It might be home to historic cities and beautiful landscapes, but is the cost of living in Italy as attractive as the surroundings? From housing costs and utility bills to getting around and eating out, read on to find out how far your budget will stretch.
Dreaming about moving here is one thing, but is living in Italy expensive? If you’re comparing the cost of living in Italy vs UK, or the cost of living in Italy vs US, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Italy is the fourth cheapest country in Western Europe. What’s more, if you avoid the big cities and the main tourist areas, you can enjoy a truly authentic Italian way of life on a relatively modest budget.
To get an idea of the cost of living in Italy per month, let’s start with your biggest outgoing: housing. Whether you see yourself living in a city apartment or a Tuscan villa, you’ll find a range of properties that match your aspirations. Naturally, prices vary by city and region, and generally, you’ll find the northern cities and regions more expensive than the predominantly rural south. Milan and Rome top the price of living index, but cities at the other end of the scale, like Naples and Palermo, offer greater affordability. If you dream of living in a small town in the Italian countryside, then you can get even more for your money.
Cost of Living in Italy: prices in 148 cities compared
And to get an idea of Italian mortgage rates and how the application process works, check out our in-depth guide:
When it comes to making a big move like this, it might make more sense to rent, especially at first. So, how much is rent in Italy? Rents in Milan and Rome are comparable to London and New York. If you’re looking for something a little less eye-watering, your budget will go much further in smaller cities like Pisa and Catania, while somewhere like Bologna offers something in the midrange.
As a rough guide, you can expect to pay:
Furnished 2-bed apartment in an expensive city: €1250
Furnished 2-bed apartment in a normal city: €900
Furnished studio flat in an expensive city: €850
Furnished studio flat in a normal city: €700
Now you know what to budget for housing, what about bills?
For water, gas, and electricity, you can expect to pay around:
2-bed apartment: 170 euros
Studio apartment: 110 euros
An Internet connection and router will set you back around 75 euros, followed by monthly bills in the region of 60 euros.
Internet providers include:
Vodafone
Tim
Three
Wind.
You’ll also need to add the cost of a mobile phone contract to your monthly outgoings. Budget around 45 euros on top of everything else.
One of the best things about living in Italy is the fabulous food. Sure, your local Italian restaurant is good, but this is the real deal. Think impeccably finished wood-fired pizza, luxurious risotto, creamy carbonara, and fresh focaccia, enjoyed from your outdoor table in a pretty piazza watching the world go by.
Examples:
Dinner for two with wine, expect to pay around 40-50 euros.
A basic lunch with a drink will set you back around 18 euros.
A combo meal at a fast-food restaurant like McDonalds costs around 10 euros.
However, given the abundance of fresh local produce, you might not bother to eat out that much. At the local supermarket, you’ll find the shelves and deli-counters filled with excellent pasta, delicious cured meats, and fantastic cheese and wine. Is life cheap in Italy? It’s certainly pretty reasonable! Budgeting around 500 euros a month to feed your family is entirely realistic and you’re going to eat well.
Sample prices of individual items that make up your shopping basket:
500 gr (1 lb.) boneless chicken breast: €5.
1 litre (1 qt.) of milk: €1.35.
12 eggs, large: €4.
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes: €3.
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese: €7.
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples: €2.
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes: €1.60.
Bottle of wine: €8.
Bread: €1.40.
And here’s a more exhaustive list:
Cost of Living in Italy. Prices in Italy. Updated Apr 2023
Italy has all the usual entertainment and leisure options that you’re used to back home. If you fancy a few drinks at a local bar or want to take the family to the cinema, prices are broadly similar to what you’re paying now. The same goes for theatre or concert tickets.
Examples:
Pint of beer: 6 euros.
Cocktail: 8 euros.
Two theatre tickets: 75 euros.
Two cinema tickets: 20 euros.
Italian public transport is generally pretty good. In larger cities like Rome and Milan, local trains and buses are supplemented by an extensive metro system. The most cost-effective way to get around is usually a monthly travel pass. Expect to pay between 37- 50 euros for the privilege. Smaller cities like Parma are easier to traverse and many people simply walk or cycle which is a great way to save money.
If you need to travel longer distances, Italian cities are well connected by high-speed trains. Tickets can be bought on the day, but you can book in advance for cheaper deals. Alternatively, you can make the journey by coach. Routes are served by several different operators including FlixBus and Itabus.
Train ticket example: Milan to Rome, one way, expect to pay around 50 euros.
Coach ticket example: Milan to Rome, one way, from 10 euros.
If you’re planning on running a car, fuel prices are generally a little bit higher than in the UK. If you’re moving to Italy from the USA, you’re going to be paying double what you’re used to. It’s not all bad news though. European cars tend to be smaller and more fuel efficient, so higher prices at the pump shouldn’t feel quite so bad.
The cost of living in Italy is also impacted by healthcare and education. The Italian National Health Service was founded in 1978 and provides free healthcare to all residents. The system is mostly funded by a corporate tax called IRAP which is topped up by a personal income tax known as IRPEF. Consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, the system generally delivers good outcomes. Understandably, services that are deemed non-essential like cosmetic surgery and laser eye surgery aren’t covered, and the same goes for dental care. However, in this specific case, there are some exceptions including children under 16 and people requiring emergency treatment. Although the system is generally good, waiting times to see specialists can be an issue, so you might want to supplement state healthcare with private medical insurance.
Everything you need to know about Italy’s healthcare system
The Italian government funds state education for all children aged 6-16. Prior to this, there’s no legal requirement to send your children to preschool, but you’ll find plenty of provision if you need childcare that fits around your work. Nursery places are partially subsidised by the state and any remaining fees will vary by region. Should any of your children wish to attend an Italian university, means-tested financial support might be available. Just like in the UK and the US, Italian universities charge for tuition, and these fees vary from several hundred to several thousand euros per academic year. Should you wish to educate your children privately, you’ll find an abundance of options including international schools.
Aperitivo is a fun Italian tradition that takes place at the end of the working day. Unlike an American-style Happy Hour, drinks aren’t discounted. Instead, you can order from a range of fixed-price cocktails, which also gives you access to a buffet. Expect to pay 8-10 euros per drink, but remember, that includes your food as well. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz and snacks before heading home for dinner.
In Milan, Italy boasts one of the world’s great fashion capitals, so if you love designer brands like Prada, Gucci, and Armani you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, if you want to look stylish without spending a small fortune, you’ll find plenty of options that are more in keeping with the average clothing budget including designer outlet stores and familiar high street chains.
Prices you can expect to find when browsing the racks:
Branded jeans: 80 euros.
Branded trainers: 90 euros.
Summer dress from a chain store: 40 euros.
When it comes to the cost of personal care, there are no real surprises. A standard haircut for a man costs around 20 euros with women paying double or triple depending on styling. If you like to keep fit, monthly gym membership comes in at around 50 euros and if you ever need the services of a private doctor, expect to pay 70 euros for a 15-minute appointment.
If your moving plans are becoming more serious, then it's important to have a proper idea of the cost of living in Italy, and there’s a lot to like about how the numbers add up. Compared to the UK and the USA, many aspects of life in Italy are more affordable, especially if you avoid the most obvious hotspots. How much money you need to live in Italy comfortably depends on your aspirations and priorities, but it’s certainly an affordable dream, even on a budget.
