A month in Thessaloniki, in numbers
| Item | Monthly | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flat | EUR 200-350 | |
| Studio, on your own | EUR 350-500 | |
| Food | EUR 170-240 | |
| Transport | EUR 15-25 | Student discount; metro since 2024 |
| Phone and internet | EUR 15-25 | |
| Electricity and water | EUR 35-75 | |
| Personal and other | EUR 50-100 | |
| Total | EUR 450-700 |
Where students actually live
Because the campus is central, the surrounding districts are the student quarter. Ano Poli (the old town) is cheap and beautiful but hilly; the area around Kamara and Rotonda is the most convenient; Toumba and Charilaou are cheaper with a short bus ride; Kalamaria is quiet, residential and a little dearer.
The universities
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki — Greece's largest, with one of the country's biggest English-taught master's catalogues
- University of Macedonia — economics, business, social sciences
- International Hellenic University — specialises in English-taught programmes for international students
Work, honestly
As in Athens: limited and Greek-dependent, with the added factor that a large student population means more competition. Seasonal tourism work exists towards Halkidiki, but it is a summer proposition.
The honest bits
- 1A weak labour market — Greece's general picture applies here.
- 2Slow bureaucracy for the residence permit.
- 3On the other side: the most affordable large city in Greece, a lively student culture, and Aristotle University's wide English-taught list.
Before you fly
- 1Verify your programme's language and entry conditions on the university's own page.
- 2Budget EUR 900-1,300 for the first two months.
- 3Read the Greece country guide and the visa guide.
Official sources — check for yourself
Rules and figures change. We review these articles periodically and show the date above, but always confirm the current requirement with the official source before you act on it.
Common questions
Thessaloniki or Athens?+
Thessaloniki runs about EUR 50-100 a month cheaper and is more student-shaped, with the campus in the middle of the city. Athens has the larger Bangladeshi community and better international connections. Cost and student life favour Thessaloniki; community and connectivity favour Athens.
Does Aristotle University teach in English?+
Yes, and its English-taught catalogue is one of the largest in Greece, especially at master's level. Language, fees and entry requirements differ by programme, so check the university's own programme pages.
How much does a student need per month in Thessaloniki?+
Typically EUR 450-700, among the most affordable across all nine countries we serve. Rents drop further outside the centre, and since the metro opened in 2024 living further out is practical.
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