Is Athens a good place to live?
Athens is one of the world's oldest cities and one of Europe's most underrated capitals for expats. At €1,000 per month, it offers Acropolis views, extraordinary food, 300 days of sunshine, and an increasingly vibrant tech and creative scene. The city has undergone a remarkable renaissance since its post-2008 difficulties, and is now one of Europe's most exciting places to live.
Greece is a full EU and Schengen member with one of the EU's most generous digital nomad visas (Greek Digital Nomad Visa, 12 months extendable to 24 months). Athens has warm, welcoming locals, English widely spoken, and a quality of life that belies the price. The Acropolis, the sea (30 min by metro), and the extraordinary food culture make Athens one of Europe's most genuine bargains.
Neighbourhoods in Athens
Koukaki
Most popular expat neighbourhood, south of the Acropolis. Excellent restaurants, walkable to the monuments.
Kolonaki
Athens' most upscale neighbourhood. Boutiques, excellent cafes, Lycabettus Hill views. More expensive.
Exarcheia
Bohemian and politically charged. Street art, anarchist bookshops, the best live music venues. Very affordable.
Pangrati
Quiet, leafy, residential. One of Athens' most liveable neighbourhoods for professionals and families.
Rent in Athens
A one-bedroom apartment in Athens city centre costs around €650 per month. Koukaki (south of the Acropolis), Kolonaki (upscale central), and Exarcheia (bohemian) are the most popular with expats. Mets and Pangrati are quieter and excellent value. The coastal suburbs (Glyfada, Piraeus) offer sea access at slightly higher prices.
| Housing | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, city centre | €650 |
| Internet (unlimited) | €25 |
Food and drink in Athens
Greek cuisine is simply extraordinary — souvlaki, spanakopita, dakos, taramasalata, grilled octopus, and the world's best feta and olive oil. A gyros from a street counter costs €2.50. A sit-down taverna meal costs €8–14. The central market (Varvakios Agora) is excellent for fresh fish and produce. Wine is very affordable — a bottle of decent Greek wine from a supermarket costs €3–5.
| Food & drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Beer at a bar | €4.00 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | €9 |
| Cappuccino | €2.50 |
Transport in Athens
Athens has a metro (3 lines), tram, and bus network under OASA. A monthly pass costs €30. The metro connects Piraeus port to the airport in 40 minutes. The coastal tram to Glyfada (beach) costs €1.40. Taxis and Bolt are very affordable.
| Transport | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly transport pass | €30 |
Weather in Athens
Day trips from Athens
Cape Sounion (70km, 1.5h by bus) has the spectacular Temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea. Aegina (30 min by high-speed ferry) is a beautiful island. Hydra (2h by ferry) is car-free and stunning. Delphi (3h by bus) is one of the ancient world's most important sites. Mykonos and Santorini are 45 min by plane.
Quality of life in Athens
Total monthly budget in Athens
A realistic monthly budget in Athens for a single expat is €1,000 — rent €650, groceries €130, eating out €100, transport €30, phone €12, gym €25, leisure €80.
Frequently asked questions about Athens
How much does it cost to live in Athens per month?
A comfortable monthly budget in Athens is around €1,000, including rent (€650), food, transport (€30) and leisure.
Is Athens good for digital nomads?
Excellent — Greece launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa in 2021 (12 months, extendable to 24). Athens has good internet, low costs, EU membership, English widely spoken, and extraordinary quality of life.
What is the best neighbourhood in Athens for expats?
Koukaki is the most popular neighbourhood for young expats — close to the Acropolis, walkable, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere. Exarcheia is great for those wanting a more bohemian environment.
How far is the beach from Athens?
Athens' nearest beach is Glyfada (17km south), reachable by tram in 40 minutes. The entire Athenian Riviera (from Piraeus to Sounion) has excellent swimming beaches accessible by public transport.
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