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

By Betsy Burlingame

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €500 - €800 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €350 - €600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €900 - €1,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €600 - €1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €2,000 - €3,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €1,000 - €2,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €1.10
  • Monthly transport pass: €35
  • Taxi starting tariff: €3.50
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €1.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.60
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €1.10
  • Bread (500g): €1.50
  • Rice (1kg): €2.00
  • Eggs (12): €2.50
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): €7.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €12.00
  • Apples (1kg): €2.00
  • Bananas (1kg): €1.50
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): €1.50
  • Potatoes (1kg): €1.00
  • Onions (1kg): €1.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10 - €15
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €40 - €60
  • McMeal at McDonald's: €8
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €4
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €4
  • Cappuccino: €1.50
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 - €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €25 - €40 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: €300 - €600 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €400 - €800 per month
  • Middle school tuition: €500 - €1,000 per month
  • High school tuition: €600 - €1,200 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area of Naples and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Naples

"The cost of living in Naples, is generally considered to be more affordable than in other major Italian cities like Rome or Milan. Housing and rental prices are relatively lower, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Groceries and transportation costs are also reasonable, while dining out and entertainment options can be found to suit various budgets. However, like any city, the cost of living can vary depending on one's lifestyle and preferences. Overall, Naples offers a good balance between affordability and quality of life for its residents," said one expat living in Naples.

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

"I've been living in Naples 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 Vomero, Fuorigrotta, or Pianura, where you can find decent apartments for around $600-$800 a month. These neighborhoods are not as trendy or central as Chiaia or Posillipo, but they're still safe and well-connected to the city center by public transportation.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive in Naples, especially in touristy areas. I suggest cooking at home most of the time and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to find local trattorias or pizzerias where you can get a good meal for around $10-$15. Also, take advantage of the many free or low-cost cultural events and attractions in the city, like visiting museums on free admission days or attending outdoor concerts and festivals.As for transportation, I recommend using public transportation instead of owning a car. The cost of gas, insurance, and parking can add up quickly. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $40, and it covers buses, trams, and the metro. If you need to travel outside the city, consider using regional trains or carpooling with friends.Finally, be prepared to adjust your lifestyle and expectations. Living in Naples on a budget means you won't be able to indulge in luxury items or experiences as often as you might be used to. However, the city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and natural beauty, so you'll still be able to enjoy a rich and fulfilling life here. Just be prepared to live more modestly and make the most of the resources available to you," commented an expat living in Naples.

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

"I've been living in Naples 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 need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Vomero, Fuorigrotta, or Chiaia. These neighborhoods are safe, have good public transportation, and offer a variety of shops and restaurants. However, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Posillipo or the historic center, as the cost of living there can be quite high.When it comes to housing, you'll probably need to settle for a smaller apartment than you might be used to. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in the affordable neighborhoods I mentioned for around $800 to $1,200 a month. Keep in mind that utilities and internet might not be included in the rent, so you'll need to budget for those expenses as well.As for transportation, I'd recommend using public transportation instead of owning a car. The cost of owning a car in Italy can be quite high, especially when you factor in gas, insurance, and parking. Public transportation in Naples is relatively cheap and efficient, with a monthly pass costing around $40.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive, especially in touristy areas. I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also find some great deals on groceries at discount supermarkets like Eurospin or Lidl.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Naples. You can visit many of the city's museums and historical sites for free or at a reduced cost, and there are always events and festivals happening throughout the year. If you enjoy outdoor activities, Naples has beautiful parks and beaches that you can enjoy without spending a lot of money.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Naples is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Naples.

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

"I've been living in Naples 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. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can have a good quality of life here. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Vomero, Fuorigrotta, or Arenella. These areas are more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life. You can find a nice two-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Chiaia or Posillipo, but keep in mind that these areas can be quite expensive, with rents going up to $3,000 a month or more for a two-bedroom apartment.As for transportation, the public transport system in Naples is quite efficient, and a monthly pass costs around $40. If you prefer to drive, you should know that gas prices are higher than in the US, but if you budget around $200 a month for gas, you should be fine.When it comes to groceries, you can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20 to $30 per person. If you enjoy cooking at home, you'll find that fresh produce and local ingredients are quite affordable at the local markets.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Naples, such as visiting museums, parks, and historical sites. A night out at the movies or a concert will set you back around $10 to $20 per person. If you're into fitness, a gym membership will cost you around $50 to $70 a month.In terms of healthcare, if you're an EU citizen, you can access the public healthcare system for free or at a low cost. If you're not an EU citizen, you'll need private health insurance, which can cost around $100 to $200 a month, depending on the coverage you choose.So, if you add up all these expenses, you'll see that it's possible to live comfortably in Naples on $5,000 a month. You might have to make some sacrifices, like choosing a more affordable neighborhood or cutting back on eating out, but overall, you can have a good quality of life here," commented an expat living in Naples.

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.


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