Cost of living in Athens
Athens, the historic capital of Greece, is a city that blends ancient history with modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Athens is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant city.
The cost of living in Athens encompasses various aspects such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.80 on average, with a range between $10.54 and $26.34.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $52.68, with prices ranging from $42.15 to $84.29.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.48, with a range between $8.43 and $10.54.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.16 to $7.38, imported beer $4.21 to $7.38, cappuccino $2.11 to $4.74, and Coke/Pepsi $1.16 to $3.16.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.11 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.67.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.95 and $2.11, with an average price of $1.29.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.53 to $6.32, averaging $4.51.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.05 to $3.16 per kg, while oranges range from $0.74 to $3.16 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.84 and $2.11 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.74 to $2.11 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.26 and $1.48, with a monthly pass priced between $28.45 and $36.88.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.82 and $2.11 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.63, with a cost of $0.95 to $2.11 per km and $10.54 to $21.07 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $474.15 to $821.86, averaging $631.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $421.47 to $737.56, averaging $545.97.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $842.93 to $1685.86, averaging $1144.47.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $737.56 to $1580.50, averaging $981.86.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2318.06 to $5268.32, averaging $3297.68.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2107.33 to $4214.66, averaging $3091.89.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $105.37 and $316.10, averaging $190.76.
- Internet - Internet services range from $26.34 to $42.15, with an average cost of $32.06.
Cost of Living Rankings
Athens ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Greece. The cost of living indices for Greece are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Greece, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Athens offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European capitals, especially in terms of housing and dining.
Public transportation is economical, and the cost of groceries is reasonable, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
For those looking to save, consider living outside the city centre where rent and property prices are lower.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Athens provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing options and reasonable prices for dining and transportation.
Whether you're planning to move or visit, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and enjoy all that Athens has to offer.