Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Crete's vibrant capital with the Minoan palace of Knossos, Venetian walls, and a bustling harbor.
Below Average vs Greece avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Heraklion vs Greece Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 22.0%
- VAT: 24.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €13,500
- Unemployment: 13.5%
- Population: 173,993
Climate
- Sunny Days: 270/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 48°F
Housing
- Median Home: €160,000
- 1BR Rent: €570/mo
Cost of Living
Heraklion's cost of living index is 96 (Greece average = 100).
| Category | Heraklion | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 96 | 100 | -4.0% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Data source: ELSTAT, Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €160,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €570/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €713/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €106 |
Data source: Spitogatos, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Heraklion:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €90 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Greek household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €11 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating (limited usage in mild climates) |
| Cooling (AC) | €7 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €32 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €30 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | €170 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: RAE, EDA, EYDAP 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Heraklion
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €684/mo.
Heraklion Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €627/mo.
East Heraklion
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €513/mo.
West Heraklion
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €542/mo.
Remote Work Score
Heraklion scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Heraklion has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F | 48°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 63°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 66°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 22%
- VAT: 24%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 13.5%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Heraklion, Crete, Greece?
The cost of living index in Heraklion is 96, which is Lower the Greece national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Heraklion?
The median home price in Heraklion is €160,000. The housing index is 88.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Heraklion is approximately €570/mo.
Does Heraklion, CR have income tax?
Heraklion is in CR, which has an income tax rate of 22%.
What is the climate like in Heraklion?
Heraklion enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,88°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.48°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ELSTAT, Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Spitogatos, 2026
- Income & Employment: ELSTAT Labour Force Survey, 2024
Data last updated: July 11, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.