Thinking about relocating to Italy or Greece? This comprehensive Italy vs Greece comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional considering a move to Europe, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
+50%
Italy pays more
Italy
€33,000
avg. salary
Greece
€22,000
avg. salary
Italy vs Greece Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€33,000€22,000Median Salary
€28,000€18,000Minimum Wage
€0€12,320Top 10%
€65,000€40,000Work-Life Balance: Italy vs Greece
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours
40 hours
Annual Leave
20-26 days (varies by contract)
20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years)
Public Holidays
12 days
14 days
Sick Leave
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
Up to 6 months at 50% via social security (EFKA)
Maternity Leave
5 months at 80% salary
17 weeks at full pay
Paternity Leave
10 days at 100% salary
14 days paid
Italy vs Greece for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Italy
Why Work in Italy
Quality of Life
Excellent food, culture, climate, and work-life balance with emphasis on enjoying life.
Lower Cost of Living
Outside Milan, living costs are significantly lower than Northern Europe.
Strong Worker Protections
Robust labor laws, generous leave, and mandatory severance fund (TFR).
Cultural Experience
World-class art, history, cuisine, and lifestyle opportunities.
Healthcare
Universal healthcare system ranked among the best in the world.
Challenges of Living in Italy
Lower Salaries
Wages are generally lower than Northern Europe, especially in tech.
Bureaucracy
Complex administrative processes and paperwork can be frustrating.
Language Barrier
English proficiency in workplaces varies; Italian is often necessary.
Economic Uncertainty
Higher unemployment rates, especially for youth, and slower economic growth.
Regional Disparities
Significant economic gap between North and South Italy.
Greece
Why Work in Greece
Low Cost of Living
One of the most affordable countries in the eurozone, especially outside Athens
Mediterranean Lifestyle
Excellent climate, food, culture, and a relaxed quality of life year-round
Tax Incentives
Special regimes for foreign workers: 50% tax exemption for new residents, digital nomad programs
Growing Tech Scene
Athens is becoming a notable startup hub with increasing venture capital investment
EU Membership
Full eurozone member with freedom of movement for EU citizens
Challenges of Living in Greece
Lower Salaries
Wages are below the EU average, though cost of living partially compensates
High Social Security
Combined employee + employer contributions exceed 36% of gross salary
Bureaucracy
Administrative processes can be slow and complex, especially for non-Greek speakers
Limited Industries
Job market is concentrated in tourism, shipping, and services; fewer opportunities in manufacturing
Tax Rates Italy vs Greece
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Italy
- Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%
- Regional tax (1.23%-3.33%) and municipal tax (0%-0.9%) on top of national tax
- Social security contribution around 9.19% for employees
- Mandatory 13th month salary (Tredicesima)
- TFR severance fund accrual of ~6.91% per year
- Flat tax regime available for new residents (Impatriati regime)
Greece
- Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025)
- Social Security (EFKA): 13.87% employee + 22.04% employer
- 14 monthly payments (12 regular + Christmas, Easter & vacation bonuses)
- Tax credit of €777 (phased out above €12,000 income)
- Solidarity surcharge abolished since 2023
- Minimum wage: €880/month (2026)
Best Cities to Work in Italy and Greece
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Italy
Greece
How to Find Jobs in Italy vs Greece
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Italy
Greece
Work Visa Options: Italy vs Greece
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Italy Work Visas
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree or equivalent experience.
Work Visa (Nulla Osta)
Standard work permit for non-EU nationals with a job offer.
Self-Employment Visa
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals.
Digital Nomad Visa
New visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies (from 2024).
Greece Work Visas
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for foreign clients
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified workers from outside the EU
National Work Visa (Type D)
Standard work visa for non-EU nationals with a job offer
Frequently Asked Questions: Italy vs Greece
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Italy vs Greece?
The average salary in Italy is €33,000 per year, while in Greece it is €22,000 per year. This represents a 50% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Italy or Greece?
Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours work week. Greece offers 20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years) annual leave and 14 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Italy and Greece?
In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 days at 100% salary. In Greece, maternity leave is 17 weeks at full pay and paternity leave is 14 days paid.
Is it better to work in Italy or Greece as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Italy offers: Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Greece offers: Low Cost of Living, Mediterranean Lifestyle. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Italy and Greece?
Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. Greece: Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025). Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Italy or Greece
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
