Quick answer: A comfortable monthly budget in Athens in 2026 is €1,200–1,800 including rent. Studio rent ranges from €350–700 depending on neighborhood and whether utilities are included. Food costs €200–400/month, transport €30/month with a pass, and utilities €100–180/month for unfurnished apartments. Athens is significantly cheaper than London, Paris, Berlin, or Amsterdam.
Is Athens Affordable?
Athens is one of the most affordable capital cities in Western and Southern Europe. For students, digital nomads, and expats, the cost of living is significantly lower than in cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, or Berlin. A comfortable lifestyle in Athens — including rent, food, transport, and social life — is realistic on a budget of €1,200–1,800 per month, depending on your accommodation and spending habits.
Monthly Rent
Rent is usually the largest monthly expense. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood, apartment size, and whether utilities are included.
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Shared room in co-living | €350–500 |
| Studio apartment (unfurnished) | €350–550 |
| Studio apartment (furnished, all-inclusive) | €500–700 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (unfurnished) | €450–700 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (furnished, all-inclusive) | €600–900 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (unfurnished) | €550–900 |
Key note: “Unfurnished” rent in Athens typically does not include utilities, internet, or building maintenance fees (koinohrista). These can add €100–200/month on top. All-inclusive furnished options like Mobee House bundle everything into one price — no surprises.
Rent by Neighborhood
- Kypseli: €350–600 for studios. Affordable, central, multicultural. Where Mobee House is located.
- Exarchia: €350–550. Bohemian, student-friendly, near universities.
- Pagrati: €400–650. Residential, quiet, close to the center.
- Koukaki: €500–800. Near the Acropolis, popular with tourists and expats.
- Kolonaki: €600–1,000+. Upscale, designer shops, higher prices.
- Glyfada/Vouliagmeni (coast): €700–1,200+. Beach suburbs, car recommended.
Food and Groceries
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekly grocery shop (one person) | €40–60 |
| Meal at a taverna | €8–14 |
| Souvlaki wrap (street food) | €3–4 |
| Coffee (freddo espresso) | €2–3.50 |
| Beer at a bar | €4–6 |
| Delivery meal (Wolt/efood) | €8–15 |
Cooking at home is very affordable. Fresh produce at laiki agora (street markets, held weekly in every neighborhood) is significantly cheaper than supermarkets — seasonal fruit and vegetables cost a fraction of Northern European prices.
Transport
| Transport | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single metro/bus ticket | €1.20 |
| Monthly pass (all public transport) | €30 |
| Student monthly pass | €15 |
| Taxi (city center ride) | €5–10 |
| Taxi to/from airport | €40 (flat rate) |
Athens has a solid metro system (3 lines), buses, trams, and a suburban rail. Most central neighborhoods are walkable. The ATH.ENA card is the rechargeable transport card — get one at any metro station.
Internet and Phone
- Home internet (fiber): €25–35/month for 100–200 Mbps.
- Mobile plan (SIM): €10–20/month for calls, SMS, and 10–30 GB data.
- Prepaid SIM: Available from Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind. Starting from €10 with data.
Fiber internet is available in most central Athens neighborhoods. At Mobee House, high-speed Wi-Fi is included in the rent.
Utilities
If you rent an unfurnished apartment, expect to pay separately for:
- Electricity: €40–80/month (higher in summer with AC, winter with heating).
- Water: €15–25/month.
- Building maintenance (koinohrista): €30–80/month (covers shared building costs like elevator, cleaning, heating).
- Gas (if applicable): €20–40/month in winter.
Total utility costs for a small apartment: roughly €100–180/month. All-inclusive apartments eliminate this variable entirely.
Health and Insurance
- Private health insurance: €50–120/month depending on coverage.
- Doctor visit (private): €30–60.
- Pharmacy: Most medications are affordable and many are available without prescription.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Category | Budget (€/month) | Comfortable (€/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (furnished, incl.) | €450–550 | €650–800 |
| Food & groceries | €200–250 | €300–400 |
| Transport | €30 | €30–50 |
| Phone & internet | €15–25 | €25–35 |
| Health insurance | €50 | €80–120 |
| Entertainment & social | €100–150 | €200–300 |
| Total | €845–1,055 | €1,285–1,705 |
Tips for Saving Money in Athens
- Shop at laiki agora (weekly street markets) for fresh produce at half the supermarket price.
- Cook at home. Greek recipes are simple, affordable, and delicious.
- Get the monthly transport pass — it pays for itself in a week of regular use.
- Choose all-inclusive rent to avoid surprise utility bills, especially in winter (heating) and summer (AC).
- Use student discounts if you have a valid student ID — discounts on transport, museums, and some restaurants.
Living at Mobee House
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Athens per month?
A single person can expect to spend between €800 and €1,400 per month in Athens, including rent, food, transport, and utilities. Students and budget-conscious residents can manage on the lower end.
Is Athens cheaper than other European capitals?
Yes. Athens is significantly more affordable than cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Berlin. Rent, food, and transport are all lower, while quality of life remains high.
What is the average rent in Athens?
Studio apartments range from €350-500/month in affordable neighborhoods like Kypseli and Patisia. One-bedroom apartments in central areas range from €450-700/month. Furnished all-inclusive options like Mobee House start from €500/month.
Mobee House offers all-inclusive furnished apartments in Kypseli, one of Athens’ most affordable and well-connected neighborhoods. Rent includes utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning, and maintenance — so you always know exactly what you are spending. Our apartments are designed for students, digital nomads, and expats who want a simple, transparent rental experience. Get in touch to see available apartments and pricing.
