Cost Comparison 2025

AthensvsSingapore

Greece
Singapore

Overall

💰

+72.7%

Athens is 72.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+260.0%

Housing is 260.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+60.0%

Restaurants 60.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+70.0%

Food shopping 70.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Athens, Greece and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Athens is more expensive than Singapore by approximately 72.7%. 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 lower than in Singapore by 72%. A one-bedroom apartment in Athens's city center costs around €650, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,500.

Dining out in Athens offers significant savings compared to Singapore. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Athens versus SGD 15 in Singapore.

Public transportation in Athens is more affordable, with monthly passes at €30 compared to SGD 120 in Singapore.

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

Grocery shopping in Athens is more affordable by approximately 41%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower 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 Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 777. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,499 monthly in Athens versus SGD 2,720 in Singapore. 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
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€650
SGD 3,500
1BR Outside Center
€450
SGD 2,500
3BR City Center
€1,200
SGD 7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
SGD 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
SGD 100
Cappuccino
€4
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
SGD 3
Bread (500g)
€1
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
€4
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
€10
SGD 20

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€1
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
€30
SGD 120
Taxi Start
€4
SGD 4
Gasoline (1L)
€2
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€150
SGD 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
SGD 50
Mobile Minute
€0
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Athens to Singapore, 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 Singapore to Athens 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athens more expensive than Singapore?

Yes, Athens is approximately 72.7% more expensive than Singapore overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.7x of your Singapore salary when living in Athens. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $86,364 in Athens for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Athens and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 72%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Athens, a single person needs approximately €878 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,349. In Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,277 for singles and SGD 7,220 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Athens and Singapore 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 Singapore to maintain your lifestyle from Athens

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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