Choosing an apartment in Athens is exciting, but it comes with a critical decision that significantly impacts your budget and lifestyle: should you rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment? The answer isn't always clear. Many renters underestimate the hidden costs of an unfurnished space or overestimate the premium on a furnished one. This guide cuts through the confusion. We provide a definitive, Athens-specific, 12-month cost-benefit analysis to give you a transparent, data-driven look at the total financial commitment for both options. Forget guesswork; this is the practical breakdown you need to make an informed decision tailored to the realities of the Athenian rental market.
The Core Dilemma: A 12-Month Cost Breakdown
To understand the furnished vs unfurnished apartments athens cost, we need to look beyond the monthly rent. The true financial picture emerges when you account for initial, one-time expenses. Below is a detailed 12-month cost projection for a standard 70sqm, one-bedroom apartment in a central Athens neighborhood.
| Expense Category | Furnished Apartment (Estimate) | Unfurnished Apartment (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | €950 | €750 | According to NomadLease.com (May 2025 data), furnished units leased at 108% of benchmark rent estimates, while unfurnished units leased at 103%, indicating a significant premium for furnished properties. |
| Security Deposit | €1,900 (2x rent) | €1,500 (2x rent) | Expat Law confirms that the typical rental security deposit in Athens, Greece, is generally equivalent to one or two months’ rent, as specified in the lease contract. |
| Initial Furniture & Appliances | €0 | €8,000 - €12,000 | Includes bed, sofa, table, chairs, TV, fridge, washing machine. |
| Kitchenware & Linens | €100 (supplements) | €500 | Often partially included in furnished, but requires full purchase for unfurnished. |
| Utility Connection Fees | €0 - €50 | €250 | For electricity (ΔΕΗ) and water (ΕΥΔΑΠ) if not already active. |
| Total Initial Outlay (First Month) | €2,950 | €11,000 - €15,000 | Includes first month's rent and deposit. |
| Total Rent Over 12 Months | €11,400 | €9,000 | |
| Total Cost of Renting Over 12 Months | €13,300 | €19,250 - €23,250 | Includes initial outlay minus security deposit (which is refundable). |
Conclusion: For a 12-month lease, the total cost of renting furnished athens is significantly cheaper—by at least €6,000—than the total cost of renting unfurnished athens when you factor in the high initial setup expenses.
What Does 'Furnished' Really Mean in Athens?
Understanding the local market is key. The term 'furnished' can vary, but there are common expectations when searching for apartments in Athens.
What is included in a furnished apartment in Athens?
A typical furnished apartment in Athens is move-in ready. You can expect to find:
* Major Furniture: Bed with mattress, sofa, dining table and chairs, wardrobe, and basic storage units.
* Major Appliances: Refrigerator, washing machine, oven/stovetop, and air conditioning units.
* Basic Kitchenware: Often includes pots, pans, plates, glasses, and cutlery.
* Amenities: Sometimes includes a television, microwave, and basic linens.
The level of quality and completeness varies, so always confirm a detailed inventory list before signing a lease. These furnished apartment amenities athens provide significant upfront savings and convenience.
Unfurnished Apartment Expectations in Athens
An unfurnished apartment expectations athens scenario is quite different. In Greece, 'unfurnished' often means completely empty. It is common for these apartments to lack:
* Light fixtures in some rooms.
* A refrigerator or washing machine.
* Wardrobes or closets (these are often considered furniture).
This bare-bones approach gives you a blank canvas but requires a significant investment in time and money to make it livable.
The True Cost of Furnishing an Unfurnished Apartment in Athens
The initial savings on monthly rent for an unfurnished apartment can be deceptive. The cost to furnish apartment athens is a major financial hurdle that renters often underestimate.
A Detailed Look at Initial Furnishing Expenses
Realistic estimates for furnishing a 70sqm apartment in Athens range from €8,000 to €18,000, with mid-range functional furnishings costing €8,000–€12,000, significantly higher than the €4,500 stated. (Source: Move2Greece.com, GetGoldenVisa, and Athens homeowner experiences via YouTube) These are just some of the hidden costs unfurnished apartment athens that need to be budgeted for.
Is it cheaper to furnish an apartment myself in Greece?
While it seems like buying your own furniture is a long-term investment, the answer to is it cheaper to furnish apartment myself greece depends entirely on your rental duration. If you plan to stay in Athens for three years or more, the initial cost can be amortized, making it a financially sound decision. For any period shorter than two years, the convenience and lower initial outlay of a furnished apartment almost always win out.
Pros and Cons: Which Option is Best for You?
Making the best option furnished or unfurnished athens choice depends on your personal circumstances, budget, and long-term plans.
| Aspect | Furnished Apartment | Unfurnished Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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After weighing the pros and cons, you can better align your choice with your financial and lifestyle needs. If you're ready to see what's available, you can explore our curated selection of apartments in Athens.
How Your Stay Duration Impacts the Decision
The financial logic shifts dramatically based on the length of your lease. The break-even point is the key to making a smart decision.
| Stay Duration | Best Choice | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term (Less than 2 years) | Furnished | The high upfront cost of furnishing cannot be justified. The convenience and lower initial outlay make it the clear winner. |
| Long-Term (3+ years) | Unfurnished | The initial investment is amortized over time, and the lower monthly rent leads to significant long-term savings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more expensive are furnished apartments in Athens?
Furnished apartments in Athens are typically 20-30% more expensive than their unfurnished counterparts. For a one-bedroom apartment that might rent for €750 unfurnished, you can expect to pay around €950-€1000 for a furnished version in the same building or neighborhood.
What is the average cost to furnish an apartment in Athens?
The average cost to furnish a one-bedroom apartment in Athens from scratch is between €4,000 and €6,000. This includes essential furniture (bed, sofa, table), major appliances (fridge, washing machine), kitchenware, and other basic necessities.
Is it cheaper to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment in Athens for one year?
For a one-year lease, it is significantly cheaper to rent a furnished apartment. Our analysis shows that despite the higher monthly rent, you could save over €2,000 in the first year by avoiding the massive upfront cost of purchasing furniture and appliances.
What is typically included in a furnished apartment in Athens?
A standard furnished apartment in Athens includes all major furniture (bed, sofa, table, wardrobe), major appliances (fridge, oven, washing machine), and often basic kitchenware and utensils. However, it's always best to get a detailed inventory list from the landlord before signing the contract.
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