Cost of Living in Athens, Greece
Greece · Europe
$1,700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
55
Cost Index
NYC=100
50
Rent Index
NYC=100
72
Quality of Life
Good
62
Safety Index
Moderate
3.2M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $10 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $40 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $8 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $3.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7 |
| Beef (1kg) | $11 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $30 |
| Taxi 1km | $1.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $150 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $28 |
| Fitness Club/month | $32 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $750/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $500/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,000/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1300 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.5% |
Cost of Living in Athens — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Athens, Greece is approximately $1,700 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Athens has a cost index of 55, making it around 45% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Athens costs around $500/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $750/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,600/month. The rent index is 50 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Athens scores 72/100 on the quality of life index and 62/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 74/100. The climate index is 86/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Athens is approximately $1,300/month. With a purchasing power index of 60/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Athens
The average monthly salary in Athens is approximately $1,300. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,700, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 60/100.
Healthcare Costs in Athens
Healthcare quality in Athens is rated 74/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Athens
Athens has a quality of life score of 72/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Athens
Students living in Athens should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Athens
Expats moving to Athens often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Athens, Greece is approximately $1,700 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 55 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Athens
Living in Athens offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 55 and a quality of life score of 72/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,300 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Athens provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Greece and around the world.
Key Facts About Athens
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,700
- Cost Index: 55
- Rent Index: 50
- Average Salary: $1,300
- Quality of Life: 72/100
- Safety Score: 62/100
- Country: Greece
- Currency: EUR
Is Athens Expensive?
Athens has a cost index of 55 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Athens compare to other cities?
Athens is located in Europe with a population of approximately 3.2M. At a cost index of 55 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Athens stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Athens?
The average cost of living in Athens, Greece is approximately $1,700 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 55 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Athens?
Rent in Athens varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 50 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Athens alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Athens expensive to live in?
Athens has a cost index of 55 compared to New York City (100). At 55, Athens is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,700.
What is the quality of life in Athens?
Athens has a quality of life index of 72/100 and a safety index of 62/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Athens compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Athens with any city worldwide. Athens's cost index is 55 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Athens?
Many residents live comfortably in Athens with a monthly budget of around $1,700 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Athens good for expats?
Athens is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Athens?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,700 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Athens.
Is Athens cheaper than New York?
Yes, Athens has a cost index of 55 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Athens?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Athens.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Athens
Cheapest Ways to Live in Athens
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Athens typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $500/month compared to $750/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Athens, Greece.
Is Athens Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 60/100 and a quality of life score of 72/100, Athens is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 55 relative to New York City, Athens remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Greece has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Athens Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Athens", "Athens monthly expenses 2026", and "is Athens affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,700, a safety score of 62/100, and healthcare rated 74/100, Athens offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Greece.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026