Cost Comparison 2025

AthensvsNairobi

Greece
Kenya

Overall

💰

-18.2%

Athens is 18.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

-20.0%

Restaurants 20.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-4.0%

Food shopping 4.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Athens, Greece and Nairobi, Kenya reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Athens is more affordable than Nairobi by approximately 18.2%. 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 similar than in Nairobi. A one-bedroom apartment in Athens's city center costs around €650, while the same in Nairobi is approximately KES 50,000.

Dining out in Athens is notably more expensive compared to Nairobi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Athens versus KES 500 in Nairobi.

Public transportation in Athens is more affordable, with monthly passes at €30 compared to KES 4,000 in Nairobi.

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 Nairobi, the same lifestyle would cost around KES 29,480. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,499 monthly in Athens versus KES 103,180 in Nairobi. 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
Nairobi, Kenya

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€650
KES 50,000
1BR Outside Center
€450
KES 25,000
3BR City Center
€1,200
KES 120,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
KES 500
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
KES 3,000
Cappuccino
€4
KES 300
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
KES 250

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
KES 120
Bread (500g)
€1
KES 50
Eggs (12)
€4
KES 200
Cheese (1kg)
€10
KES 800

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€1
KES 50
Monthly Pass
€30
KES 4,000
Taxi Start
€4
KES 200
Gasoline (1L)
€2
KES 170

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€150
KES 7,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
KES 4,000
Mobile Minute
€0
KES 5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Nairobi 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 Nairobi 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

Nairobi

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athens more expensive than Nairobi?

No, Athens is approximately 18.2% cheaper than Nairobi. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 85% of your Nairobi salary when living in Athens. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Nairobi, you'd need about $42,308 in Athens for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Athens and Nairobi?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 25%, 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 Nairobi for affordability.

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

In Athens, a single person needs approximately €878 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,349. In Nairobi, these figures are KES 54,480 for singles and KES 173,180 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Athens and Nairobi in 2025 shows notable 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 Nairobi to maintain your lifestyle from Athens

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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