A British man who moved to Crete with his wife and daughter around 18 months ago claims the difference in the cost of living compared to the UK is “staggering”, saying the move has completely transformed his quality of life.
In a post that has gone viral, he says his experience in Greece has given him a standard of living that he would not have been able to afford in the UK as costs in the UK have risen significantly in recent years.
“Anyone living in the UK is aware that the cost of living has risen dramatically in recent years”he stated, adding that many assume that the situation is similar everywhere in the world, which his experience contradicts, writes express.
The man, identified as Russell Grant, says he moved to Crete to adopt a different lifestyle and is frequently asked how the costs compare to those in the UK.
He explained that before the move he lived in the south-east of England in a two-bedroom semi-detached house in an area he describes as “not of the best”.
“I was paying €1,400 a month in rent, and the bills came to around €200-300 a month, depending on the season,” he declared.
In terms of daily expenses, the Brit says that food had become a financial burden. “You know what’s going on in Britain,” he said, referring to high supermarket prices.
After moving to Crete, the financial situation would have changed radically. He says he now lives in a three-bedroom villa with a roof terrace of about 90 square meters, land around the house and even his own swimming pool and gym.
“Now I live in a gorgeous villa with three bedrooms and a big roof terrace. We have around 100 square meters of land around, we have fresh pomegranates, lemons and clementines every day.” he said.
The cost of this home would be approximately 850 euros per month, claims the British.
“I have my own gym in the back and a small pool for me, my wife and my daughter. And all this costs us 850 euros a month”he declared.
In addition, it states that it does not pay local taxes in Greece, and some services are included or free.
Utility expenses would be around 90–100 euros per month: “Electricity and water cost us around 90-100 euros per month.”
In terms of food, he claims that the family spends around €100–120 per week on fresh produce: “We buy organic food, fruit and vegetables from the locals and the cost is around 100-120 euros per week for all three”.
Also, meals at local restaurants would be significantly cheaper than in the UK: “A meal at a tavern costs us 30–35 euros for eight to nine dishes, with half a carafe of wine, including for our daughter.”
