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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Parma 2024
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Cost of Living in Parma

By Betsy Burlingame

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Parma 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 in Parma - Cost of Living in Parma

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Parma 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 Parma 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 Parma 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 in Parma is €3.50 for the first kilometer, and €1.50 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Parma 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 €2.50.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Parma is €15-€20 per person. The cost of a pizza is €7-€10, and the cost of a bottle of wine is €10-€15.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Parma 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 Parma 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 Parma

"The cost of living in Parma 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 is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around €30. Overall, Parma is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life at an affordable price," said one expat living in Parma.

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

"I've been living in Parma for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like San Leonardo, Oltretorrente, or even some parts of the city center. These areas are more affordable compared to more upscale neighborhoods like Cittadella or Montanara.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or even biking around the city. Parma is quite bike-friendly, and you can easily get around without a car. If you do need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service instead of owning one.For groceries, you'll want to shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Eurospin or Lidl. These stores offer lower prices compared to more upscale supermarkets like Esselunga or Coop. Also, try to cook at home as much as possible, as eating out can be quite expensive in Parma.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in the city. You can visit parks, attend free concerts, or explore the beautiful historic center. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the theater or dining at high-end restaurants.In terms of healthcare, if you're an EU citizen, you can access the public healthcare system, which is quite good. However, if you're not an EU citizen, you'll need to get private health insurance, which can be an additional expense.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Parma is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, shopping smartly, and enjoying low-cost entertainment, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Parma.

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

"I've been living in Parma 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, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like San Leonardo, Oltretorrente, or even Montanara. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or neighborhoods like Cittadella and San Lazzaro, which can be quite expensive.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or even biking around the city. Parma is quite bike-friendly, and you'll find that many locals prefer this mode of transportation. If you do need a car, consider getting a small, fuel-efficient one to save on gas and parking expenses.Eating out can be quite expensive in Parma, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. However, you can still enjoy delicious Italian cuisine by cooking at home or eating at more affordable trattorias and pizzerias. Shopping at local markets and grocery stores will also help you save money on food expenses.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of your usual activities. Going to the movies, concerts, or other events can add up quickly. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities Parma has to offer, such as visiting parks, attending local festivals, or exploring the beautiful historic sites around the city.In terms of healthcare, you'll want to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. While public healthcare in Italy is generally of good quality, you may prefer to use private healthcare services for certain treatments or specialist consultations. Make sure to budget for any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.Overall, living in Parma 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, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful Italian city has to offer," said one expat living in Parma.

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

"I've been living in Parma 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 some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, if you want to live in the city center, you'll find that rent prices can be quite high, especially in areas like Oltretorrente and Cittadella. These neighborhoods are beautiful and full of history, but they might not be the most affordable options. On the other hand, if you're willing to live a bit further from the city center, you can find more affordable options in neighborhoods like San Leonardo and San Lazzaro. These areas are still well-connected to the city center by public transportation, so you won't feel too isolated.In terms of apartment size, you might have to settle for a smaller place than you're used to, especially if you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood. However, you can still find modern, well-equipped apartments that will provide you with all the amenities you need.As for other expenses, groceries and eating out in Parma can be quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid touristy restaurants. Public transportation is also reasonably priced, and you can save even more by getting a monthly pass.Overall, I think you can definitely make it work on $5,000 a month in Parma, as long as you're willing to be flexible with your living arrangements and prioritize your expenses. 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 Parma.

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

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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