Choosing the wrong country in Southern Europe could cost you 70% more for the exact same lifestyle.
That’s not an exaggeration – that’s the real difference between the winner and the loser on this list: Spain versus France versus Italy versus Greece versus Cyprus.
After helping hundreds of expats through their European relocations, I kept hearing the same question: which Mediterranean country offers the best value?
So here, I just compared the real costs of living in all five countries using data that actually matters to expats, plus the prices that I saw there with my own eyes – except for France, I travel to these countries multiple times per year.
The results will shock you.
- One country offers €557 monthly rent and €33 doctor visits. Another has €963 rent and €66 medical appointments.
- One country dominated with consistently low costs, while another demands double but offers something incredible no other country can match.
- And the final rankings prove that popular assumptions about European living costs are dead wrong.
The Five Cities That Will Change Your Mind About Europe
To say that France is more expensive than Spain actually means nothing, because prices vary significantly depending on city size and location within each country. For example, Narbonne in France, a town with 51,000 residents, costs much less than major cities like Paris or Marseille.
This same pattern repeats across every country: small towns tend to remain affordable, large cities are consistently more expensive, and mid-sized cities hit the sweet spot between reasonable prices and good amenities. That’s why I selected five mid-sized cities, each with populations between 100,000 and 300,000 residents—one from each country on the list.
These five cities share many similarities. They are all located near coastlines, attract expats looking for a high quality of life at a low cost, and offer a representative picture of the best value each country has to offer. We’ll be comparing them head-to-head using real data.
So, what is the name of these five cities?
Spain is represented by Cadiz, a city in Andalusia with 114,000 people, almost entirely surrounded by water. This coastal location delivers an authentic Spanish lifestyle without the tourist overload found in Barcelona or Madrid, making it one of the best cities for expats who want local charm without the crowds.
France is represented by Montpellier, home to 300,000 residents. Ranking among France’s top cities for quality of life, Montpellier has strong infrastructure and is widely considered one of the five best places in France for expat retirees, as I detailed in a previous video.
Salerno represents Italy, with 128,000 residents and a key role as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Greece is represented by Chania, which has 111,000 residents and sits on the northwest coast of Crete. Chania has access to some of Greece’s most stunning beaches just minutes away and maintains strong infrastructure for a city of its size. In addition, Greece offers some of the most attractive tax incentives in Europe for expats.
Lastly, Cyprus is represented by Larnaca, with 144,000 residents in its district. As a former British colony, Cyprus offers one of the lowest language barriers in the Mediterranean, making it a popular choice for British retirees. Larnaca centers around its Finikoudes promenade and lies conveniently close to Larnaca International Airport. With its relaxed atmosphere, excellent accessibility, and favorable tax schemes similar to Greece’s, Larnaca is a standout option for relocation.
The scoring runs from 0 to 10, where higher scores mean lower costs.
Each factor tells a different story about living costs. We start with…
Healthcare Costs That Could Make or Break Your Budget
The cost of a basic doctor visit across these cities ranges from €30 to €66, meaning that the most expensive option costs more than twice as much as the cheapest one—for the exact same service. .
Montpellier leads with the lowest price, offering private doctor visits for just €30. This affordability is thanks to France’s healthcare regulations, which limit how much even private doctors can charge, and these rules benefit both locals and expats. As a result, Montpellier combines excellent care with low prices, making it an ideal location for anyone who needs regular medical checkups.
In the mid-range, Cadiz and Larnaca both offer visits for €33. Spain allows doctors more freedom to set their own fees, but competition helps keep prices affordable. In Cadiz, you can typically walk into a clinic without an appointment and receive prompt treatment. Larnaca also ensures easy access to healthcare, and many doctors there speak English due to Cyprus’s British legacy. The €33 fee in both cities reflects a strong balance between service quality and cost.
Chania comes next, with visits priced at €44. In Greece, private doctors set their own fees, and many of them have trained abroad, bringing global experience that raises the price—but also the quality—of care. Still, €44 remains reasonable considering the high standard and multilingual service.
At the top of the scale sits Salerno, where a private consultation costs €66. Italy doesn’t impose many restrictions on private doctor fees, and tourist-heavy areas like the Amalfi Coast tend to charge more. If you visit the doctor twice per month, the annual difference becomes significant: you’d spend €713 per year in Montpellier versus €2,440 in Salerno.
That €1,727 difference could easily cover other living costs—or even fund an entire vacation.
