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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Bergamo 2024
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Bergamo, Italy


Cost of Living in Bergamo

By Betsy Burlingame

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Bergamo helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Bergamo is €650-€850 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and €800-€1,000 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Bergamo is €2,000-€2,500 per square meter. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is €100,000-€150,000, and the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is €150,000-€200,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Bergamo is €1.50 for a single ticket, €4.50 for a day ticket, and €15 for a weekly ticket. The cost of a taxi ride is €3.50 for the first kilometer, and €1.50 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Bergamo is €50-€60 per week for a family of four. The cost of a liter of milk is €1.20, a loaf of bread is €1.50, a dozen eggs is €2.50, and a kilogram of apples is €2.00.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Bergamo is €15-€20 per person. The cost of a pizza is €7-€10, and the cost of a beer is €4-€5.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Bergamo is €100-€150 per month for a family of four. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition in Bergamo is €2,000-€3,000 per year for preschool, €3,000-€4,000 per year for elementary school, €4,000-€5,000 per year for middle school, and €5,000-€6,000 per year for high school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bergamo

"The cost of living in Bergamo is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively affordable, while rent prices can vary depending on the area. Eating out can be quite expensive, but there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes to choose from. Overall, Bergamo is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life at an affordable price," said one expat living in Bergamo.

Can I live in Bergamo on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bergamo 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 neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Borgo Palazzo, Longuelo, or Loreto. These neighborhoods are more affordable than the more expensive areas like Città Alta or Redona. When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or even consider sharing an apartment with roommates to save on rent. Utilities and internet can be quite expensive, so make sure to factor that into your budget as well. For transportation, I suggest using public transportation like buses and trains, which are quite affordable and reliable. Owning a car can be expensive, especially when you consider the cost of gas, insurance, and parking. When it comes to food, you'll have to be smart about your grocery shopping. Local markets and discount supermarkets like Eurospin or Lidl can help you save on groceries. Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. However, you can still enjoy the occasional pizza or pasta dish at a local trattoria without breaking the bank. Entertainment and leisure activities can also be done on a budget. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in Bergamo, like visiting the beautiful parks, churches, and museums. Just be mindful of your spending when it comes to nights out or weekend trips to nearby cities like Milan or Venice. In conclusion, living in Bergamo on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your housing and transportation choices, and being frugal with your food and entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Bergamo.

Can I live in Bergamo on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bergamo for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the lower city (Città Bassa) rather than the upper city (Città Alta), which is more expensive and touristy. Some affordable neighborhoods in the lower city include Borgo Palazzo, Longuelo, and Redona. These areas are still well-connected to the city center and have all the necessary amenities.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or even walking, as Bergamo is not a very large city. The bus system is quite efficient, and a monthly pass costs around €30. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that gas prices and parking fees can add up quickly.For groceries, you can save money by shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Eurospin and Lidl. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local trattorias and pizzerias, but avoid the more touristy areas where prices tend to be higher.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Bergamo. You can visit the beautiful parks, such as Parco dei Colli, or explore the historic sites in Città Alta. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year, like the Bergamo Film Meeting and the Gaetano Donizetti Music Festival.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on some luxury items or high-end experiences, like dining at fancy restaurants or going on expensive trips. However, with some careful planning and budgeting, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Bergamo on $3,000 a month," said one expat living in Bergamo.

Can I live in Bergamo on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Bergamo 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. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it's a great place to live.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the lower city (Città Bassa) rather than the upper city (Città Alta). The upper city is more historic and picturesque, but it's also more expensive. In the lower city, you can find a nice one-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,000 a month. If you're willing to share a place with roommates, you can cut that cost even more.As for transportation, Bergamo has a pretty good public transportation system, so you don't necessarily need a car. A monthly pass for buses and trams costs around $40. If you do decide to get a car, keep in mind that gas prices are higher in Italy than in the US, and parking can be a challenge in some areas.When it comes to food, eating out can be expensive, especially in the upper city. However, there are plenty of affordable options in the lower city, and you can always cook at home to save money. Groceries are generally cheaper in Italy than in the US, so you can still enjoy fresh produce, meats, and cheeses without breaking the bank.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be affordable if you're smart about it. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in Bergamo, like the beautiful parks and historic sites. If you're into sports, there are also affordable gyms and sports clubs in the city.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the conveniences you're used to, like having a large living space or a car. You might also have to adjust your expectations when it comes to dining out and entertainment options. However, I think the trade-offs are worth it for the chance to live in such a beautiful and historic city.Overall, I'd say that living in Bergamo on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments and be smart about your spending," commented an expat living in Bergamo.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Bergamo, Italy

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