Student housing is becoming increasingly expensive across Greece, with rental prices near the country’s largest universities in Athens and Thessaloniki climbing steadily from 2023 through the first half of 2026. According to a study by ReDataset, rents for apartments ranging from 15 to 50 square meters—located within a 1.5-kilometer radius (or roughly a 20-minute walk) of eight major Greek universities—have seen significant variation in growth rates.
Piraeus Leads Sharp Rental Increases
The University of Piraeus recorded the steepest rise among all eight university zones examined: rents surged by 29.2% over the three-year period—from 2023 to mid-2026—making it the fastest-growing student rental market in the study. That increase was nearly double the overall average observed across all locations, cementing Piraeus as one of the most expensive areas for student accommodation in Greece.
Panteion University Remains Among the Most Expensive
The area surrounding the Panteion University on Syngrou Avenue remains among the priciest, having held the top spot since 2023. Current average rents there stand at €13.70 per square meter—virtually matching those in Piraeus. Though price growth here has been more moderate compared to other university districts, its high baseline has kept it consistently at the upper end of the scale.
Mixed Trends Across Athens
Near the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) on Patission Street, rents followed a steady but restrained upward trajectory, landing the area near the middle of the ranking by mid-2026. At the Harokopio University, prices appear to have stabilized after several consecutive semesters of increases, settling around €13 per square meter over the past year.
In contrast, the Zografou campus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens saw the mildest change: just a 6% overall increase since 2023—the lowest among all eight university zones surveyed.
Western Attica and Thessaloniki Show Divergent Patterns
The University of West Attica in Aigaleo experienced notable volatility—rents dipped early in 2024 before rebounding strongly, resulting in a cumulative 23% rise over the three years, placing it second in terms of growth rate.
In Thessaloniki, the area around the University of Macedonia followed a steadier path, with rents rising approximately 10% over the same period. Meanwhile, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki continues to offer the most affordable student housing among the eight locations studied—remaining the most economical option despite broader inflationary pressures.