Cost of Living in Liguria
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Liguria 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 | Liguria |
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Liguria can range from €500 to €1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €1,000 to €1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can range from €400 to €800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can range from €800 to €1,200 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Liguria can range from €1,500 to €2,500 per square meter. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €300,000 to €500,000. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Liguria is €1.50 per ride. A monthly pass costs €30. The cost of a taxi ride in Liguria is €2.50 per kilometer. The cost of a one-way ticket on the train from Genoa to Milan is €25. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Liguria is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, a dozen eggs costs €2.00, and a kilogram of apples costs €2.50. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Liguria is relatively low. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs €15 per person, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €30 per person. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Liguria is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 85m2 apartment is €100 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Liguria varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €400 per month, elementary school tuition is €500 per month, middle school tuition is €600 per month, and high school tuition is €700 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Liguria
"The cost of living in Liguria is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively affordable, while rent and dining out can be a bit more expensive. Prices for goods and services vary depending on the city and region, but overall, Liguria is a relatively affordable place to live," said one expat living in Liguria.
Can I live in Liguria on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Liguria 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 choose an affordable neighborhood. I recommend looking into towns like La Spezia, Imperia, or Savona, where the cost of living is lower compared to more popular tourist destinations like Portofino or Cinque Terre. Renting a small apartment in these towns can cost you around $600-$800 per month, leaving you with enough money for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, I suggest using public transport like buses and trains, which are quite affordable and well-connected in Liguria. Owning a car can be expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and parking fees. For groceries, shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl or Eurospin to save money. Eating out can be pricey, so try to cook at home most of the time and treat yourself to a nice meal occasionally.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Liguria, like hiking, visiting beaches, and exploring charming villages. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or frequent trips to other parts of Italy or Europe.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Liguria is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. Stick to affordable neighborhoods, use public transportation, shop smart, and enjoy the many free or low-cost activities the region has to offer," commented an expat living in Liguria.
Can I live in Liguria on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Liguria for a few years 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 and sacrifices. First, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Instead, consider more affordable areas like La Spezia, Imperia, or even some smaller towns along the coast.Housing will be your biggest expense, so try to find a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to save on rent. You can find decent one-bedroom apartments for around $600-$800 a month, but you might have to compromise on the view or location.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high gas prices and limited parking. I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses and trains, which are quite affordable and reliable. If you need a car occasionally, consider renting one for a day or two.Eating out can also be pricey, especially in touristy areas. I've found that cooking at home and shopping at local markets can save a lot of money. You can still enjoy the occasional meal out, but try to stick to more affordable trattorias and pizzerias instead of high-end restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so try to take advantage of the many free or low-cost options available. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites to explore without spending a fortune.Finally, be prepared to adjust your lifestyle and expectations. You might not have all the modern amenities you're used to, like air conditioning or a dishwasher, but you'll be living in a beautiful region with a rich culture and history. Embrace the slower pace of life and enjoy the simple pleasures that Liguria has to offer," said one expat living in Liguria.
Can I live in Liguria on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Liguria for a few years 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 need to choose a smaller apartment or live a bit further from the city center to save on rent. In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I would recommend looking into places like La Spezia, Imperia, or Savona. These cities are not as expensive as the more popular tourist destinations like Portofino or Cinque Terre, but they still offer a great quality of life and access to modern amenities. You can find a decent apartment in these areas for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, depending on the size and location.On the other hand, I would avoid living in more expensive neighborhoods like Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, or the Cinque Terre villages. These areas are beautiful, but the cost of living is significantly higher, and you might struggle to make ends meet on a $5,000 a month budget.In terms of other expenses, groceries and eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local markets and avoid touristy restaurants. Utilities and transportation costs are also reasonable, especially if you use public transportation or ride a bike instead of owning a car.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some luxury items or services that you might be used to, like having a gym membership or going to the spa regularly. However, there are plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty in Liguria that can help you stay active and healthy without spending a lot of money.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live a comfortable life in Liguria on a $5,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make a few adjustments and prioritize your spending," commented an expat living in Liguria.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Pros & Cons of Living in Liguria
- Cost of Living in Liguria
- Health Care in Liguria
- Discovering the Best of Liguria
- 10 Best Places to Live in Liguria, Italy
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Italy
- Best Places to Live in Italy
- Real Estate in Italy
- How to Rent a Home in Italy
- Pros and Cons of Living in Italy 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Italy
- More Advice about Retiring in Italy