Cost of Living in Rapallo
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Rapallo helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Rapallo is around €700-€900 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €1,200-€1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €500-€700 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €800-€1,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Rapallo varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €150,000-€200,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €250,000-€350,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €100,000-€150,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €200,000-€250,000. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Rapallo is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket for the bus or train costs €1.50. A monthly pass for the bus or train costs €30. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Rapallo is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50. A liter of milk costs around €1. A dozen eggs costs around €2. A kilogram of apples costs around €2.50. A kilogram of potatoes costs around €1.50. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Rapallo varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around €7-€10. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-€20. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around €30-€50. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Rapallo is relatively low. The average cost of electricity for a two-bedroom apartment is around €50-€60 per month. The average cost of water for a two-bedroom apartment is around €20-€30 per month. The average cost of internet for a two-bedroom apartment is around €30-€40 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Rapallo varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around €500-€700 per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around €700-€900 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around €900-€1,200 per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around €1,200-€1,500 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rapallo
"The cost of living in Rapallo, is considered moderate compared to other parts of Italy. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate. Groceries in Rapallo are priced reasonably, with local markets offering fresh produce at affordable prices. Dining out in Rapallo can range from moderately priced at local trattorias to more expensive at high-end restaurants. Public transportation in Rapallo is reliable and affordable, with options including buses and trains. However, owning and maintaining a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel costs and parking fees. Healthcare in Rapallo is of high quality and is generally affordable, especially for residents who are part of the Italian healthcare system. Overall, while the cost of living in Rapallo can be high compared to other towns in Italy, it is still lower than in major cities such as Rome or Milan," said one expat living in Rapallo.
Can I live in Rapallo on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Rapallo 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 the neighborhoods of San Maurizio or San Siro, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. Avoid the areas near the waterfront and the city center, as they can be quite expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be pricey, so I suggest cooking at home most of the time and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. When you do go out, look for the more affordable trattorias and pizzerias instead of the high-end restaurants.As for transportation, I recommend using public transport or walking whenever possible, as owning a car can be quite expensive with fuel, insurance, and parking costs. The train station in Rapallo is well-connected, making it easy to travel to nearby cities like Genoa or even Milan for a day trip.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Rapallo and the surrounding area. You can spend your days exploring the beautiful coastline, hiking in the nearby hills, or visiting the many charming villages in the region. There are also several museums and historical sites that offer discounted or free admission on certain days.Overall, living in Rapallo on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Italian town," commented an expat living in Rapallo.
Can I live in Rapallo on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Rapallo 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 and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like San Maurizio or San Michele di Pagana, where you can find more reasonably priced apartments. Avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the city center or the waterfront, as the rents there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transportation instead of owning a car. The train and bus systems are quite reliable and affordable, and they can take you to most places in and around Rapallo. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance.As for groceries and dining out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save you a lot of money compared to eating out at restaurants. If you do want to dine out occasionally, try to find more affordable options like pizzerias or trattorias instead of high-end restaurants.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Rapallo. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails without spending a dime. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on international travel. While living in Italy, you might be tempted to explore other European countries, but this can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, focus on exploring the beautiful Italian countryside and nearby cities, which can be just as rewarding and much more affordable.Overall, living in Rapallo on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy the beautiful Italian lifestyle," said one expat living in Rapallo.
Can I live in Rapallo on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Rapallo 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 dine out at fancy restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious apartment, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the more affordable neighborhoods like San Maurizio or San Michele di Pagana. These areas are still close to the city center and have all the necessary amenities, but the rent is generally more reasonable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like San Siro or Santa Margherita Ligure.One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation in Rapallo is quite good, so even if you live a bit further from the city center, you can still easily get around. This can help you save on transportation costs and allow you to allocate more of your budget towards other expenses.As for other sacrifices, you might have to cut back on some luxury items or experiences. For example, you might not be able to afford a gym membership at the most upscale fitness center, but there are plenty of more affordable options available. Similarly, you might have to be more mindful of your grocery shopping and opt for local markets instead of high-end supermarkets.Overall, living in Rapallo on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with a few minor adjustments. Just be mindful of your spending and prioritize your expenses, and you should be able to make it work," commented an expat living in Rapallo.
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.