The Cost of Living in Athens, Greece

Living in Athens, the capital of Greece, can be a unique and rewarding experience. The city is rich in history and culture and offers a vibrant lifestyle. This article provides an overview of the cost of living in Athens, Greece, based on information gathered from online sources.

Housing Costs

Housing is one of the biggest expenses for anyone living in Athens. The cost of renting an apartment in the city center ranges from €300 to €600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, while rents outside the city center drop to around €200 to €400 per month. If you’re looking to buy property, the price per square meter in the city center is around €1,500, while outside the city center it’s around €1,000.

Utilities

Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage, cost about €150 per month. Internet access, essential for work and communication, costs about €30 per month.

Eating out

The cost of eating in Athens is quite reasonable. A meal at a budget restaurant costs about €10, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about €40. Groceries are also affordable, with a loaf of bread costing about €0.70, a liter of milk €1.15, and a dozen eggs €2.50.

Getting Around

Public transportation in Athens is efficient and inexpensive. A monthly transit pass costs around €30. However, if you prefer to drive, you should consider the cost of gasoline, which is around €1.60 per liter.

Leisure Activities

Athens offers a wide variety of recreational activities. A monthly gym membership costs around €40, while a movie ticket is around €8. If you enjoy a night out, a cocktail in a downtown club costs around €8-€10, and a pint of beer in a neighborhood pub is around €4.

Healthcare in Athens

The cost of healthcare in Athens, Greece can vary depending on whether you choose public or private healthcare. However, it’s important to note that the cost of medical services such as blood tests, X-rays, and MRIs is generally lower than in the United States. For example, prescriptions are typically at least 50% less expensive than in the U.S.

While the appearance of healthcare facilities can vary greatly, with private clinics and hospitals appearing more modern and public hospitals often appearing older and more chaotic, the quality of care remains high across the board. Doctors in both private and public facilities are well trained, often speak fluent English, and provide quality care. It’s not uncommon for the same doctors to work in both private clinics and public hospitals.

Because of these factors, it’s a good idea to have health insurance to cover potential medical expenses. Overall, although costs can vary, healthcare in Athens is generally of a high standard and more affordable than in many other countries.

Living in Athens is Affordable: A Comparison with Europe

With a cost of living score of 55, Athens is more affordable than many Western European cities, which score as high as 94. This is according to a special survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The survey ranks Athens among the least expensive major cities in Europe. In 2022, Europe became cheaper compared to other regions, as the cost of basic goods and services increased less.

The cost of living in Athens is significantly lower compared to New York (which scored 100). It’s similar to Sofia and Belgrade (both scored 50), more expensive than Istanbul (40), but cheaper than Moscow and St. Petersburg (72 and 66, respectively).

The EIU survey, which compares prices of more than 200 products and services in 172 cities, is used to help companies estimate cost-of-living adjustments for expatriates. All prices are converted into dollars for comparison.