Cost of Living in Sorrento
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Sorrento helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Cost of Living | Sorrento |
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €600 to €1,000 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to €2,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Sorrento can range from €2,000 to €4,000 per square meter. The average price for a two-bedroom apartment is around €200,000. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Sorrento is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket costs €1.50, while a monthly pass costs €30. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around €5. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Sorrento is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.20, and a dozen eggs costs €2.50. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Sorrento can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €25 per person, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can cost up to €50 per person. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Sorrento is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 85m2 apartment is around €100 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Sorrento can vary greatly depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from €500 to €1,000 per month, while elementary school tuition can range from €1,000 to €2,000 per month. Middle school tuition can range from €2,000 to €3,000 per month, and high school tuition can range from €3,000 to €4,000 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sorrento
"The cost of living in Sorrento, is relatively high compared to other Italian cities, mainly due to its popularity as a tourist destination. The price of accommodation, whether renting or buying, is quite steep, especially in the city center or with sea views. Groceries and dining out can also be expensive, with prices at restaurants and supermarkets often higher than in other parts of Italy. However, local markets can offer fresh produce at more affordable prices. Public transportation, such as buses and trains, is reasonably priced, but owning and maintaining a car can be costly due to high fuel prices and parking fees. Healthcare in Sorrento is of a high standard, but private health insurance can be expensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Sorrento is high, many residents feel that the city's beauty, climate, and quality of life make it worth the expense," said one expat living in Sorrento.
Can I live in Sorrento on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Sorrento for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. The city center and the areas near the coast are quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the outskirts of the city or in nearby towns like Sant'Agnello or Piano di Sorrento. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $600-$700 a month in these areas.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and groceries. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive, especially in the touristy areas. I usually cook at home and shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Eurospin or MD to save money. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries if you're careful with your spending.Transportation is another expense you'll need to consider. If you're working in Sorrento, you can save money by using public transportation like buses or trains, which are quite affordable. A monthly pass for local buses costs around $40, and a train pass for the Circumvesuviana line (which connects Sorrento to Naples and other nearby towns) costs around $60. If you have a car, keep in mind that gas prices are quite high in Italy, so using public transportation whenever possible is a good idea.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be selective to stay within your budget. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in the area, like hiking in the nearby hills, visiting local beaches, or exploring the beautiful towns along the Amalfi Coast. However, if you want to visit popular tourist attractions like Pompeii, Capri, or the Blue Grotto, you'll need to budget for entrance fees and transportation costs.In summary, living in Sorrento on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using public transportation, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Italian town," commented an expat living in Sorrento.
Can I live in Sorrento on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Sorrento for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First of all, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. The city center can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the surrounding neighborhoods like Sant'Agnello or Piano di Sorrento. These areas are still close to the city center, but the rent is more affordable. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $800-$1,000 per month.As for other expenses, groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products. Eating out can be pricey, especially in the touristy areas, so I'd recommend cooking at home most of the time. If you do want to eat out, try to find local trattorias or pizzerias that offer more affordable prices.Transportation is another expense you'll need to consider. Public transportation is relatively cheap, but it can be unreliable at times. If you plan on traveling around the region, I'd recommend getting a monthly train pass, which costs around $60. If you have a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher in Italy than in the US, and parking can be difficult to find in the city center.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Sorrento and the surrounding areas. You can spend your days exploring the beautiful coastline, visiting nearby towns like Positano and Amalfi, or hiking in the nearby Lattari Mountains. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for free or at a low cost.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like a gym membership or cable TV. However, with the beautiful surroundings and rich culture, you'll find plenty of ways to stay active and entertained without spending a fortune.Overall, living in Sorrento on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Italian town," said one expat living in Sorrento.
Can I live in Sorrento on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Sorrento for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to live in the most luxurious apartment or dine out at fancy restaurants every night, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding an affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Sant'Agnello or Piano di Sorrento. These neighborhoods are a bit more budget-friendly compared to the city center, and they still offer a good selection of modern amenities. You can find nice apartments for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider areas like Marina Grande or the historical center of Sorrento. These areas are beautiful and offer a lot of high-end amenities, but they can be quite expensive. Renting an apartment in these neighborhoods can easily cost you $2,500 or more per month, so you might want to avoid them if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 budget.In terms of other expenses, groceries and transportation are relatively affordable in Sorrento. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and public transportation is quite cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $40. However, if you plan on traveling a lot or eating out frequently, you might need to budget a bit more for those expenses.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Sorrento on a $5,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make a few sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Sorrento.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.