🇬🇷 Athens vs 🇮🇹 Rome
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇷
Athens
Greece
$1,692–$2,679/mo
€1,567 – €2,481 / month (local)
🇮🇹
Rome
Italy
$2,277–$3,605/mo
€2,108 – €3,338 / month (local)
Rome is 35% more expensive
Athens wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Athens (USD) | Rome (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,269–$1,974 | $1,708–$2,656 | 🟢 Athens |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $670–$1,058 | $901–$1,423 | 🟢 Athens |
| Utilities | $53–$102 | $71–$138 | 🟢 Athens |
| Groceries | $268–$402 | $361–$541 | 🟢 Athens |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $35–$63 | $47–$85 | 🟢 Athens |
| Public transport (monthly) | $67–$81 | $90–$109 | 🟢 Athens |
| Internet & Mobile | $21–$35 | $28–$47 | 🟢 Athens |
| Gym membership | $25–$46 | $33–$62 | 🟢 Athens |
| Cinema ticket | $10–$13 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Athens |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,692–$2,679 | $2,277–$3,605 | 🟢 Athens |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.9 / 10 · 5.6 / 10
Athens▲ better
Rome
Safety9.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Athens▲ better
Rome
Healthcare7.7 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Athens
Rome▲ better
Education9.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Athens▲ better
Rome
Environment8.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Athens▲ better
Rome
Economy8.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Athens▲ better
Rome
Culture8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Athens▲ better
Rome
Internet9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Athens▲ better
Rome
Who should choose which city?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Rome
- ✓History
- ✓Islands access
- ✓Food
- ✓Tourism
Choose Rome if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Rome offers vs Athens
- ✓History
- ✓Food
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tourism
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📊
Full Athens guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Athens →📊
Full Rome guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Rome →