What are the advantages of living in Greece compared to Russia?

About the author

Natalia Kovaleva, who works as the sales director at Real Estate Services Greece, moved to Greece less than a year ago with her family. They currently live in the suburbs of Thessaloniki. In this article, you will get to know the first part of her experience about how their family packed their belongings and quickly made the move to their permanent residence in Greece.

Seasonal diet of the Greeks

The Greeks are known for their pursuit ofseasonal eatingUnfortunately, I was unable to organize the accounting of food expenses, but I can confidently state that our range of food products and the associated costs have remained the same. At the same time,the quality of the goods we purchasehas noticeably increased.

In our area, there are many supermarkets that are open every day. In addition, local markets are held twice a week – on Mondays and Fridays.marketsWhere can I buy fresh vegetables and fruits at more reasonable prices?

Grocery shopping

Residents of Greece prefer to buy products that are characteristic of the current season. At markets, you won't find items that are not related to this time of year. On holidays, they prepare dishes exclusively from fresh seasonal products, which gives their culinary creations a unique taste and freshness.

• Fresh sea fish
• Seafood
• Meat
• Homemade bread
• Milk

All of this is available in small shops, which brings true delight to food enthusiasts. For example, a liter...freshly squeezed orange juiceIt can be purchased in any supermarket for just 2 euros, released from special vending machines.

Restaurants and cafeterias

Cafes, restaurants, and taverns in Greece offer a rich selection of dishes to suit every taste. They usually prepare food of good quality, and the prices are significantly lower than in similar establishments in Russia. For example, a meal for four people in a restaurant will cost around 40-50 euros. In fast food places, you can find a menu...tavernwhere the dishes are not only delicious but also served quickly – everything is prepared in just a few minutes.

One of the popular dishes among Greeks isgyrosMeat marinated in spices is grilled and served in pita with a variety of fresh vegetables. This is similar to Turkish döner or shawarma, and it costs only 2-2.5 euros. Among other popular dishes, we can mention:

• Falafel
• Seafood in batter (mize)
• Fried potatoes

Housing conditions

Regarding living conditions, it is worth noting that Greeks prefer apartments with good heating. As for utility costs, it can be said that the price...electricityIn Greece, it is quite high, while the fee forwatermuch lower. On average, we spend about 60 euros a month on electricity and around 15 euros on water.

However, the largest expenses in our budget are related to heating, especially in areas where there is no gas supply. In such cases, we are forced to use diesel fuel or electricity to heat our living space. In our case, heating is provided by a diesel boiler, and the heating system is individual.

Heating expenses

During the past winter, our heating expenses amounted to 800 euros. This is due to our habit of living in a comfortable and warm atmosphere. Even though we maintained the temperature at 22 degrees, the costs were still quite high.

Electricity bills

With the arrival of spring, electricity bills decrease a bit, but with the onset of summer, they rise again due to the use of air conditioners. We also have a large number of electrical devices. For example, in Russia, we actively used a humidifier, while here we have a dehumidifier that can collect up to five liters of water overnight due to the high humidity.

Utility costs

As for utility expenses, such as garbage collection, road maintenance, and lighting, they are included in the municipal tax. The amount usually varies depending on the area and ranges from 1.5 to 3 euros per square meter per year, with payment made proportionally to the amounts indicated in the electricity bills.

Connection and internet

Unlimited internet will cost us about 23 euros per month, while mobile service with a corporate plan will be 100 euros. An interesting fact: there is no car-sharing system in Greece, but scooters are in high demand. The local public transport runs regularly throughout the city and its surroundings, and the cost of a one-way trip is 1 euro.

Transport

We prefer not to use public transport since the school bus picks up the kids. My husband and I commute to work in our own cars, and the price of gasoline is 1.6 euros per liter. Although car rentals are available, car-sharing is not common here. Instead of bicycles, scooters are popular, which can also be rented.

Climate and clothing

The climate in Greece is a significant advantage for living. Firstly, it greatly reduces expenses on clothing and footwear. There is no need for warm winter jackets, heavy pants, or fur boots that we usually wear in the cold season. The main wardrobe of the locals consists of the following items:

• Light clothing
• Jeans
• Sneakers
• T-shirts
• Shorts

Health and medical expenses

It is also worth noting that there are significant savings on medications and doctor visits. With so many sunny days in the year and the opportunity to live near the sea, your physical and emotional well-being improves noticeably. Throughout the entire year, neither I nor my children got sick even once, although I was worried about potential new infections.

Quality of life

In addition, it is important to mention the overall improvement in quality of life. The reason is likely the favorable environmental conditions in Greece, which are significantly better than in Russia.Clean sea airandnutritious food productsThey provide an excellent opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle. The environmental situation in Greece is one of the most favorable in Europe, which contributes not only to physical but also to emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Thus, life in Greece brings many positive changes both in daily life and in overall well-being.

