Quality of Life in Greece: Comparison with Europe

Quality of life is a crucial factor for every parent and family, especially when it comes to raising children. Greece faces many challenges in this regard, from the economy and demographics to public services. Let's examine the quality of life in Greece and how it compares to other European countries.

1. Cost of Living: Greece vs. Europe

The cost of living in Greece is lower than in many Western European countries, but wages remain low, creating significant economic pressure on families.

Examples:

• Greece: The average household requires about €1,500-€1,800 per month for basic needs, while the average income is only €1,300-€1,400.
• Italy: Families spend around €2,200-€2,500 per month, but wages are also higher, with an average income of €2,000.
• Sweden: The cost of living is higher, reaching €3,000-€3,500, but with salaries that exceed €3,500-€4,000, Swedes enjoy greater financial comfort.

2. Demographic Challenges: Greece is Aging

Greece faces serious demographic problems with declining birth rates and an aging population.

Comparisons:

• France: With 1.8 births per woman, France manages to maintain a high birth rate thanks to family support policies, such as benefits and parental leave.
• Denmark: With 1.7 births per woman, Denmark offers free preschool education and strong social infrastructures that encourage families to have children.
• Greece: With only 1.3 births per woman, the country is facing a demographic deadlock that necessitates a reevaluation of family support policies.

3. Wages and Unemployment: Economic Insecurity

Low wages and high unemployment burden families in Greece more than in many other European countries.

Examples:

• Greece: The minimum wage is about €780, while unemployment is at 11%.
• Germany: The minimum wage is €2,000, with unemployment at just 3-4%.
• Portugal: Despite challenges, the minimum wage is €950, and unemployment is around 6%, providing more stability for citizens.

4. Health and Social Welfare: Systemic Shortcomings

The Greek healthcare system presents significant gaps, complicating the daily lives of parents.

In the table below we can see Percentage (%) of Individuals Needing Medical Exams or Treatments Not Satisfied (for financial reasons, long waiting lists, distance from the doctor, lack of transportation), by Gender, 2013-2023:

There is an increase in unmet needs between 2021 and 2023, especially among women, who are more affected compared to men.

Examples:

• Sweden: The healthcare system provides high-quality free services, with 4.3 doctors per 1,000 residents, ensuring easy access for all.
• Greece: Despite significant progress, shortages of doctors (3.5 per 1,000 residents) and long waiting lists complicate quick access to healthcare.

5. Education: The "Free" That Costs

Education in Greece is theoretically free, but expenses for tutoring and foreign languages impose a significant burden on families.

Comparisons:

• Finland: Education is completely free, from textbooks to extracurricular activities, with no additional costs for families.
• Germany: High-quality education is provided free of charge, while costs for private tutoring are low.
• Greece: Parents spend €250-€400 per month on tutoring and other activities, although the school system is theoretically free.

6. Housing Prices: Purchase and Rent

Housing prices have risen significantly in recent years, creating financial pressure for many families. Purchasing a home or renting has become more challenging.

Housing Purchase Prices:

• Athens, Greece: The average price for purchasing housing in central areas is approximately €2,500 per sqm. An 80 sqm apartment costs around €200,000.
• Thessaloniki, Greece: In Thessaloniki, the average price is around €1,800 per sqm, with an 80 sqm apartment costing about €144,000.
• Madrid, Spain: Prices reach €4,000 per sqm, meaning an equivalent 80 sqm apartment costs approximately €320,000.
• Lisbon, Portugal: Purchase prices average €3,500 per sqm, with an 80 sqm apartment reaching €280,000.

Rental Prices:

• Athens, Greece: The average rent for an 80 sqm apartment in central areas ranges from €800-€1,000 per month, while in suburbs it is €600-€700 per month.
• Thessaloniki, Greece: Here, rental prices for an 80 sqm apartment are €550-€700 per month.
• Barcelona, Spain: Rental prices reach €1,500-€1,800 per month for similar apartments.
• Berlin, Germany: Rental prices range from €1,200-€1,500 per month, while the German rental market is more regulated, offering more stability compared to the Greek market.

Conclusions on Housing Prices

Greece, while having lower purchase and rental prices compared to countries like Spain and Portugal, continues to experience significant increases in recent years, putting pressure on families and reducing housing affordability. Notably, rental prices in Athens have increased by approximately 30% over the past five years, while increases in other European cities are more moderate, with countries like Germany showing smaller increases of around 10-12% due to stronger regulatory frameworks.

7. Climate Crisis and Daily Life

Climate change increasingly affects daily life in Greece, from high summer temperatures to wildfires and floods.

Examples:

• Greece: Heatwaves are a frequent occurrence in the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, leading to increased household costs for cooling.
• Sweden: Although Sweden experiences milder weather conditions, rising temperatures and extreme rainfall have caused infrastructure problems.

Conclusions

Life in Greece is filled with challenges but also opportunities. Economic pressure, demographic changes, and gaps in public services negatively affect the daily lives of families. However, Greece remains a country with strong social structures, a rich cultural life, and a climate that favors family living.