Chania, Crete

From 2015 to 2019 I have lived in Chania. There were not many expats, mainly older brithisn expats. Some artists, writers etc... Organic shops just starting ,spiritual community just starting.. Few scattered ppl across the west of Crete. It has apparently started to change now, more and more expats coming, I see more and larger FB nomad groups.. back then there was absolutely nothing of such kind. I had tried to create community through couchsurfing back then and met a few interesting people. However I can confirm what was written before. There sems to be a nomad group and coworking now in Chania. Check in Facebook, I saw it.

Since 2019 the prices have risen and rent has not been affordable anymore. that's why I left in 2019. I was unable of find an apartment to rent all year. They tolerate you from Septebemr to May, then you have to leave.. where to? Even if you were ok to pay 700EUR plus amonth for an apartment, I couldn't find anyone interested in renting out year round. Mind you I do speak greek.
The greeks just make airbnb for 3 months in summer, then go to the olive picking...dancing in winter then spring comes back. ITs a simple life for them and they don't think much ahead. And they obviously dont need the extra income from housing. They all still own houses and land, so they dont need to worry about basic needs. Easiest is probably if you just buy a house in a village. But that comes with structural problems.

Police, hospitals, public services, workers, are not reliable. Also if you have greek friends, they are nice as long as you give money, but you will never be part of the family and you can never rely fully on them. Just be warned. Good to have a mix of friends. You ned the greeks to get the greek price and to get treated right otherwise you will be screwed over all the time.

If you are ok to bitt eh bullet, it can be enjoyable. Weather and the sea is great, and food is amazing. If you are very very patient then it might be your thing. It really depends what you are looking for. Internet was terrrible back then. Dont know about now... in 2022. I could not even desing my website with the home internet in the AIRBNB apartment. People there live very much offline, at the max they have a facebook company.. so dont expect things to be organised well..

Really great place to live and work. Amazing hikes on the island. City has great atmosphere. Rent is very affordable. Locals are welcoming and pleasant. City centre has some great places to work from most notably a little cafe by Koum Kapi beach called Meraki

I've lived in Chania for over ten years now and I can't wait to get out of here. It's nice for a short visit but nothing else. Everyone talks about the hospitality and friendliness of the locals... that's only because you're a tourist and they want your money! They are corrupt, cheats, liars, and arrogant. They care only about themselves and are extremely greedy.

The police are terribly corrupt and can't be relied on. The hospital is disgusting with stray dogs roaming around inside. They still even smoke in the public hospital! I know this because I spent 2 weeks there and when I complained about it the nurse told me there's nothing they can do.

Anyway, I could go on and on about the other side of Chania, and Crete in general, that no one speaks about. I'm very disappointed and disheartened by my experience here. The paradise everyone talks about doesn't exist for me. I've had so many people share similar experiences but no one talks about them.

It's all superficial and everything is not what it seems.

$3000 average cost of living in Chania?!
If that was the case Greece would not longer be in recession 😂
I just moved to Chania from London and here’s my list of expenses to whom it may concern:

All prices in euros for two people.
1. Two bed flat semi-centrally located (15’drive to the city centre) ~ 450 euros
2. Petrol monthly ~ 200 euros (1.58/l on avg year round)
3. Utility bills monthly (electricity,water,heating) ~ 130
4.grovery store monthly ~ 300
5. Broadband/ mobile phone ~ 70
6. Eating out / drinks ~ 200
7. Private health insurance ~ 80 per person
8. Gym membership ~ 40 per person

Total: 1590 euros /1821 usd for a couple on average, to leave In Chania. Not sure how that 3000 usd got estimated but 🤷‍♂️