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| Copyright 2004-2010 Carol Palioudaki. Living in Crete www.livingincrete.net |
| Living in Crete |
| www.livingincrete.net |
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Index > Settling In > About Living in Crete
| About Living in Crete - Live in Crete |
Cost of Living in Crete 2008/2009
The real cost of living in Crete is higher than many imagine, prices in
Greece are spiralling. Since the introduction of the Euro in 2002, costs in
Greece have risen steeply. Basic goods 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 German consumers now pay 66 percent less for
the contents of their shopping trolley than Greeks.
Fresh fruit has shot up 12.3 percent year-on-year in Greece, with fresh
poultry prices up 12.9 percent. Bread and cereal rose by 14.8%.
Greeks pay 25.9 percent more for pasta and 20.3 percent more for flour
compared to a year ago. Seed oil is up 37.1 percent and butter up 13
percent.
Housing costs went up 10.3 percent year-on-year, with rents up 3.9
percent and related municipal charges increasing by 4.6 percent.
Those living in Crete on a fixed income from the UK, such as pensioners,
are feeling the pinch strongly as the pound drops to an all time low
against the euro.
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. Shop at the local farmers market, the laiki.
The overall prices of consumer goods are fairly competitive. Shop around
or buy in the sales (mid January to end February and in August) for extra
bargains.
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.
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.
I settled permanently in Chania in 1986 and married Kostas in 1988. We
have two teenage children who have been brought up in Crete.
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 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, prices in
Greece are spiralling. Since the introduction of the Euro in 2002, costs in
Greece have risen steeply. Basic goods 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 German consumers now pay 66 percent less for
the contents of their shopping trolley than Greeks.
Fresh fruit has shot up 12.3 percent year-on-year in Greece, with fresh
poultry prices up 12.9 percent. Bread and cereal rose by 14.8%.
Greeks pay 25.9 percent more for pasta and 20.3 percent more for flour
compared to a year ago. Seed oil is up 37.1 percent and butter up 13
percent.
Housing costs went up 10.3 percent year-on-year, with rents up 3.9
percent and related municipal charges increasing by 4.6 percent.
Those living in Crete on a fixed income from the UK, such as pensioners,
are feeling the pinch strongly as the pound drops to an all time low
against the euro.
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. Shop at the local farmers market, the laiki.
The overall prices of consumer goods are fairly competitive. Shop around
or buy in the sales (mid January to end February and in August) for extra
bargains.
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.
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.
I settled permanently in Chania in 1986 and married Kostas in 1988. We
have two teenage children who have been brought up in Crete.
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 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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