✦ Cost of living
Athens
Athens, Greece
US = 100
In plain terms: Athens is about 25% cheaper than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $750/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing72−28%
- Food & groceries78−22%
- Transport55−45%
- Utilities100−0%
- Healthcare65−35%
- Goods & services80−20%
About
“The Cradle of Western Civilisation”
Ancient ruins, Mediterranean sun and a coastline on the doorstep — the cheapest of the big Western-European capitals, with a golden visa and a 50% tax break drawing nomads. Grittier than the postcard, and warming fast.
- Currency
- Euro · EUR
- Languages
- Greek
- Coordinates
- 37.98, 23.73
- Emergency
- 112
What things cost
Housing
Taxes
44%
Income tax
progressive
24%
VAT / sales
22%
Corporate
$1,000
Avg net salary
per month
50% income-tax exemption for 7 years for qualifying new tax residents.
Visas & residency
The Golden Visa (property) and a digital-nomad visa carrying a 50% tax break for new residents.
✈ Schengen 90/180 for many passports.
Remote workers, €3,500/mo; 50% income-tax break.
€250k–800k property investment.
Permanent residence after ~5 yrs. Citizenship after ~7 yrs.
Quality of life
Safety
62/100
Healthcare
65/100
Pollution
55/100
Internet
100 Mbps
Jan avg
+10 °C
Jul avg
+28 °C
Sunny days
250/yr
Walkability
75/100
Public transit
72/100
Family-friendly
62/100
Living there
- English spoken
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Large
- Coworking spaces
- 35
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
Popular areas
Relocation & documents
Where to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · Economy: World Bank Open Data (GDP per capita, life expectancy, inflation) · Taxes: national tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Athens, GR?
Athens, GR's cost-of-living index is 75 (US average = 100) — about 25% cheaper than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $750 per month.
What are the average living costs in Athens, GR?
Living costs in Athens, GR are about 25% cheaper than the US average — its cost-of-living index is 75 (US = 100). Monthly living expenses scale with that, and housing is the biggest line: a one-bedroom in the centre runs around $750. See the category breakdown above for where the money goes.
What is the average rent in Athens, GR?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $750 per month, and around $550 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in Greece?
Greece has a top income-tax rate of 44% and a VAT or sales tax of 24%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Athens, GR?
Athens, GR averages around +10 °C in January and +28 °C in July, with roughly 250 sunny days a year.
Is Athens, GR safe?
Athens, GR scores 62 out of 100 on our safety index, where higher means safer.
❖ Compare Athens with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.