Cost of Living on a Boat in Greece (2025 Liveaboard Guide)
- Editor
- Sep 1
- 4 min read
Many sailors dream of dropping anchor in a turquoise bay, sipping coffee in a taverna, and calling the Greek islands home. But when you move from daydreaming to planning, one big question always comes up: what is the real cost of living on a boat in Greece?
The answer is that it depends — on your boat size, where you keep it, and how you like to live. In this guide, I’ll break down the main expenses in 2025, from marinas and food to maintenance and extras, so you can see what a realistic budget looks like.
Marina and Mooring Fees
Your biggest fixed cost will usually be where you keep the boat. In Greece, there are three main options: marinas, town quays, and anchoring.
Marinas: A full-service marina in Athens, like Alimos or Astir, can cost between €600 and €1,000 per month for a 12–14 meter yacht. In smaller regional marinas, such as Kalamata or Preveza, monthly rates might be €300–600. Liveaboard contracts are often cheaper on a long-term basis, but big-city marinas almost always cost more.
Town quays: In many islands and towns, you can tie up at the quay for €10–30 per night, plus a small fee for water and electricity. It’s cheaper, but often noisier and less private.
Anchoring: Completely free — and Greece has countless safe anchorages. The trade-off is that you’ll use your dinghy more, carry groceries longer distances, and run your generator or solar to cover power needs.
When we lived aboard in Greece, we quickly learned that even a few nights per month in a marina added up. But having the balance between free anchoring and a safe marina spot made the lifestyle sustainable.
If you’re planning to base your boat in Greece, check out our full guide to the best marinas in Greece for liveaboards.
Food and Daily Life
One of the joys of Greece is that food is both delicious and affordable.
Groceries: For two people, expect to spend €300–500 per month, depending on how much you cook onboard. Supermarkets are cheaper than Northern Europe, and local markets often have fresh produce and fish at great prices.
Eating out: A meal in a local taverna costs around €15–20 per person, including wine. A coffee at a café is €2–3, and a gyro wrap is under €5. Eating out often can double your budget quickly, but enjoying a few meals ashore each week is part of the Greek charm.
Cooking onboard most days and treating yourself at tavernas on weekends is a good balance for both the budget and the soul.
Fuel and Utilities
Fuel costs are another variable.
Diesel: In 2025, diesel in Greece averages €1.60–1.80 per liter. For a cruising couple who mostly sail, expect €50–150 per month, but heavy motoring quickly increases this.
Cooking gas: Bottled gas costs about €20–30 per month for a typical liveaboard.
Electricity and water: In marinas, €30–100 per month depending on consumption. If you anchor often and rely on solar or wind, you can keep this near zero.
Our solar panels covered nearly all our needs when at anchor, but a week in a marina in midsummer with air conditioning running meant a noticeable bill.
Boat Maintenance and Insurance
This is the category many new liveaboards underestimate. A common rule of thumb is to budget 5–10% of the boat’s value per year for maintenance and upgrades. Spread over 12 months, that can be €200–500 or more.
Haul-out and yard work: In Preveza, Lefkas, or Rhodes, a haul-out for a 12-meter yacht with a few weeks ashore might cost €1,500–2,000.
Insurance: For a 40-foot yacht, expect €1,000–1,500 annually, depending on your policy and cruising range.
Unexpected repairs — a broken autopilot or a sail tear — can add hundreds quickly. It’s wise to keep a reserve fund.
Lifestyle Extras
Life aboard isn’t only about the basics.
Internet: Local SIM cards with unlimited data cost €30–50 per month. Starlink Maritime or Roam adds €100–150 per month, depending on your plan.
Transport: Renting a scooter on an island costs €15–25 per day, while longer-term car rentals are €300–500 per month.
Health insurance: Many cruisers keep private policies or pay for local care as needed. A simple doctor’s visit is often under €50, but insurance provides peace of mind.
These extras make a big difference in your monthly spend.
Example Monthly Budgets
Here’s what the cost of living on a boat in Greece looks like in practice:
Budget cruiser (anchoring most of the time, cooking onboard): €800–1,200 per month
Comfortable liveaboard (mix of marinas and anchorages, some meals out): €1,500–2,000 per month
High comfort (full marina stays, frequent dining out, extras): €2,500–3,000+ per month
It’s flexible. A frugal sailor can live cheaply, while a comfort-seeker can easily spend more than they would ashore.
Why Choose Greece?
Compared to Italy or France, Greece is more affordable, while Croatia often feels pricier with its marina fees and national park charges. Greece, on the other hand, offers a balance of fair costs, countless free anchorages, and an endless variety of islands to explore.
And beyond the numbers, living aboard in Greece means morning swims in turquoise bays, evenings with new friends in the cockpit, and memories that far outweigh the euros spent.
Conclusion
Living on a boat in Greece is not just a dream — it’s a practical lifestyle choice for many cruisers. The costs depend on your choices, but with smart planning, it can be affordable and deeply rewarding.
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FAQs
Is it cheap to live on a boat in Greece?
It can be. A couple anchoring most of the time can live for under €1,200 per month. Staying in marinas and eating out often raises the cost closer to €2,500–3,000.
How much does a marina in Greece cost per month?
A 12-meter yacht costs €300–1,000 per month depending on the marina. Athens Riviera marinas are the most expensive, while regional marinas like Kalamata are cheaper.
Can you live on a boat in Greece year-round?
Yes, but winter weather means you’ll want a safe marina with facilities. Popular options include Kalamata, Preveza, and Lefkas.
Is Greece cheaper than Croatia for liveaboards?
Generally yes. Croatia’s marina fees are higher, while Greece has more options for free anchoring and affordable town quays.
