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Istanbul vs Athens

Istanbul runs about 28% cheaper than Athens for this household, a difference of 381 USD a month.

drone photo of Istanbul panorama
Istanbul
$1,363/month · Türkiye
Hunanuk · CC0
View of the Ancient Agora of Athens from Apostolou Pavlou Pedestrian Street on February 16, 2021
Athens
$1,744/month · Greece
George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0
Istanbul monthly
$1,363
Index 21 (NYC = 100)
Athens monthly
$1,744
Index 27 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+28%
Athens relative to Istanbul
Rent gap
$50
Athens costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

IstanbulAthens
  • Housing
    Housing: Istanbul $700, Athens $750. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Food
    Food: Istanbul $347, Athens $520. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Transport
    Transport: Istanbul $59, Athens $95. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Istanbul $114, Athens $163. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Istanbul $16, Athens $28. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Istanbul $78, Athens $114. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Other
    Other: Istanbul $49, Athens $74. Cheaper in Istanbul.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricIstanbulAthens
Cost
Total monthly cost1,363 USD✓1,744 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)21✓27
Housing700 USD✓750 USD
Utilities114 USD✓163 USD
Food347 USD✓520 USD
Transport59 USD✓95 USD
Healthcare16 USD✓28 USD
Lifestyle78 USD✓114 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr4,269 USD✓4,267 USD
Effective tax + social rate48.8%✓48.8%
Left over each month2,906 USD✓2,523 USD
Average local net salary800 USD1,150 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre700 USD✓750 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,400 USD1,400 USD
Buy price per m², centre3,200 USD2,600 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety54/10066/100✓
Healthcare66/10072/100✓
Air quality42/10052/100✓
Public transport76/100✓72/100
Walkability70/10080/100✓
English proficiency42/10064/100✓
Nightlife84/10088/100✓
Family friendliness66/10072/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature15°C✓19°C
Summer high29°C✓33°C
Winter low3°C7°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,350 h2,850 h✓
Annual rainfall840 mm400 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access30 min30 min
CurrencyTRYEUR
Time zoneEurope/IstanbulEurope/Athens

Istanbul runs about 28% cheaper than Athens for this household, a difference of 381 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Istanbul or Athens cheaper?

Istanbul runs about 28% cheaper than Athens for this household, a difference of 381 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Athens compared with Istanbul?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $4,269 a month in Istanbul and $4,267 in Athens, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Istanbul or Athens?

Istanbul scores 54/100 on safety and 66/100 on healthcare; Athens scores 66 and 72. Istanbul averages 15°C against 19°C in Athens.