Student housing rents rise in Athens and Thessaloniki

Student housing rental prices in Greece are seeing significant increases, particularly in major university hubs like Athens and Thessaloniki. Data from the first half of 2026 indicates a two-speed market where small properties (15 to 50 square meters) located near major universities are commanding premium prices.

In Athens, the highest rates reach 13.7 euros per square meter, particularly around Panteion University and the University of Piraeus. Other high-demand areas include Harokopio (13 euros/sqm), the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (12.3 euros/sqm), and the Athens University of Economics and Business (12.2 euros/sqm). For a typical 40-square-meter apartment, this translates to a monthly rent of approximately 550 euros.

Growth rates are notably high in certain sectors; for instance, rents near the University of Piraeus have risen by 29.2% over three years. In central Athens, the average asking price is 12.58 euros per square meter, representing a 7.3% annual increase. While Thessaloniki also faces high costs with rates around 11.8 euros per square meter, larger university cities in the periphery continue to offer more affordable options.