Public healthcare access adds another layer to this comparison. In Montpellier, the low cost of private care is just one advantage; once you gain residency, you can also use France’s public healthcare system. Cadiz offers fairly priced private care as well, and in Cyprus, the GeSy system—a hybrid of public and private services—ensures consistent quality.
As one expat in Cyprus shared:
“I’ve used Cyprus’s public health system (GeSy) for the past two years and found it effective and reliable. I never needed private insurance, as GeSy provided efficient, professional care—including two MRIs, two x-rays, full blood tests, and multiple specialist consultations—matching the quality I’d expect from private providers.”
Chania and Salerno present a different picture. Public healthcare in Greece faces more challenges, prompting many expats to rely on private services. In Italy, the quality of public care varies by region, and in the south—where Salerno is located—it’s often slower and less dependable, making private care a necessity for faster treatment.
Language also influences healthcare accessibility. In Larnaca, most doctors speak English, so communication isn’t a problem. Montpellier also has a fair number of English-speaking doctors.
Taking both cost and accessibility into account, Montpellier scores a perfect 10 for healthcare. Cadiz and Larnaca each receive a strong 9. Chania, with its higher price point, gets a 6. Salerno scores 0 due to its high fees.
Healthcare only accounts for 15% of the total score, but it gives us a revealing glimpse into how sharply costs can vary. And the next category—travel—shows even more dramatic differences, with costs that vary by over 1,300% between those mid-sized cities.
By the way, If you’d prefer a video comparing large Southern European cities instead of mid-sized ones, let me know in the comments! A showdown between Seville, Thessaloniki, Nice, Palermo, and others could be really interesting.
The Underestimated Cost That You Should NOT Ignore
Imagine living in a beautiful coastal city—but having to spend €72 every time you need to visit your country’s capital to handle embassy paperwork or renew your visa. That’s not just inconvenient; it’s a major recurring cost that can quietly chip away at your budget.
Capital city access plays a key role in expat life. Whether it’s for visa renewals, embassy appointments, or international flights, being able to reach the capital city easily and affordably matters more than many people realize. Some cities make this process simple and cheap, while others turn it into an expensive and time-consuming burden.
The variation in prices is striking. Travel costs range from just €6 in Larnaca to a staggering €72 in Montpellier—a 1,300% difference for what is essentially the same type of domestic trip.
In Montpellier, a ticket on the TGV train to Paris will cost you €72. While the train is fast and comfortable, that convenience comes at a steep price. This high cost stems from France’s large land area—Paris is located 750 kilometers away, and even with world-class infrastructure, long distances inevitably mean higher prices.
In the middle tier, the story changes. Traveling from Salerno to Rome costs only €17 thanks to Italy’s efficient railways. Paying a bit more for a high speed train, you can cover the distance in just over two hours, making even day trips to the capital entirely realistic.
From Chania, reaching Athens costs €39, but the journey requires a flight. Since Crete is an island, air travel is the only option, which naturally increases the price compared to overland travel. Still, a €39 flight is reasonable, especially considering the distance and logistics involved.
Cadiz, located in southwestern Spain, has a travel cost of €44 to reach Madrid by train. Spain’s rail system connects the two cities well, and this price represents solid value for a 650-kilometer trip.
Cyprus, however, turns the whole equation upside down. Residents of Larnaca can reach the capital, Nicosia, for just €6 by bus. Since the entire country is only 240 kilometers wide from east to west, distances remain short and transportation costs low. This geographic compactness gives Cyprus a serious advantage.
These dramatic differences in cost are largely driven by geography. Cyprus’s small size means short travel distances and minimal expenses, while France’s vast territory creates the opposite situation. Even the best infrastructure can’t overcome the cost of covering long distances regularly.
This factor ends up rewarding geography more than infrastructure quality. Larnaca, with the simplest transport system, ends up on top. Montpellier, despite having some of Europe’s best trains, ends up at the bottom.
So, how do the cities score in this category based on travel costs? Larnaca earns a perfect 10. Salerno follows with 8. Chania scores 6. Cadiz receives 5. Montpellier ends up with 0.
With healthcare and travel now covered, the next two categories shift our focus to the everyday expenses you’ll encounter week after week—and they might surprise you even more.
Dining Out and Other Similar Costs
You might expect Italy to win the food affordability battle, but the numbers tell a different story—one that reshapes expectations about everyday living costs.
