Cost of Living: Athens vs Hoi An (2026)

Greece vs Vietnam — relocation comparison

TL;DRAthens scores 8.1 vs 2.6 on democracy. Hoi An has milder winters (20°C vs 6°C lows). Both cities treat summer as an endurance sport.
74
Livability Score
🇬🇷 Athens
Greece
Full profile
52
Livability Score
🇻🇳 Hoi An
Vietnam
Full profile
Athens scores 74 to Hoi An's 52 on livability — the gap is real. Hoi An has its charms, but the numbers favor Athens.
🔒
Safety
Athens
1.1 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Athens
8.1/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
32°C vs 34°C summers
🗣️
English
Athens
higher proficiency score
Athens
Metric
Hoi An
$737/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$524/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$3,701
🧳
Cost to land
1.1 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
1.5 / 100k
55 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
32°C
☀️
Summer high
34°C
6°C
❄️
Winter low
20°C
98 Mbps
Internet speed
8.1 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
2.6 / 10
Very High (84/100)
🗣️
English ease
Moderate (52/100)
$44k
💼
GDP per capita
$16k
2.7%
📈
Inflation
3.6%
74 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
52 / 100
75/100 — Mostly stable
Grid reliability
85/100
🗽
Freedom House
5 years
📋
Time to PR

For the Kids

Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll

436
PISA
country avg
468
4
Intl schools
13
Yes (Greek)
Public school
4–12 weeks public
Specialist wait
$666/mo
Childcare
full-day

Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems

Settler Essentials

improving
Democracy trend
declining
tourism-techshippingfintechagritech
Industries
active
Startup ecosystem
75/100
Grid reliability
5 yrs
Time to PR
Easy
EU visa
Moderate
RU visa
Moderate
UA visa
Your partner can also work
Spouse works

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Summers are slightly warmer in Hoi An (34°C vs 32°C).
  • Athens scores higher on democracy (8.1 vs 2.6 / 10 EIU).
  • English is easier to get by in Athens (84/100 vs 52/100 English proficiency).

Athens vs Hoi An — Common Questions

Which is safer, Athens or Hoi An?

Athens is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Athens has a rate of 1.13 per 100,000 and Hoi An has 1.53 per 100,000.

Should I move to Athens or Hoi An?

Athens scores 74 to Hoi An's 52 on livability — the gap is real. Hoi An 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 Athens or Hoi An?

Athens: Greece Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 3)). Hoi An: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Athens or Hoi An?

Hoi An is warmer in summer (34°C vs 32°C). Athens 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 Athens or Hoi An without speaking the local language?

English is easier to get by in Athens (EF EPI score: 84/100) than in Hoi An (52/100). In Athens, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Hoi An, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.