Athens vs Seville for Expats
Cross-border city comparison — Greece vs Spain — across 7 dimensions using granular city-level data.
Last updated: February 2026
Quick Verdict
- •Seville scores 5 points higher on safety
- •Seville has stronger healthcare (+11 points)
Overall, Seville edges ahead on aggregate scoring, but the best choice depends on your personal priorities.
Score Comparison
Affordability index -- lower cost of living scores higher
Crime rates, safety perceptions, and neighborhood security
Hospital access, quality of care, and insurance options
School quality, university access, and language programs
Job market, co-working spaces, and remote work infrastructure
Temperature, sunshine hours, and air quality
Public transit, walkability, and ride-hailing availability
Key Metrics
| Metric | 🇬🇷 Athens | 🇪🇸 Seville |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Index | 62 | 62 |
| Safety Index | 65 | 70 |
| Healthcare Index | 65 | 76 |
| Education Index | 68 | 68 |
| Career Index | 42 | 45 |
| Climate Index | 82 | 78 |
| Transport Index | 68 | 65 |
| Air Quality Index | 52 | 62 |
| Family Index | 62 | 68 |
Price Comparison (USD)
| Item | 🇬🇷 Athens | 🇪🇸 Seville |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent (City Centre) | $650/mo | $850/mo |
| 1-Bed Rent (Outside Centre) | $420/mo | $580/mo |
| Inexpensive Meal | $8 | $10 |
| Cappuccino | $3 | $2 |
| Monthly Transport Pass | $35 | $38 |
| Coworking (Monthly) | $180 | $160 |
| Internet Speed | 70 Mbps | 160 Mbps |
The Expat Vibe
🇬🇷 Athens
A chaotic, sun-drenched, deeply affordable Mediterranean capital experiencing a renaissance — digital nomads, artists, and retirees are discovering its raw energy, ancient history, and incredible food scene.
🇪🇸 Seville
The cultural heart of Andalusia — flamenco, tapas, and 300+ days of sunshine attract a growing community of remote workers and retirees seeking deep Spanish immersion.
Housing & Rentals
🇬🇷 Athens
Still very affordable by EU standards — a furnished 1-bed in Koukaki or Pangrati runs EUR 500-800. Spitogatos.gr and xe.gr are the main platforms. Airbnb conversions have tightened the rental market in central neighbourhoods. Many buildings have no central heating — portable AC/heaters are key.
Top neighborhoods: Koukaki, Pangrati, Exarcheia (alternative), Kolonaki (upscale), Petralona, Kypseli
🇪🇸 Seville
Significantly cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. Many historic buildings lack modern insulation — crucial when summers hit 45°C. Air conditioning is non-negotiable and adds EUR 80-150/mo to electricity bills in summer.
Top neighborhoods: Triana, Santa Cruz, Alameda de Hercules, Nervion, Macarena
Getting Around
🇬🇷 Athens
Expanding metro (3 lines), buses, trolleybuses, and tram to the coast. Monthly pass is EUR 30. Traffic is chaotic but the centre is walkable. Bolt works well. The coast (Vouliagmeni, Glyfada) is accessible by tram.
🇪🇸 Seville
Very flat and bikeable with Sevici bike-share (EUR 33/year). Small but effective metro (1 line) and tram. The historic centre is largely pedestrianized. Bolt/Uber work well.
Cost of Living Details
🇬🇷 Athens
Excellent value. A couple can live well on EUR 1,800-2,800/mo including rent. A souvlaki pita costs EUR 3-4. A freddo cappuccino costs EUR 2-3. Taverna meals are EUR 8-15 per person.
🇪🇸 Seville
One of the cheapest major cities in Spain. A couple can live well on EUR 1,800-2,500/mo. Tapas and a beer at a neighbourhood bar costs EUR 3-5. A 1-bed in the centre runs EUR 650-950.
Climate & Weather
🇬🇷 Athens
Hot, dry summers (30-40°C, essentially no rain June-September) and mild winters (8-15°C with some rain). 300+ days of sunshine. The Meltemi wind provides some summer relief. Air pollution can spike in heat waves.
🇪🇸 Seville
One of the hottest cities in Europe — July and August regularly exceed 40-45°C. Winters are mild (8-16°C). Spring (Feria, Semana Santa) and autumn are perfect. The heat is dry and extreme.
Food & Dining
🇬🇷 Athens
Souvlaki at Kostas near Monastiraki (cash only, tiny, legendary). Central Market (Varvakios Agora) for fresh seafood and patsa (tripe soup). Karamanlidika for pastourma and soujouk. Freddo espresso is the Greek coffee order (not frappe, which is the older generation's drink). Loukoumades (honey puffs) at Lukumades near Agia Irini Square.
🇪🇸 Seville
Tapas are often free with a drink at bars in Triana. Mercado de Triana for fresh produce and fried fish. Espinaca con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas) is the signature local dish. El Rinconcillo claims to be the oldest bar in Spain (1670).
Insider Tips
🇬🇷 Athens
Greece's Digital Nomad Visa offers a 50% income tax reduction for qualifying remote workers — it's one of the best tax deals in Europe for high earners. Also, skip the touristy Plaka tavernas and eat where Athenians eat — Epirus and Karamanlidika in the Central Market area serve food that's worlds better at half the price.
🇪🇸 Seville
Plan your year around Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria de Abril — the city transforms completely and rents spike. If you're staying long-term, these are unmissable cultural experiences but book accommodation months in advance.
Explore Each City
Country Profiles
Related City Comparisons
Stay Updated
Get notified when we add new countries, data sources, and features to help your relocation research.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.