Despite the richness of Greek gastronomy and coffee culture, a new study shows a sharp gap in the affordability of these products for residents compared to other countries abroad.
A new global study by Chef’s Pencil ranked 177 cities worldwide, comparing the cost of eating out in restaurants, cafes and bars in relation to local wages. The findings show that Athens and Thessaloniki rank among the least affordable cities in Europe, with affordability levels closer to cities in Eastern Europe or Asia than to their counterparts in Western Europe.
Eating out
In Thessaloniki, a mid-range three-course meal (€27 per person) costs 2.6% of the average monthly salary (€1,050). The city ranks 136th worldwide, on par with Chisinau (Moldova) and Istanbul (Turkey).
Athens fares even worse: a similar meal (€33 per person) costs 2.9% of the monthly salary (€1,120). The city ranks 144th worldwide, between Kiev (Ukraine) and Manila (Philippines).
In Athens, the cost of a daily cappuccino (€3.70) consumes over 10% of the monthly salary, one of the highest rates in the world (130th place).
Athens also displays low affordability of beer: consuming 10 beers per month (€5.40 each) corresponds to almost 2.9% of wages, ranking the city 160th worldwide.
