Moving to Greece from the UK has two separate budgets: getting your belongings there, and paying for life once you arrive. The removal cost depends on your volume, collection and delivery points, access, service level and timing. Your living costs depend largely on where in Greece you settle and how you plan to live.
There is no honest one-price answer for a UK to Greece move. A proper survey is the only way to price your own move accurately. This guide shows where the money goes, what to include in your budget, and the practical route Central Moves uses for household removals to Greece.
What makes a UK to Greece removal cost more or less?
Cost factor | Why it matters | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
Volume | International removals are priced around the space your belongings occupy, normally measured in cubic metres. | Use our Moving Volume Calculator for an early indication, then arrange a survey for an accurate figure. |
Collection and delivery address | Distance, vehicle access, stairs, lifts, parking and the final delivery point all affect labour and vehicle planning. | Tell your mover about narrow roads, restricted access, apartment floors and any ferry connection to an island. |
Mainland or island delivery | Island moves can involve extra handling, timed ferry connections and a local delivery arrangement. | Give the full Greek address, including postcode, as early as possible. |
Dedicated load or part load | A dedicated vehicle gives you more control over timing. A shared or groupage load can be more economical for smaller volumes but timing is less flexible. | Decide whether a fixed delivery date matters more than keeping the transport cost down. |
Packing and materials | Professional packing, export wrapping and specialist preparation add to the quote but reduce the work you need to do before collection. | Decide what you will pack yourself and flag fragile, large or unusual items at survey stage. |
Storage and timing gaps | Storage may be needed if your Greek property is not ready when you leave the UK. | Build in a contingency if your sale, rental or completion dates are not fully confirmed. |
Insurance and customs paperwork | Cover and documentation should be considered before the move date, not after collection. | Ask what information is required for your particular circumstances and read the policy terms carefully. |
How Central Moves gets household belongings to Greece
For most household moves from the UK to Greece, Central Moves uses a road-and-ferry route. This is a practical option for full household loads as well as smaller consignments, rather than relying solely on container shipping.
- Road journey through Europe. The removal vehicle travels from the UK to an Italian port. The road section is typically around two days, subject to the collection point, route and normal road conditions.
- Direct ferry crossing to Greece. From Ancona, direct sailings serve Greek ports including Corfu, Igoumenitsa and Patras. The crossing is typically around 24 hours.
- Final delivery planning. The vehicle then completes delivery to the mainland address, or onward arrangements are made where the final destination is on an island.
This route avoids your household effects sitting at a container port while a groupage container is filled. It also gives Central Moves more control over the movement of a road load from collection through to delivery.
Road and ferry or sea freight?
Option | May suit | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
Road and ferry | Household moves where you want a more direct, road-based service. | Timing still depends on collection location, ferry schedules, delivery access and the scale of the move. |
Dedicated container | Some larger or more specific shipping requirements. | Port procedures, collection and onward delivery still need to be planned. |
Groupage container | Smaller loads where flexibility on timing is acceptable. | The shipment may wait until there is enough cargo to make up the container. |
Build your Greece moving budget in the right order
Start with the parts you can obtain accurately, then add a sensible contingency. Do not use an online average as your final moving budget.
- Get a removal survey. This gives you a quote based on your own volume, UK address, Greek delivery point and service level.
- Confirm your property dates. Work out whether you need temporary accommodation or storage at either end of the move.
- List one-off arrival costs. Deposits, travel, furniture, appliances, car arrangements and pets can be significant.
- Set a monthly living budget. Price the actual area you plan to live in, rather than relying on a Greece-wide average.
- Keep a contingency. Allow for a delay, a change of address, additional access work or a purchase you did not plan to make immediately.
One-off costs people often forget
Cost to plan for | Why it is often missed |
|---|---|
Rental deposit and first month’s rent | These can be due together, before you have had time to settle in. |
Temporary accommodation | Your property, furniture and personal arrival date do not always line up. |
Storage | A short gap between leaving the UK and taking possession in Greece can turn into several weeks. |
Furniture and appliances | Some people choose not to move lower-value items, then need replacements quickly after arrival. |
Island delivery arrangements | Final-mile logistics can be different from a mainland delivery. |
Vehicle costs | Importing, registering, insuring or replacing a vehicle should be budgeted separately from the household removal. |
Pet travel | Veterinary appointments, certificates and travel arrangements need to be planned in good time. |
What does it cost to live in Greece?
The answer depends on where you choose to live, your lifestyle and whether you are moving alone or with a family. Greece can offer a lower day-to-day cost of living than many parts of the UK and Northern Europe, but the gap is much smaller in Athens, popular island locations and areas with high seasonal demand.
