Athens: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Athens itself has about 650,000 residents, and the Attica metropolitan area about 3.7 million, almost a third of Greece. The city lives on tourism, shipping, trade, the public sector and a growing tech market. After the crisis of the 2010s the economy recovered, and the inflow of foreigners on golden and nomad visas has pushed up housing prices noticeably.

Who it suits: remote workers, investors, retirees and families who want to live in the European Union by the sea at moderate cost. Who it does not suit: people who cannot stand heat, noise and bureaucracy.

Districts: where newcomers settle

• Kolonaki - the upmarket centre with boutiques and embassies.
• Koukaki and Pangrati - cosy neighbourhoods near the Acropolis, popular with foreigners.
• Glyfada, Voula and Varkiza - the southern coast, the sea and international schools.
• Kifisia and Marousi - the green north, cooler, with offices and families.
• Piraeus - the nearby port city, cheaper, with ferries to the islands.

Cost of living

• One-bedroom flat in the centre - roughly €600-900 a month, about $680-1,010, more by the sea and in the north.
• Groceries - cheaper than in Western Europe, especially at street markets.
• Cafés and tavernas - affordable, and a weekday lunch is inexpensive.
• Utilities - rise noticeably in summer for air conditioning.

Practicalities: transport, climate, language, money

• Transport. Metro, a tram to the sea and a suburban railway, with a fourth metro line under construction. Traffic is heavy.
• Climate. Hot dry summers up to +35-40, mild winters around +10-15.
• Language. Greek; English is common in services and among young people.
• Money. Euro; cards are accepted almost everywhere, and a tax number is needed for renting, banking and contracts.

Moving and legal status

• Golden visa - 5-year residence for property: from €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki and popular islands, from €400,000 in other regions, from €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversions and restoration. More in Greece residence by investment.
• Digital nomad visa - income from €3,500 a month, extendable up to 3 years; more in Greece nomad visa.
• Financially independent persons, work, study and family are separate grounds.

Taxes: income tax 9-44%, and relocating investors can opt for a flat €100,000 a year on foreign income; more in Greek taxes.

Work and business

• Where foreigners work - tourism, shipping, technology and remotely for foreign companies.
• Salaries are below the European average, so people tend to move with income from abroad.
• Your own business - registration through a one-stop shop, corporate tax 22%, VAT 24%.
• Reliefs for relocating professionals - 50% of income tax-free for 7 years.

Family: schools and healthcare

• Schools - state schools are free in Greek; international schools are concentrated in the north and on the southern coast.
• Healthcare - public care for the insured; many foreigners use private clinics and insurance.
• A city for children - beaches half an hour from the centre, parks and islands for weekends.

First steps and everyday details

1. Tax number - needed for renting, banking and buying, issued by the tax office.
2. Bank account - opened with a tax number and an address.
3. Short-term letting - since 2025 registering new short-term rentals is banned in three central Athens districts, which matters for investors.
4. Safety - the city is generally calm; watch your belongings on the metro and in central squares.

Islands and weekends

• The Saronic islands - Aegina, Poros and Hydra one to two hours by ferry from Piraeus.
• The Cyclades - ferries from Piraeus and Rafina, a few hours by fast boat.
• The Peloponnese - Nafplio and ancient cities two hours by car.
• The Attica coast - Cape Sounion and southern beaches an hour away.

Easy access to the islands is one of the main reasons families choose Athens over other European Union capitals.

Safety and everyday details

• Pickpocketing - be careful on the metro, at Omonia Square and in tourist areas.
• Strikes - transport strikes happen several times a year and are announced in advance.
• Heat and fires - summer brings heatwaves above +40 and wildfires in the suburbs; follow the warnings.
• Bureaucracy - many services have moved online, but queues remain at some offices.

Is it worth living here

Athens is one of the most affordable European Union capitals for life by the sea: sun, history, cafés and islands nearby. The downsides are hot summers, noise, traffic and slow bureaucracy. Moving makes sense with income from abroad or an investment: the golden visa and the nomad visa give legal status for the whole family.