Cadiz stands out as the most affordable option for dining out, with dinner for two costing just €35. If you ever find yourself in Cadiz, a local gave us a fantastic tip:
“For cheap, authentic, and fantastic local food in Cádiz, start at the freidurías for pescaíto frito, like the one by the market. Then wander around and find your own adventure. The casco antiguo is full of little bars with great fresh seafood and tapas.”
This kind of local wisdom illustrates just how far your dining budget can stretch in Cadiz, where low prices don’t mean sacrificing quality or experience.
In Salerno, the same type of dinner for two rises to €50. That amount gets you genuine Italian dishes served in local trattorias and pizzerias. These restaurants primarily serve residents rather than tourists, which helps keep prices reasonable. Even though it’s more expensive than Cadiz, the authenticity and consistency of the food still deliver great value.
Montpellier and Chania fall into a very similar range, each averaging €56 for dinner for two. In Montpellier, prices reflect demand driven by a large student population and a vibrant downtown. In Chania, the slightly elevated cost is tied to its popularity with tourists, especially during the high season when visitors flock to the island. Despite this, both cities offer consistent quality and diverse dining options.
Larnaca comes in highest at €61 for a meal out for two. As Cyprus becomes increasingly popular among expats and retirees, particularly from the UK, local demand has pushed prices higher. The dining scene is still relaxed and accessible, but you’ll feel the extra cost compared to places like Cadiz or Salerno.
Based on these prices, we score the cities as follows: Cadiz earns a perfect 10 for affordability and quality. Salerno follows with 8 points. Montpellier and Chania each get 7. Larnaca, as the most expensive, scores 6.
But food isn’t the only recurring cost that can add up.
Fuel prices can quietly impact your monthly budget in unexpected ways.
Larnaca leads once again, but this time on price, offering fuel at just €1.36 per liter. Cyprus maintains some of the lowest fuel taxes in Europe, making it one of the most affordable places to drive. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning weekend trips to beaches like Agia Napa and Protaras, low fuel costs help make it all feasible without stressing your budget.
Cadiz follows closely with fuel priced at €1.55 per liter. Spain’s moderate fuel tax policy helps keep driving affordable, especially for those exploring the Costa de la Luz. While the difference compared to Cyprus may seem small, frequent drivers will definitely notice the long-term savings.
Salerno comes in next at €1.72 per liter. Italy’s fuel taxes are higher, and that can influence decisions around car ownership—especially for expats planning to drive along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast, where fuel consumption increases and prices hit harder.
Montpellier and Chania tie for the highest gas prices at around €1.75 per liter. France and Greece both impose relatively high taxes on fuel, which affects personal and commercial transportation alike. In Montpellier, this is slightly offset by excellent public transport, which may reduce the need for a car. In Chania, while the city center is walkable, traveling around Crete by car becomes significantly more expensive over time.
Fuel prices impact more than just your own driving habits. Higher gas prices also raise costs for deliveries, groceries, online shopping, and even domestic travel. A difference of €0.40 per liter may sound small, but for anyone with a car, it adds up quickly.
For gas prices, Larnaca scores 10. Cadiz gets 8. Salerno receives 6. Montpellier and Chania each get 0 due to their high fuel costs.
Now we enter on the final, and most important factor of all – HOUSING.
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The Rent Reality
Here’s something that might surprise you: the city with the most tourists doesn’t necessarily have the highest rent. Since rent makes up the largest monthly expense for most expats, we assigned it a 40% weight in our final rankings.
This one factor can have an outsized effect on your budget, even if other categories seem affordable – and the differences are huge.
The rental range stretches from just €557 per month in Chania to €963 in Salerno—a 73% gap between cities that offer comparable coastal lifestyles. In Chania, €557 gets you a home.
Salerno, on the other hand, asks €963 for similar access to coastal living. Located near the Amalfi Coast, it commands premium prices simply because so many people want to be there. As a gateway to hotspots like Positano and Amalfi, the demand for housing in Salerno remains high all year long. Property owners capitalize on that demand, driving rents up regardless of season.
The middle-tier cities also reflect clear patterns. Larnaca costs €716 per month—higher than Greece but still reasonable—thanks to its growing popularity with expats. Its convenient location, English-friendly environment, and proximity to the airport all contribute to rising housing costs.
Cadiz comes in at €771 per month, though finding consistent, long-term rentals can be a challenge. Many landlords prefer 10-month contracts that align with academic and tourist seasons, making it harder for expats seeking stable, year-round housing. This seasonal leasing model can complicate your plans, especially if you’re trying to avoid moving twice a year.
