Athens
A big, buzzing capital where ancient ruins meet street art, rooftop bars and sea breezes.
Greece › Athens
Digimad score
7.5
Very good
Best for History + Food
About
Athens is chaotic in the best way: the Acropolis above, neighbourhood squares full of cafés below, and the Athenian Riviera beaches half an hour away by tram. It is one of the cheapest Western European capitals to live in, with a growing startup and remote-work scene. Koukaki is a walkable, leafy area right under the Acropolis; Pangrati is a lively residential neighbourhood popular with locals and newcomers. Summers are very hot and the city can feel noisy and gritty in places.
Athens at a glance
Internet
Fibre is spreading but many flats still have VDSL, so check speeds before signing. Coworking spaces in the centre are well connected, and cafés are used to laptops.
Monthly budget
$1,800/mo comfortable, $1,150 lean
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep
Community
High nomad density, fair English
Key points
One of the most affordable capitals in Western Europe
Beaches on the Athenian Riviera reachable by tram
A lively café, food and nightlife scene in every neighbourhood
Districts of Athens
Koukaki and Pangrati are popular with remote workers for their mix of cafés and residential calm. Kolonaki is upscale and central, Exarchia artsy and political, and the southern suburbs near the coast offer more space and sea air.
Cost of living
USD
Lean
$1,150/mo
Shared housing, local food
Comfortable
$1,800/mo
Private one-bed, coworking
Premium
$2,950/mo
Central, frequent dining
Local currency
EUR
Rents have risen, especially near the centre, but remain lower than in most European capitals. Food, coffee and transport are cheap.
Internet & connectivity
Fixed line
Not verified
Mobile
Not verified
eSIM
Supported
Reliability
GoodPublic Wi-Fi
FairPower stability
GoodFibre is spreading but many flats still have VDSL, so check speeds before signing. Coworking spaces in the centre are well connected, and cafés are used to laptops.
Nomad community
Nomad density
HighEnglish
FairMeeting people
Coworking spaces host talks and meetups, and remote-work communities organise regular social events and weekend trips to the islands.
A growing international community, with English common among younger Athenians. Greek helps in traditional shops and administration.
Safety
Emergency 112
At night
GoodSolo female
GoodPetty crime
GoodCommon scams
Taxi overcharging from the airport, friendly strangers inviting you to bars with inflated bills, and pickpockets on metro line 1
Athens is generally safe. Avoid quiet streets around Omonia and Metaxourgeio late at night, and watch your belongings on the metro and at tourist sites.
Healthcare
Pharmacies
GoodPublic system
Residents registered with EOPYY use public hospitals such as Evangelismos. Waiting times can be long, so visitors usually go private.
Private care
Hygeia, Metropolitan, Iatriko and other private hospitals offer quick appointments and English-speaking doctors.
Insurance
Choose a policy that covers private hospitals in Athens directly.
Getting around
Walkability
GoodPublic transport
GoodAirports
- ATHAthens International Airport
The metro is modern and reaches the airport, Piraeus and the centre, and the tram runs along the coast. Taxis are cheap, especially via apps such as FREENOW and Uber.
Climate & seasons
Mediterranean
Long, hot summers with frequent heatwaves above 40°C, and mild winters with some rain. Air conditioning is essential from June to September.
All ratings
Watch out for
Very hot summers, traffic and some run-down areas around Omonia