Index
8.5
Groceries
41.8
Restaurant
45
Thessaloniki
Greece
COL+Rent
27.6
Rent Index
9.3
Groceries
43.4
Restaurant
47.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Heraklion | Thessaloniki | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $335 | $367 | $32 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $242 | $265 | $23 |
| Groceries | $258 | $268 | $10 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16 | $17 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $25 | $26 | $1 |
| Utilities | $132 | $137 | $5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Heraklion | Thessaloniki |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $644/mo | $684/mo |
| Typical | $990/mo | $1,053/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,332/mo | $1,417/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Heraklion | ≈ in Thessaloniki | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,568/mo | +$68 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,091/mo | +$91 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,136/mo | +$136 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heraklion or Thessaloniki cheaper to live in?
Heraklion is approximately 4% cheaper overall. Heraklion's COL+Rent Index is 26.4 vs Thessaloniki's 27.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Heraklion vs Thessaloniki?
A 1BR in Heraklion city center costs ~$335/mo vs $367/mo in Thessaloniki. Outside the center: $242 vs $265.
What is $2,000/month in Heraklion worth in Thessaloniki?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Heraklion has the purchasing power of approximately $2,091/month in Thessaloniki.
Are groceries cheaper in Heraklion or Thessaloniki?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $258 in Heraklion vs $268 in Thessaloniki. Groceries Index: 41.8 vs 43.4 (NYC = 100).