Cost of Living in Italy
Italy is an attractive migration destination for discerning people. One of the most beautiful countries in Europe with a rich history, it demonstrates dynamic economic development. The standard of living in Italy is quite high, which has made this destination more popular for migration, surpassing the Netherlands, Spain, and France.
Before moving to the Apennine Peninsula, it is important to understand local pricing. This article is dedicated to the cost of popular services and goods in Italy. We will explain how much you will have to pay for housing and groceries, the price of internet and public transport trips, and how much you might spend on healthcare if needed.
Cost of Living in Different Regions of Italy
The length of the country from north to south is 1,170 km. Although it is divided into 20 regions and contains two enclave states — San Marino and the Vatican — Italians themselves usually divide it into the conditional “north” and “south.”
The cost of living varies significantly depending on the city where you decide to settle. Milan and Rome are the most “costly” in terms of expenses, while Florence is slightly cheaper but not by much. Taranto, Cosenza, and Terni top the list of the most affordable cities in terms of prices and expenses. In Calabria, Apulia, or Sardinia, there are programs offering payments to those who move permanently to certain towns.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Italy?
On average, one person needs about €850 per month, not including rent. For foreign workers, reaching this level of income, especially during the first year or two of living in the country, can be challenging. However, for freelancers or entrepreneurs, it is quite achievable. This is why Italian provinces are popular among IT specialists working remotely.
The cost of living in Italy is relatively high compared to other European countries. However, living here opens access to many opportunities. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at what expenses life in Italy consists of and deciding whether the republic is suitable for your migration plans.
Food Products
Prices are generally high, especially for meat, cheese, and high-quality olive oil. However, local seasonal products (vegetables, fruits) can be very affordable.
| Product | Price, € | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular) (1 liter) | 1.43 | 1.00–2.00 |
| White bread (500 g) | 2.05 | 1.00–3.50 |
| Rice (white) (1 kg) | 2.60 | 1.50–4.00 |
| Eggs (regular) (12 pcs.) | 3.52 | 2.00–5.40 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | 14.40 | 8.00–26.00 |
| Chicken fillet (1 kg) | 10.77 | 6.00–15.00 |
| Beef | 17.51 | 10.00–25.00 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 2.19 | 1.00–3.00 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 1.88 | 1.10–3.00 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 2.32 | 1.00–4.00 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 2.89 | 1.00–5.00 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 1.71 | 0.90–2.70 |
| Onions (1 kg) | 1.61 | 1.00–2.75 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.31 | 0.80–2.00 |
| Water (bottle 1.5 liters) | 0.46 | 0.25–1.00 |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | 6.00 | 3.00–10.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 l bottle) | 1.56 | 1.00–2.50 |
| Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) | 2.13 | 1.00–4.00 |
Each family’s grocery basket is different, so food expenses will not be the same. In addition, you can compare the assortment and pricing policies of different supermarkets and markets to choose the most cost-effective option.
The cost of food in Italy also differs depending on the region.
| Product | Unit | Milan (North) | Naples (South) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasteurized milk | 1 liter | €1.40 — €1.70 | €1.10 — €1.40 | Difference around 20–25%. Locally produced milk is cheaper in the South. |
| Beef (fillet or tenderloin) | 1 kg | €18.00 — €25.00 | €15.00 — €20.00 | One of the most contrasting items. Meat quality in the North is often considered slightly higher. |
| Pork (chops) | 1 kg | €10.00 — €14.00 | €8.00 — €11.00 | Significant difference as well. |
| Chicken (breast) | 1 kg | €8.00 — €11.00 | €6.50 — €9.00 | |
| Fresh fish (sea bass, dorado) | 1 kg | €12.00 — €18.00 | €9.00 — €14.00 | An important point: in Naples, as a coastal city, it is often possible to find fresher fish and seafood at better prices, especially at fish markets. |
| Salmon (fresh) | 1 kg | €15.00 — €22.00 | €14.00 — €20.00 | Smaller difference, since it is often an imported product. |
| Rice (round for risotto) | 1 kg | €2.20 — €3.50 | €2.00 — €3.00 | Grocery prices (rice, pasta) differ the least, as these are products from national brands. The difference is 10–15%. |
| Pasta | 500 g | €0.70 — €1.50 | €0.60 — €1.20 | |
| Eggs (category M) | 10 pcs. | €2.80 — €3.50 | €2.50 — €3.00 | |
| Bread (baguette) | 1 piece | €2.00 — €3.00 | €1.50 — €2.20 |
Apartment Rental
First, let’s go over some terminology, without which it is impossible to correctly calculate housing expenses.
