Cost Comparison 2025

AthensvsHanoi

Greece
Vietnam

Overall

💰

-23.6%

Athens is 23.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-12.0%

Housing is 12.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-30.0%

Restaurants 30.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-10.0%

Food shopping 10.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Athens, Greece and Hanoi, Vietnam reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Athens is more affordable than Hanoi by approximately 23.6%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Athens are higher than in Hanoi by 14%. A one-bedroom apartment in Athens's city center costs around €650, while the same in Hanoi is approximately ₫12,000,000.

Dining out in Athens is notably more expensive compared to Hanoi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Athens versus ₫50,000 in Hanoi.

Public transportation in Athens is more affordable, with monthly passes at €30 compared to ₫200,000 in Hanoi.

Purchasing power in Athens is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Hanoi.

Grocery shopping in Athens is more expensive by approximately 11%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Athens can expect to spend approximately €428 per month (excluding rent), while in Hanoi, the same lifestyle would cost around ₫4,820,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,499 monthly in Athens versus ₫16,870,000 in Hanoi. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Athens, Greece
Hanoi, Vietnam

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€650
₫12,000,000
1BR Outside Center
€450
₫7,000,000
3BR City Center
€1,200
₫25,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
₫50,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
₫400,000
Cappuccino
€4
₫50,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
₫25,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
₫35,000
Bread (500g)
€1
₫20,000
Eggs (12)
€4
₫35,000
Cheese (1kg)
€10
₫350,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€1
₫8,000
Monthly Pass
€30
₫200,000
Taxi Start
€4
₫15,000
Gasoline (1L)
€2
₫24,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€150
₫2,000,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
₫200,000
Mobile Minute
€0
₫2,000

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Hanoi to Athens, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Athens to Hanoi requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Athens

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index45

Hanoi

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index28

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athens more expensive than Hanoi?

No, Athens is approximately 23.6% cheaper than Hanoi. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Athens compared to Hanoi?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 81% of your Hanoi salary when living in Athens. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Hanoi, you'd need about $40,441 in Athens for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Athens and Hanoi?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 43%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Athens offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Athens provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Athens if you prioritize earning potential, or Hanoi for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Athens vs Hanoi?

In Athens, a single person needs approximately €878 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,349. In Hanoi, these figures are ₫11,820,000 for singles and ₫31,870,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Athens and Hanoi in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Hanoi to maintain your lifestyle from Athens

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers