Rental prices for apartments have been rising steadily over the past three years across Greece — but the pace of growth varies significantly by location. A new study by ReDataset maps how rents have evolved since 2023 around eight major universities in Athens and Thessaloniki, focusing on residential units between 15–50 square meters located within 1.5 km (or roughly a 20-minute walk) of each campus.
The Piraeus University Area Leads in Rent Growth
The University of Piraeus recorded the sharpest rent increase among all eight university districts: a 29.2% rise between 2023 and the first half of 2026 — the highest in the study. This surge was nearly double the national average and has pushed Piraeus into the ranks of the most expensive student housing markets in the country.
Panteion University Remains Among the Most Expensive
The Panteion University area along Syngrou Avenue has held its position as one of the priciest neighborhoods for student rentals since 2023. Rents there now stand at €13.70 per square meter — matching Piraeus after growth slowed in recent months.
Mixed Trends Across Other Campuses
The Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), located on Patission Street, shows steady but moderate growth — landing comfortably in the middle of the price range by 2026.
At the Harokopio University area, rents have stabilized at €13 per square meter over the past year, following several semesters of consistent gains.
Rent increases near the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Zografou were the mildest of all — just 6% since 2023, the lowest among the eight locations surveyed.
The University of West Attica saw an initial dip in early 2024, followed by a rebound that resulted in the second-highest overall increase — 23% — over the period.
The University of Macedonia followed a steady upward trajectory, with rents rising 10% over the same three-year span.
Aristotle University Is Still the Most Affordable
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki remains the most affordable of the eight university areas, with average asking rents at €11.80 per square meter — the lowest in the study.