Student housing rents near major Greek universities have risen by up to 29.2 percent since 2023, according to research published by ReDataset.
The study analyzed asking rents for apartments measuring between 15 and 50 square metres located within a radius of 1.5 kilometres, or roughly a 20-minute walk, from eight major higher education institutions across Athens and Thessaloniki.
The steepest increase took place in the port city of Piraeus, located southwest of Athens. Asking rents surrounding the University of Piraeus surged 29.2 percent between 2023 and the first half of 2026, marking the highest growth among all districts surveyed.
Student rental trends across Athens
In contrast, rental growth near Panteion University in Nea Smyrni was milder than in other university neighborhoods, despite overall price increases. Meanwhile, properties surrounding the Athens University of Economics and Business on Patision Street followed a moderate upward trajectory. Rents in that area placed near the middle of the ranking, averaging 12.2 euros per square metre.
Prices near Harokopio University appear to have stabilized after several years of price hikes, reaching 13 euros per square metre. The market also remained relatively calm near the suburb of Zografou, which hosts the main campus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Rents in Zografou rose just 6 percent from 2023 through the first half of 2026, recording the smallest increase among all eight locations in the study.
Housing near the University of West Attica in Egaleo experienced more volatile price movements. Rents in the western suburb dipped at the start of 2024 before rebounding sharply in a new upward surge. Over the three-year period, cumulative rent growth in Egaleo reached 23 percent, making it the second-fastest growing area in the study at 12.3 euros per square metre.
Affordable options in Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, rents near the University of Macedonia maintained a steady upward path, rising approximately 10 percent over the three-year period. However, the neighborhood surrounding Aristotle University of Thessaloniki emerged as the most economical option in the entire survey. Average asking prices around the campus stood at 11.8 euros per square metre, maintaining the lowest rate recorded in the research.
Advice for prospective student tenants
ReDataset noted that rising property prices mean incoming students and their families must look beyond base monthly rental costs when searching for accommodation. Essential expenses such as electricity bills, heating charges, shared building maintenance fees, and daily transportation can significantly increase the total financial obligation.
Selecting an apartment slightly farther from campus can offer substantial savings, provided the location has good access to public transportation networks. As the new academic year approaches, beginning the search early remains a critical factor for securing reasonably priced accommodation, particularly in high-demand university neighborhoods.
