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Cost of Living in Italy | Expat Exchange
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Bergamo, Italy

Cost of Living in Italy

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 01, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Italy is generally considered to be quite high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Italy can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Italy can range from $20 to $50 per person.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Is the cost of living in Italy high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Italy, they wrote:

"I am not currently living in Italy but have stayed in apartments during my visits. I started to laugh when I read that cost of living is high in Italy and that a one bedroom will cost you €800 to €1200. In US currency that's a few dollars more. However I wish I could pay this living in southern California for a nice one bedroom apartment but it doesn't exist unless you decide to live in a deplorable neighborhood.. I pay more for a lovely 2 bedroom back home. In regards to Italy I think it depends on the city. In Venice for example an apartment can cost a bit more as opposed to Mestre. It all depends on the city and location," remarked one expat in Italy.

"Yes, the cost of living in Milan is relatively high compared to other Italian cities, driven mainly by housing expenses. Rental prices, especially in central and desirable neighborhoods, are among the highest in the country. Other significant costs include dining out, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. However, salaries in Milan tend to be higher, particularly in sectors like finance, fashion, and technology, which can offset living expenses," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"The cost of living in Italy can vary greatly depending on the city. In general, the larger cities tend to be more expensive, while smaller cities and towns offer more affordable cost of living. For example, it is generally more expensive to rent an apartment in Rome than it would be in other parts of Italy. Groceries are usually fairly affordable, with fresh produce available in most markets throughout the country. Eating out in restaurants can also be slightly more pricey than in other countries, but prices vary significantly depending on where you dine. Transportation costs in Italy are also quite reasonable, with discounts often available to those who purchase tickets in advance. Overall, the cost of living in Italy is lower than in many other European countries, making it a popular destination for expats," said one expat in Italy.

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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Will I save money living in Italy?

"Saving money while living in Milan can be challenging. However, it's possible with careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. Opting for less expensive neighborhoods, cooking at home, and taking advantage of public transportation can help reduce expenses. Taking advantage of local markets, seasonal sales, and free or low-cost cultural events can also contribute to saving money," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"Living in Italy can be significantly more cost effective than in the United States. The cost of living in Italy is generally lower than in the United States, with consumer goods and groceries costing much less. Housing can be cheaper in certain areas, such as rural villages and small towns, while in the larger cities rental rates may be comparatively similar. In addition, transportation costs tend to be lower, both for public and private vehicles, and there is usually no need to pay for costly health insurance," said one person in Italy.

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What is the average cost of housing in Italy?

If you are thinking about moving to Italy, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Our housing costs are higher here only because of the higher rate of electricity. Electricity is very expensive here. I don't know the average rate of housing here," said one expat in Bergamo.

"The average cost of housing in Italy varies depending on the size, location, and type of property; however, generally speaking, prices tend to be more expensive in cities such as Rome and Milan than in rural areas. Additionally, prices can vary significantly depending on whether one wishes to buy or rent," remarked one in Italy.

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Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Italy?

"Typical rents in Milan vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and type of accommodation. In central areas such as Brera, Navigli, and Porta Romana, rents are higher, often exceeding 1,500 euros per month for a one-bedroom apartment. In more affordable neighborhoods like Lambrate or Bovisa, you can find one-bedroom apartments for around 800 euros to 1,200 euros per month. Larger apartments and those with modern amenities or located in prestigious buildings can command even higher prices. It's essential to consider the trade-off between proximity to the city center and rental costs when choosing a place to live," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"The rental cost of a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Italy can vary drastically based on the city, size, and amenities, ranging from around 500 to 3,000 US dollars per month. A nice 2 bedroom apartment could range from around 700 up to 4,000 US dollars per month," said one expat.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Italy what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"When renting a home in Italy, the typical appliances that come with the property include a refrigerator, stove, and clothes washer. Many homes also come equipped with air conditioning units and internet access. Some homes may also offer dishwashers, while others might provide access to a communal pool or gym. Additional amenities such as access to a shared garden or balcony may also be available," said one expat living in Italy.

"In Italy, rental properties often come with a basic kitchen setup, which usually includes a stove, oven, and refrigerator. It's common for rentals to be unfurnished or semi-furnished, so major appliances and furniture may need to be provided by the tenant. Always confirm with the landlord or real estate agent what is included in the rental to avoid surprises upon moving in," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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.

Bergamo, Italy
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

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