An abundance of culinary delights

In conditions that promote an improved quality of life, there arises the opportunity to enjoy a variety of culinary delights. Imagine a morning: for breakfast, you have homemade yogurt waiting for you, for lunch, you will savor freshly caught sea bass, and in the evening, you can look forward to vibrant vegetable salads, a piece of gourmet cheese, and a glass of local wine.

The healthcare system of Greece

In Greece, the public healthcare system fully covers all expenses related to medical services, which significantly contributes to reducing morbidity. However, there are cases when visiting a doctor becomes absolutely necessary, especially in the case of children's injuries or sudden conditions. For these situations, there is a public health insurance system that allows residents to freely access public healthcare facilities and covers all treatment costs.

The process of obtaining medical services

Making an appointment with a specialist in Greece is quite easy, the main thing is to do it in advance.

Education and protests in Greece

In various regions of the world, the situation has developed in such a way that law enforcement agencies are unable to access certain territories. This circumstance has created safe spaces for activists representing diverse policies and social movements. In this context, a new concept has emerged – "catalipsy," which denotes a particular form of strike, the roots of which trace back to Greece.

The essence of this movement is that people arrive at their workplaces or educational institutions, only to find that the doors are locked, and the posters hung up with demands to the management indicate dissatisfaction. These issues can relate to a wide range of topics, such as:

• low salaries and high taxes;
• the unacceptable cost of lunches in the school cafeteria;
• protests against the use of the name Macedonia for the neighboring state.

Each case vividly demonstrates a multitude of relevant reasons for dissatisfaction.

Comparison with the situation in our country

When it comes to the situation in our country, everything is much more predictable: you either accompany your parents to school or face the consequences in the form of a reprimand from the rector or management. In contrast, Greece has a different practice. Here, you can expect to be heard and for an effort to be made to find a solution to the problem at hand. Even if it doesn't work out, you will simply be offered support and understanding. This allows us to speak of the presence of elements of democracy in society.

Culture and religious traditions

The school day in Greek schools begins with a prayer. Greeks are famous for their hospitality and open attitude towards guests, which makes them less prone to xenophobia. The new wave of migrants arriving from Syria and Lebanon received help from local residents who shared food, clothing, and other necessities. At the same time, it is important for Greeks that their culture, country, and religious traditions are respected.

In Greece, the predominant religion is Orthodoxy, and all children, regardless of their nationality, are required to participate in school prayers, even if they do not practice this faith. This is part of assimilating local traditions and way of life. If a celebration related to the syrtaki is organized at school, students are encouraged to participate, which implies adherence to local customs since they live in Greece.

Religious practices in schools

There have been instances when all the students were gathered for communion before a significant religious event. All the children participated, regardless of their cultural background. This time, one boy decided to refuse: "I don't want to drink from the same cup as the others." The reaction to his decision was completely appropriate: no one scolded or pressured him; they simply offered him to stay nearby, observe, and understand that in the future he would be able to make his own choice.

Emigrant syndrome

While observing life in another country, I noticed that the immigrant syndrome can arise in various corners of the world. When everyday life becomes unbearable or uninteresting, when we lose satisfaction from work, studies, or personal life, a strong nostalgia for times and places that seem more appealing begins. Unfortunately, many immigrants struggle to find a place for their skills in the new reality.

Some people don't even try to find a job, get a new education, or learn the language—they remain stuck in their past. These individuals live with memories of their homeland, watch Russian TV channels, and sometimes have more accurate information about the weather in Moscow than the locals. Ultimately, adapting to another country is not an easy task; however, learning new skills and opening up new horizons is essential for a fulfilling existence.

Conclusion

In concluding our story about life in Greece, I want to emphasize how unique and rich this experience is. My family and I were able to adapt to a new way of life, full of vibrant impressions and new discoveries, in just a short time. Every day here brings us small joys, whether it's fresh greens at the local market or a delicious lunch at a tavern where we enjoy dishes made from seasonal ingredients.

Reviews of Greek culture and gastronomy only confirm that we made the right choice by choosing this sunny corner of Europe as our home. I've noticed how adding fresh and quality products to our diet has improved the overall well-being of the whole family. Our summer wardrobe has transformed from winter worries into a new lifestyle based on comfort and simplicity. We now have the opportunity to enjoy active leisure and engage in activities that truly bring us joy.

Household features

Although life in Greece has its own peculiarities, such as:

• high utility costs
• the need to adapt to a new climate

We overcame all difficulties with a smile and without much effort. Being responsible for our financial spending requires attention, but it only motivates us to find more advantageous solutions.

Our new way of life

I look at our new home with optimism, realizing that every morning we wake up in a world that is filled with:

• sunny days
• exquisite food
• friendly people

We enjoy a high quality of life, a favorable environment, and many opportunities for leisure and entertainment.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, I can say one thing: if you have ever thought about moving, let it be Greece! Here, you will not only find new horizons but also achieve harmony with yourself and the world around you. Our story is just the beginning, and undoubtedly, new adventures and discoveries await us ahead.