Your Expat Community in Athens

Athens offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, making it a great city for expats.

Syntagma and Monastiraki: Ideal for those who prefer a central location with easy access to historical sites and public transportation.

Chalandri: A quieter, family-friendly suburban area with everything you need close by.

Aigáleo and Peristeri: On a budget? Aigáleo and Peristeri are great options located a short distance from the city center.

Kolonaki and Kifissia: Perfect for a more luxurious lifestyle, known for upscale shopping and dining options.

Plaka and Exarcheia: Great for those seeking a creative, bohemian atmosphere, with charm and artistic flair.

Athens isn’t your typical European capital when it comes to costs. As of 2024, it’s much easier on the wallet. The table below gives a first idea of what you might spend in Athens.

The best way to get around Athens really depends on where you’re staying. For most expats, the metro is the easiest and most efficient way, with stops of its three lines ranging all the way from Kifissia in the north to Elliniko in the south.

You’ll need an ATH.ENA Ticket or a reloadable ATH.ENA Card, which also works for buses, trolleybuses, tram services, as well as the urban zone of the suburban train system (called Proastiakos). If you’re traveling further away from the center, you’ll have to get a ticket issued by Hellenic Train.

In the city center, walking is a great option. Athens is very walkable, and you might stumble upon cafes and shops along the way that you would otherwise miss. You can also rent a bike or use Uber, which works just like a regular taxi but allows for cashless payments. A taxi will cost 1.80 EUR as a base fare, plus 0.90 EUR for every kilometer during the day. Prices are higher at night or on special holidays.

For airport transfers, the X95 bus or the metro line 3 are regular, affordable options.

You don’t necessarily need to speak Greek to live in Athens. Many locals, especially younger generations and those in tourist areas, speak English. You’ll find that most everyday interactions, like shopping or using public services, can easily be handled in English. Even professionals such as lawyers and accountants often work in both languages.

However, learning some Greek can be helpful and will be appreciated by locals. While people may respond to you in English if your local language skills aren’t quite there yet, making an effort to speak Greek is a nice gesture and helps you to get to know the country even better.