The figures below are practical planning estimates, not a guarantee. Check current local listings and service costs for the exact area you are considering before relying on them for your move budget.
Monthly rent in Greece
| Location | One-bedroom apartment | Family apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | €700 to €1,200 | €1,200 to €2,000 |
| Thessaloniki | €550 to €900 | €900 to €1,500 |
| Smaller mainland cities | €400 to €700 | €700 to €1,200 |
| Popular islands | Seasonal demand can make rents significantly higher, particularly in sought-after areas. | |
Accommodation will usually be the largest monthly expense. The island point matters: a property that feels affordable out of season may be much harder to secure, or more expensive, during the summer.
Everyday living costs
Budget area | Useful planning figure | What can change the cost? |
|---|---|---|
Groceries, one person | €250 to €400 a month | Imported brands, shopping habits and where you live. |
Groceries, couple | €400 to €650 a month | How often you cook at home and the products you buy. |
Groceries, family of four | €700 to €1,000 a month | Children’s ages, diet and reliance on imported goods. |
Coffee | €3 to €5 | Tourist areas and premium venues can be higher. |
Casual lunch | €15 to €30 per person | Location, menu choice and season. |
Dinner for two | €50 to €100 | Area, drinks and the type of restaurant. |
Utilities, internet and mobile | Allow around €150 to €300 a month for a family apartment | Air conditioning in summer and heating in winter can push electricity bills up. |
Fresh local produce, olive oil, fish and dairy can be good value. Imported branded goods, fuel and electricity can cost more than people expect, so it is worth making a separate allowance for them.
Healthcare and transport
- Healthcare: Greece has public and private healthcare. The right option depends on your residency status and personal circumstances. Many people moving from the UK also investigate private cover and English-speaking providers before they relocate.
- Public transport: Athens and Thessaloniki have public transport networks. Athens also has a Metro system.
- Car ownership: Outside the main cities, a car can be more practical. Budget separately for fuel, insurance, maintenance and parking.
Monthly budget examples
Budget item | Single professional | Couple | Family of four |
|---|---|---|---|
Rent | €850 | €1,100 | €1,600 |
Utilities | €180 | €220 | €300 |
Groceries | €350 | €600 | €900 |
Transport | €60 | €100 | €250 |
Leisure and entertainment | €300 | €400 | Varies |
Estimated monthly total | About €1,740 | About €2,420 | About €3,000 to €4,000 |
These examples are designed to help you plan, not to set a fixed cost of living. A remote worker or pensioner may find Greece very affordable, while a family choosing a high-demand island location or private schooling will need a larger budget.
Residency, customs and paperwork
Since the UK left the EU, you should check your residency route and the paperwork for household effects before fixing a collection date. Immigration, customs and removal arrangements are related but separate processes. The requirements can change, so use current official guidance for your own circumstances rather than relying on a general online summary.
- Check the residency or visa route that applies to you.
- Confirm what documentation is needed for your household effects.
- Keep copies of your inventory, identification and property documents.
- Ask about any items that need declaring or cannot be included in the removal.
- Arrange pet paperwork separately if you are travelling with an animal.
How to get an accurate cost for your move to Greece
Central Moves can quote from a home or video survey. That allows the team to assess the actual volume, access, packing needs, route and delivery arrangements, including a mainland or island destination. It is a much more reliable basis for budgeting than a generic online figure.
For more on the service, see Central Moves’ European removals service. You can also use the Moving Volume Calculator before arranging your survey.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from the UK to Greece?
The cost depends on the volume being moved, collection and delivery addresses, access, service level, timing, storage and whether the destination is on the mainland or an island. A survey is the best way to obtain a firm figure for your move.
How long does a UK to Greece removal take?
On Central Moves’ road-and-ferry route, the road journey to the Italian port is typically around two days and the direct crossing from Ancona to Greece is around 24 hours. The overall schedule depends on collection, ferry timings and final delivery arrangements.
Is a dedicated load better than groupage?
It depends on the size of the move and how fixed your delivery date needs to be. A dedicated load gives more control over timing, while groupage can suit smaller consignments where there is more flexibility.
Do I need to arrange storage before moving to Greece?
Only if your move dates leave a gap between leaving your UK property and taking possession of your Greek home. It is worth planning for storage early if either date is uncertain.
Can Central Moves deliver to a Greek island?
Island moves need extra planning because ferry schedules and final delivery access can affect the service. Give the full address early so the delivery arrangements can be priced and planned correctly.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Information about residency, customs, pets and insurance can change. Always check the current official requirements that apply to your own move.