Prices have risen quite steeply since the introduction of the Euro in 2002. Basic goods on the islands tend to be a little more expensive than on the mainland due to transportation costs.

Food prices

Locally grown produce is cheap when in season. Imported and processed foods are often highly priced.

Added March 2007 by Anna:
The information coming weekly from my close contacts in Athens, Greece about the effects of the EU and the Euro is alarming. Crime has increased very much with the large influx of refugee populations. Gone are the leisurely walks Athenians used to take in the warm evenings. Prices have increased to more than triple, taxation of property has more than doubled, pensioners see their benefits decreased continuously, and banks, post-office, buses, and other services go on strike at least 8 times a year, for weeks at a time, paralyzing the country.

Other

Coffee 1.50 (Kafeneon) to 3.50 Euro (City/resort)
Beer: 1.50 (Kafeneon) to 4 Euros (City/resort)
Cinema ticket: 7 Euros
Petrol: 90cents a litre
Meal and wine: From 10 - 12 Euros a head at small/basic taverna
Electricity: average 50 to 80 Euros/month
Telephone: Line rental 10.50 Euros +19% VAT/month; local calls: 2.6 cents + VAT per minute; overseas calls - Europe: 24.6 Cents + VAT per minute.