Cost of Living in Athens

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Athens

"The cost of living in Athens is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in other major European cities. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively affordable, with a meal for two people costing around €30. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also relatively inexpensive. Overall, Athens is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life at an affordable price," said one expat living in Athens.

Can I live in Athens on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Athens for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Kallithea, Neos Kosmos, or Petralona, where you can find a decent apartment for around $500-$600 a month. These areas are not as fancy as Kolonaki or Glyfada, but they're still safe and have good public transportation connections.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive in Athens, especially in touristy areas like Plaka or Monastiraki. I usually cook at home and buy groceries from local markets, which helps me save a lot of money. When I do go out, I try to find more affordable places to eat, like souvlaki joints or local tavernas.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Athens. You can visit many of the city's archaeological sites for free on certain days, and there are always free events happening in the city, like concerts or art exhibitions. I also try to take advantage of the city's beautiful outdoor spaces, like hiking on Mount Ymittos or spending a day at the beach in Vouliagmeni.One thing to keep in mind is that healthcare can be a bit tricky in Greece. Public hospitals can be overcrowded and understaffed, so many expats opt for private healthcare, which can be expensive. If you have any ongoing health issues, you'll need to factor in the cost of private insurance or medical expenses.Lastly, if you plan on traveling around Greece or Europe, you'll need to budget for that as well. Flights and ferries can be quite expensive, especially during the high season. I usually try to travel during the off-season or look for deals on budget airlines to save money.Overall, living in Athens on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work and still enjoy your time in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Athens.

Can I live in Athens on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Athens for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Kolonaki, Plaka, and Kifissia might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a certain standard of living. These areas are known for their upscale shops, restaurants, and beautiful architecture, but they also come with a higher price tag for rent.Instead, I would recommend looking into more affordable neighborhoods like Petralona, Kallithea, or Neos Kosmos. These areas are still close to the city center and have good public transportation options, but the cost of living is significantly lower. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods for around $600 to $800 per month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to compromise on the size of your apartment or the view from your balcony. Additionally, you might not have access to some of the more luxurious amenities like a private gym or swimming pool in your building. However, you can still find modern apartments with updated appliances and fixtures in these more affordable neighborhoods.Another way to save money is by cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce and groceries. Eating out in Athens can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas, so cooking at home can help you stick to your budget.Overall, living in Athens on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some compromises in terms of your living situation. But trust me, the experience of living in this beautiful and historic city is well worth it," said one expat living in Athens.

Can I live in Athens on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Athens for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can have a pretty good life here. First of all, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood. Some of the more expensive areas, like Kolonaki or Kifissia, might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a certain lifestyle. However, there are plenty of other neighborhoods that are more affordable and still offer a great quality of life. For example, I live in Pangrati, which is a nice area with lots of cafes, restaurants, and parks. The rent here is much more reasonable, and I still have access to all the modern amenities I need. Another option is Petralona, which is a bit more residential but still has a nice vibe and is close to the city center. You could also consider Exarcheia, which is a more alternative neighborhood with a strong sense of community and lots of interesting cultural events. As for sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a car or eating out at fancy restaurants all the time. Public transportation in Athens is pretty good, so you can get around easily without a car. And while you might not be able to afford dining at high-end places every night, there are plenty of delicious and affordable local tavernas where you can enjoy great Greek food. In terms of other expenses, groceries and utilities are generally quite affordable in Athens. You might have to be a bit more conscious of your spending on things like clothes or entertainment, but overall, I think you'll find that $5,000 a month is more than enough to live comfortably here. Just be smart about your choices and prioritize what's most important to you, and you'll have a great time living in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Athens.