Thousands of prospective students and their families in Cyprus are waiting for the results of university placements in Greece, which are expected to be announced in the coming days.
For those who secure a place, the results will mark the beginning of another demanding process: finding student accommodation in the city where they will study.
Adding to the pressure is the significant rise in rents recorded across Greece in recent years. While student accommodation was once noticeably cheaper than in Cyprus, the gap has narrowed considerably.
Data for the first half of 2026 shows that rents in the most expensive areas can reach around €550 even for a 40-square-metre property. The market varies significantly, however, with Athens and Thessaloniki experiencing the greatest pressure while more affordable options can still be found in several regional university cities.
Highest rents around Athens universities
The greatest pressure is being recorded around universities in Athens.
For small properties measuring between 15 and 50 square metres and located within 1.5 kilometres of major universities in Athens and Thessaloniki, asking prices in the most expensive areas reach €13.70 per square metre.
At that rate, a 40-square-metre apartment would cost approximately €550 a month, although this is indicative and does not mean all properties of that size command the same rent.
Areas around Panteion University and the University of Piraeus top the list, with asking prices reaching €13.70 per square metre.
The area surrounding Harokopio University follows at €13 per square metre, while rents stand at €12.30 near the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and €12.20 around the Athens University of Economics and Business.
The scale of the increase is also apparent when looking at the past three years. Rents around the University of Piraeus have risen by 29.2%, the largest increase among the university areas examined, while the cumulative rise around the University of West Attica stands at 23%.
What students can expect to pay in Athens
In central Athens, the average asking price has reached €12.58 per square metre, an increase of 7.3% in one year.
At those prices, a 35-square-metre studio would cost approximately €440 per month, while a 50-square-metre apartment would approach €630.
In Zografou, traditionally a major student area and particularly popular with Cypriots, the average asking price stands at €11.83 per square metre, up 6.3%.
A 35-square-metre studio would therefore cost around €420 per month, while a 50-square-metre apartment would be close to €590.
Average asking prices stand at €11.53 per square metre in Kallithea, €11.40 in Piraeus and €10.90 in Egaleo.
Thessaloniki no longer a cheap option
Prices in Thessaloniki are slightly lower, although small apartments close to universities can no longer be considered particularly cheap.
Around Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, asking prices stand at €11.80 per square metre, while properties near the University of Macedonia are priced at around €12 per square metre.
The final rent depends on factors including the condition and age of the property, its distance from the university and whether it has been renovated or furnished.
Cheaper student housing outside major cities
More options, and often considerably cheaper ones, remain available in major regional university cities, although expensive properties can also be found there.
In Patras, an unrenovated studio in the city centre, from the Psila Alonia area to Agia Sofia, typically rents for around €280 to €350 per month.
Renovated and furnished studios cost between €350 and €400, while one-bedroom apartments start at around €400 and can reach €700 for renovated, furnished or newly built properties.
Outside the centre, studios of up to 30 square metres can still be found from approximately €200 per month.
Rents in Ioannina and Larissa
In Ioannina, a studio or small apartment in the centre costs around €350 per month, while a renovated or newer one-bedroom apartment is closer to €450.
Properties where electricity, heating and water are included in the rent can cost €430-€450 for a studio and €600-€650 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Larissa offers greater availability of small properties, which appears to be helping keep prices lower.
Options start at approximately €200 per month and can reach €450 for fully equipped studios, depending on the area, age of the property and facilities provided.
Also read: Christodoulides and Erhurman meet for Cyprus talks
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
