With the new academic year yet to begin, families of first-year students are already facing a critical issue to resolve: housing, with student rents proving to be a major “headache.” For those who succeeded in getting into schools far from their place of residence, rents are proving unbearable, with prices rising again compared to last year.
The picture is almost identical everywhere, from Athens to the provinces. In many cases, the cost is so high that several students only declare schools close to their homes on their university application forms to avoid additional expenses. Those who ultimately find themselves in another city often turn to roommate arrangements to share costs.
Student rents: Price differences can reach up to triple between Athens and the provinces
“We’re seeing an increasingly intense trend toward roommate sharing, because the numbers simply don’t add up. The price differences between Athens and the provinces are enormous – they can reach up to triple. In some areas you can find housing at six euros per square meter, while in Athens prices often exceed 15 or even 20 euros, especially in areas like Kolonaki for law students,” emphasizes the president of the European Union of Real Estate Agents, Loukas Theodoridis.
In Thessaloniki the situation is no better, as reported by MEGA. Especially in the city center, rents are considered prohibitive for most students.
According to the data, the average price for student housing up to 65 sq.m. is as follows:
Athens: €530
Thessaloniki: €500
Patras: €380
Komotini: €300
Ioannina: €370
Volos: €400
Heraklion: €400
Beyond demand, short-term rentals also play a significant role, having “pushed” prices upward due to the extension of the tourist season.
