Retire in Greece vs Italy: The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

Applicants must demonstrate a monthly net income of at least €3,500, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% per child.

Yes, Greece offers a 50% income tax exemption for 7 years to qualifying nomads who commit to staying for at least two years.

The nomad visa itself is for 1 year (renewable for 2), but 5 years of legal residence can lead to permanent residency eligibility.

Public healthcare is accessible to residents, but nomads usually maintain private insurance, which is high quality and relatively low cost.

The threshold for real estate investment has increased to €800k in high-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, islands) and €400k elsewhere.

Major islands like Crete and Rhodes have excellent fiber, while smaller islands are now largely covered by high-speed Starlink.

A single person can live comfortably on €1,800–€2,200 per month, which is significantly lower than in Northern Europe.

Greece is very safe with low violent crime rates; common sense is sufficient even in busy urban centers.

No, the visa strictly prohibits local employment; all income must come from employers or clients based outside Greece.

Greece averages over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a top choice for those seeking a Mediterranean climate.

You must be 'highly qualified,' earn at least €28,000/year, and have health insurance and a registered lease in Italy.

Retirees moving to certain small towns in Southern Italy can pay a flat 7% tax on all foreign income for 10 years.

Nomads must have private insurance initially. Once you have a residency permit, you can register for the National Health Service (SSN) for a fee.

The residence permit you must apply for within 8 days of arriving in Italy on a long-stay visa.

Northern cities (Milan, Florence) are expensive, while the South and rural areas (Umbria, Sicily) offer an incredible lifestyle for €1,500/month.

Yes, there are no restrictions for most nationalities. The '€1 House' schemes still exist in some depopulated villages.

Cities have fast fiber (Open Fiber), but rural 'Borghi' may have slower connections; check connectivity before signing a lease.

Italy is very safe for violent crime, though petty theft (pickpocketing) is common in tourist areas like Rome and Naples.

A tax ID number required for everything: renting an apartment, getting a SIM card, or opening a bank account.

In major cities, English is okay, but for daily life, social integration, and bureaucracy, conversational Italian is essential.