Greece: cost of living

What is the government doing about fuel prices in Greece?

From 15 to 31 October 2026, the state subsidises fuel at the pump by 20 cents a litre for heating oil, 15 cents for diesel and 10 cents for unleaded 95 petrol (from 17 October), according to the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. It puts the cost at €46 million for the fortnight.

The ministry says refinery discounts add 20 cents a litre on heating oil and 5 cents on diesel. It expects heating oil to cost about €1.55 a litre instead of about €1.95, and about €1.35 for households also receiving the heating allowance, which it is raising by 30%. Fuel prices rose sharply over the past year, according to ELSTAT.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: Fuel subsidies, October 2026 · ELSTAT: Consumer Price Index, September 2026

What share of people in Greece are at risk of poverty?

27.5% of people in Greece were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, up from 26.9% in 2024 and 26.1% in 2023, according to Eurostat.

This EU measure counts people with income below 60% of the national median after social transfers, people who cannot afford several basic items, and people in households where adults work very little. The income figures usually refer to the previous year. ELSTAT runs the survey in Greece and publishes national results.

Official sources: Eurostat: Persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion (ilc_peps01n)

What is Greece's inflation rate?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Greece was 2.5%, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 9.6%; its low point was 2015, at -1.7%. It is 32nd highest of 48 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 3.7%. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 91st highest.

How much do people in Greece spend?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Greece was $15,806, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at $16,141; its low point was 2013, at $12,021. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was $11,266, and Greece placed 18th highest of 44. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 24th highest.

What is the extreme poverty rate in Greece?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2023, is 0.6%. The peak was 2.1% in 2012 and the low 0.2% in 2018. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 0.4%, and Greece placed 13th highest of 34. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 34th highest.

What is the poverty rate in Greece?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Greece at 18.8% in 2021. Since 2005 it has ranged from 17.7% (2019) to 23.1% (2011). It is 15th highest of 40 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 15.9%. World rank, highest first: 40th of 72.

What is Greece's Gini coefficient?

According to the World Bank, the Gini index in Greece was 33.4 in 2023. The peak was 36.3 in 2012 and the low 32.9 in 2018. Europe & Central Asia median: 31.5; Greece is 12th highest of 34. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 33rd highest.

How many people in Greece go hungry?

In 2024, moderate or severe food insecurity in Greece was 7.1%, according to the FAO. Its high point since 2015 was 2017, at 16.6%; its low point was 2021, at 6.3%. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; Greece is 29th highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 113th of 135.