Montpellier is the most expensive among the mid-tier cities, with rent averaging €936. The city’s growth, tech appeal, and large student population have created strong demand for housing. Young professionals and students compete for a limited supply, which drives prices higher. While Montpellier offers many advantages, you’re certainly paying for the development and urban vitality it brings.
Seasonal trends shape rental realities across the board. Chania’s dual-market model—high demand in tourist season, quieter off-season—keeps long-term leases accessible and affordable. Cadiz operates under a similar structure, with academic and tourism calendars driving availability and pricing. Salerno, however, bucks this trend. Its year-round appeal, driven by proximity to the Amalfi Coast, means consistently high prices that don’t fluctuate much.
Tourism isn’t the only force at play. Language and expat infrastructure also influence rent. Larnaca’s widespread use of English attracts more international residents, increasing demand and pushing up prices. Montpellier’s rise as a tech hub and student city places similar pressure on its housing supply.
While rent isn’t the only factor in cost-of-living rankings, it does carry more weight than any other. That’s why a city with slightly higher food or healthcare costs can still win the value game if it offers affordable housing—and why a high-rent city can fall short despite strength in other areas.
Based on rental prices alone, Chania scores a perfect 10. Larnaca follows with 6. Cadiz earns 5. Montpellier gets just 1, and Salerno scores 0 due to its steep housing costs.
Greece wins this category outright. Chania offers the most realistic long-term affordability for Mediterranean living, delivering a low rental burden without sacrificing lifestyle, scenery, or access to major amenities.
Rent completes our five key cost categories. Now, it’s time to pull everything together and reveal the final weighted scores that determine which of these cities offers the best overall value.
The Final Ranking of the Cost of Living of Southern European Countries
After running the weighted calculations across all five categories—healthcare, travel, dining, gas, and rent—one city clearly stood out above the rest.
Montpellier finishes in last place with a final score of 2.2 out of 10. Despite earning a perfect 10 for its outstanding healthcare system, the city’s high rent of €936 and the steep €72 travel cost to Paris drag down its overall score. In the end, even top-tier medical access couldn’t compensate for the heavy financial burden in other categories.
Salerno comes in fourth with a score of 3.7. It suffers from the highest rent at €963 and the most expensive doctor visits at €66. While dining in Salerno is affordable, and its train connection to Rome is excellent, those advantages aren’t enough to offset its costly housing and healthcare.
Now we reach the top contenders.
Cadiz secures third place with a score of 6. The city offers a solid mix: rent is moderate at €771, doctor visits are inexpensive at €33, and gas prices are reasonable. Dining is both cheap and high quality, giving Cadiz a solid edge in daily affordability. However, the €44 travel cost to Madrid and the city’s seasonal rental limitations keep it from breaking into the top two.
Larnaca takes second place with a score of 6.7. Cyprus delivers consistency across all categories. Rent comes in at €716, making it one of the more affordable options. Travel to the capital costs only €6—an unbeatable value that earns a perfect score. Gas prices, at €1.36 per liter, are the lowest among all cities, and healthcare is very affordable at €33. Dining is a bit more expensive at €61, but not enough to significantly hurt its overall standing.
Chania claims the top spot with a final score of 7. Its standout advantage is rent: at just €557 per month, it’s the most affordable housing market on the list. That low rent carries significant weight in the final ranking, given its 40% contribution to the total score. Although Chania doesn’t lead in any other category, it performs well enough across the board to secure the win. Gas costs €1.75 per liter, travel to Athens is €39, healthcare is €44, and dining is €56. These are all mid-range values, but combined with its exceptionally low housing cost, they push Chania to the top.
In the end, Greece offers the most budget-friendly Mediterranean lifestyle, and Chania proves that smart location choices can reduce your living costs while still delivering beaches, sunshine, walkability, and solid infrastructure.
Larnaca earns second place for its well-balanced costs across all categories. If you’re a budget-conscious retiree or remote worker, Cyprus offers great value with a strong support system for expats.
Chania and Salerno both remain among the best and cheapest cities to retire in Europe. But for those focused on value, Chania is the clear winner.
That is why Chania is among the best places to retire in Europe. Want to discover the others?
So check this article, where I ranked the best and cheapest cities to retire in Europe.
Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. You can find him on X here. Some of the links above might be affiliated links, meaning the author earns a small commission if you make a purchase.
