Find a place in Athens within 4 weeks

Athens is one of the most compelling cities in Europe for long-term relocation. Its combination of Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, affordable cost of living relative to Western European capitals, and a growing international community makes it an increasingly popular destination for expats, remote workers, and families alike.

• Climate: Athens is among the top five sunniest cities in Europe, averaging more than 2,700 hours of sunshine per year (International Living). Mild winters and warm, dry summers make outdoor living possible year-round.
• Culture and history: The city is home to world-class landmarks including the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Benaki Museum, alongside a thriving contemporary arts and food scene.
• Transport: Athens' public transport network — comprising the metro, tram, suburban railway (Proastiakos), and bus lines — is efficient and affordable. A monthly pass costs approximately 30 EUR/month, and the metro connects the city centre to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.
• International community: A large and active expat community, English widely spoken among younger Greeks, and a growing number of co-working spaces make integration relatively straightforward.
• Affordability: Compared to Paris, Amsterdam, or Barcelona, Athens offers a significantly lower cost of living, with comfortable long-term rentals available from 700 EUR/month in central neighbourhoods.

The Athens long-term rental market has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Demand from international residents, digital nomads, and students has grown steadily, while the supply of long-term rentals has tightened as many landlords shifted properties to short-term platforms such as Airbnb. In response, the Greek government introduced a moratorium on new short-term rental registrations in Athens' 1st, 2nd, and 3rd municipal districts — covering Kolonaki, Koukaki, Pangrati, and Exarchia — effective January 2025, with the aim of restoring housing availability for long-term tenants.

According to Statista (Q2 2024), average residential rents in southern Athens reached approximately 12.50 EUR per square metre per month. A typical two-bedroom apartment in Athens now rents for between 600 EUR/month and 1,600 EUR/month depending on the neighbourhood (Brevitas, 2024). Rents have risen across most central districts, with the strongest increases recorded in Koukaki, Pangrati, and Exarchia. The northern suburbs (Kifisia, Marousi, Chalandri) and the coastal south (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni) offer a wider range of larger apartments and family homes, generally at higher price points than inner-city studios.

The market is competitive for well-located, furnished apartments in the 700 EUR/month to 1,200 EUR/month range. Prospective tenants are advised to begin their search at least four to six weeks before their intended move-in date and to have all required documents ready — including a valid AFM, passport or residence permit, and proof of income.

Athens remains one of the more affordable European capitals for long-term renters, though rents have risen steadily since 2022 due to strong demand and a reduction in long-term rental supply linked to the growth of short-term platforms. According to Numbeo (2025), a single person can live comfortably in Athens for approximately 1,500 EUR/month to 2,000 EUR/month all-inclusive (rent, utilities, food, transport), while a couple typically budgets between 2,000 EUR/month and 2,800 EUR/month.

Rent is the largest variable in any Athens budget. The most affordable long-term rentals are found in Exarchia, Piraeus, and outer suburbs, while the highest rents are concentrated in Kolonaki and the Athenian Riviera (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni). When comparing neighbourhoods, factor in transport costs: Athens' metro, tram, and bus network is efficient and a monthly pass costs approximately 30 EUR/month, making car-free living very practical in most central districts.

Long-term rental budgets in Athens vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood, apartment size, and level of furnishing. According to data compiled by Numbeo and iLand (2024–2025), a one-bedroom apartment in central Athens typically rents for between 700 EUR/month and 1,200 EUR/month, while a comparable unit in suburban areas such as Marousi can be found for 500 EUR/month to 900 EUR/month. Upscale central neighbourhoods like Kolonaki command rents of 1,200 EUR/month to 2,000 EUR/month for a one-bedroom flat, reflecting their proximity to boutiques, galleries, and Lycabettus Hill.

For a two-bedroom apartment, expect to budget between 900 EUR/month and 1,600 EUR/month in most central districts, with coastal areas like Glyfada ranging from 1,000 EUR/month to 1,600 EUR/month. More affordable options are available in Exarchia (from 500 EUR/month) and Piraeus (from 500 EUR/month to 900 EUR/month). On top of rent, tenants should budget for utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet) of approximately 150 EUR/month to 200 EUR/month, plus building maintenance fees (koinochristos), which typically add 30 EUR/month to 80 EUR/month depending on the building.

Relocating to Athens is straightforward for most expats, but several common mistakes can complicate or delay your rental search:

• Not obtaining an AFM (Greek tax number) before searching: Most landlords require a valid AFM to register the lease on Taxisnet. Without it, you cannot legally sign a long-term rental contract. Apply at your local tax office (DOY) as a first step upon arrival.
• Signing a contract without a Greek-language version: Greek law requires rental contracts to be in Greek for Taxisnet registration. Even if your landlord provides an English translation, only the Greek text is legally binding. Always have the Greek version reviewed by a bilingual professional or lawyer.
• Underestimating total monthly costs: Many tenants focus only on the headline rent and overlook building maintenance fees (koinochristos), utilities, and internet. These can add 200 EUR/month to 300 EUR/month to your monthly outgoings.
• Skipping the property inspection: Always conduct a thorough inspection before signing and document any existing damage in writing. This protects your security deposit (typically 1–2 months' rent) at the end of the lease.
• Ignoring the statutory lease duration: Under Greek law, residential leases are treated as three-year contracts even if signed for a shorter period. Leaving before the end of the agreed term may expose you to financial penalties. Clarify early-termination clauses before signing.
• Relying solely on online listings: Popular platforms like Spitogatos.gr, Xe.gr, and Tospitimou.gr do not capture all available rentals. Local estate agents (mesitis), neighbourhood noticeboards, and expat Facebook groups often surface apartments that never appear online.