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Kos, Greece

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,370
Retiree Score
72.0
Safety Index
85.0
Healthcare
9 facilities

With a population of just 33,387, Kos is a small Greek island that relies heavily on tourism. The main town and port serve as a hub for visitors drawn to the island's beaches, but the reality is that navigating local bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. While the Mediterranean climate provides warm, sunny weather, the island has faced occasional disruptions from earthquakes over the centuries. Overall, Kos is best suited for those seeking a laidback island escape, though the seasonal tourist crowds and administrative challenges may prove frustrating for some.

Can I afford Kos?

$

Kos

You could save

1,630/mo

Savings Rate54%

Monthly Costs

Rent $550
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$820

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
54/100
Retiree Score
(i)
72/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
85
Safety
9
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$3
Chicken (1kg) *$11

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$17
Meal (Mid-range) $75
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$93
Mobile Plan (mo) $35
Gym (mo) *$46
Cinema Ticket $14

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $220
1BR Outside (mo) *$177
3BR Center (mo) $400
3BR Outside (mo) *$304

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Kos Town, Psalidi
Best For
retirees, beach lovers, seasonal expats

Expat Life Notes

Kos is a Dodecanese island near Turkey known for beaches and Hippocrates birthplace. A seasonal tourist economy with very few year-round expats.

Pros

  • ✓ Warm climate
  • ✓ Beach lifestyle
  • ✓ Near Turkey

Cons

  • ✗ Seasonal economy
  • ✗ Greek required off season
  • ✗ Limited winter amenities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
603 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Oct, Nov

Also Consider

Ilion, GreeceAttractiveness Score: 61.8Living in Ilion, Greece: An Athens satellite with working-class grit. Lower rents than central Athens but expect bureaucracy and summer heat. Best for no-frillsChalandri (Halandri), GreeceAttractiveness Score: 61.8Living in Chalandri (Halandri), Greece offers metro access to Athens with embassy-level security. Green spaces offset summer heat. Best for diplomats and urban Verviers, BelgiumLiving in Verviers, Belgium offers affordable Walloon living with reliable water infrastructure. Best for cost-focused expats who can handle slow bureaucracy anZayed City, United Arab EmiratesLiving in Zayed City, Egypt offers planned quiet near Cairo, but requires a car and tolerance for heat. Best for expat families seeking space over affordability

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kos

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kos has a population of approximately 33,387 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,375 per month in Kos, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month.

The nearest airport to Kos is KGS, approximately 14km away.

Kos is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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