Cost of Living: Almaty vs Athens (2026)
Kazakhstan vs Greece — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 3% cheaper in Athens ($737/mo vs $756/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Athens (32°C vs 28°C).
- •Athens is safer by homicide rate (1.1 vs 2.6 per 100k).
- •Athens scores higher on democracy (8.1 vs 3.1 / 10 EIU).
- •English is easier to get by in Athens (84/100 vs 22/100 English proficiency).
Almaty vs Athens — Common Questions
Is Almaty cheaper than Athens?▾
Athens is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $737/month in Athens vs $756/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Almaty or Athens?▾
Athens is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Almaty has a rate of 2.63 per 100,000 and Athens has 1.13 per 100,000.
Should I move to Almaty or Athens?▾
Athens scores 74 to Almaty's 59 on livability — the gap is real. Almaty has its charms, but the numbers favor Athens. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Almaty or Athens?▾
Almaty: no specific remote work visa. Athens: Greece Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 3)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Almaty or Athens?▾
Athens is warmer in summer (32°C vs 28°C). Almaty has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
Can I live in Almaty or Athens without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Athens (EF EPI score: 84/100) than in Almaty (22/100). In Athens, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Almaty, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
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