“Netti” vs. “Lordo”
Affitto Lordo (gross rent): the amount you agree upon with the landlord.
Spese (additional expenses): this usually includes utilities (water, gas, electricity, garbage collection), and sometimes building maintenance fees (elevator, cleaner). These can amount to €100–€250 per month.
Affitto Netto (net rent): this is the final sum you pay each month: Rent (Lordo) + Spese.
Deposit
When signing a rental agreement, you will always be asked for a deposit. In Italy, this is usually 1 to 3 months’ rent (excluding spese). This money must be returned to you upon moving out if there is no property damage.
If you are looking for an apartment through a real estate agency (agenzia immobiliare), be prepared to pay a commission. It usually equals 1–2 months’ rent. This is a one-time payment.
Contract Type
The most common rental contract in Italy is 4+4 (4 years with the possibility of extension for another 4). For short-term rentals (less than 18 months), tourist contracts are often used. Their prices are almost always significantly higher.
Comparison of Apartment Rental Costs in Different Cities
| City | Average Price Range | What Influences the Price? | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | €900 — €1,400+ | The most expensive city. Economic and fashion capital. High salaries, strong demand from students and professionals. | Price depends heavily on the area. For around €900 you can find modest housing on the outskirts (Corso Buenos Aires, Bicocca). In the center (Brera, Navigli) the prices are from €1,300 and up. New buildings near the metro are also expensive. |
| Florence | €750 — €1,200 | Very high demand with limited supply. Tourism, universities, small historic center. | Centro Storico is very expensive. More affordable districts are outside the historic center — Gavinana, Novoli, Rifredi. |
| Rome | €700 — €1,100 | Huge city with diverse offers. Capital status, tourism, government institutions. | Wide variation between neighborhoods. Prestigious districts (Prati, Trastevere, the city center) are expensive. Suburban areas beyond Termini offer lower prices. |
| Naples | €500 — €800 | Southern Italy, lower income levels. Dynamic city with its own rhythm of life. | You can find good deals. Prices depend on the specific neighborhood: areas like Chiaia and Mergellina are closer to the higher price range. The historic center is cheaper but noisy. |
| Terni | €350 — €550 | Small industrial city. No tourism or high demand. | One of the most affordable cities. It is often possible to rent a good, spacious apartment in or near the city center. |
This is what concerns renting housing. As for how much it costs to buy an apartment in Italy, we discussed that in detail earlier.
Healthcare Services
Italians are among the top five healthiest nations in the world, and the healthcare system has played a key role in this. According to WHO, Italy ranks 2nd in terms of the efficiency of medical services.
The National Health Service of Italy (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) provides care both to citizens and to legal residents. For a foreign citizen to receive medical care, they must register with the SSN and obtain a health card. Registration is available to those holding a residence permit for more than 3 months. In all other cases, visits to clinics will be paid.
Here are approximate prices for services in private clinics:
- Specialist consultations: gynecologist — €75–120, cardiologist — €100–200.
- Diagnostics: ultrasound — €80–150, MRI — €200–400, CT scan — €150–300.
- Dentistry in Italy: filling — €100–200, implant — €1,000–3,000.
- Surgeries: simple (e.g., appendectomy) — €3,000–5,000; complex (orthopedic or oncological) — €10,000–50,000.
Healthcare in Italy is more affordable for migrants if they purchase insurance. Residents can get coverage through the SSN, while other expats must turn to private companies. These services are provided by:
- Allianz Care;
- Generali;
- Cigna Global.
If you do not speak Italian, be prepared for additional costs for a translator. English-speaking doctors are available, but they are most often found in clinics in Milan and Rome, and it is not always easy to get an appointment with them.
Clothing
Shopping in Milan is the dream of fashion lovers around the world. But obviously, migrants are less interested in prêt-à-porter collections from Fashion Week — at least at first, they will be content with the assortment of chain stores.
| Item | Price, € | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) | 79.29 | 40.00–120.00 |
| 1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M) | 34.92 | 20.00–60.00 |
| 1 pair of Nike sneakers (mid-range) | 86.63 | 55.00–120.00 |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 114.00 | 65.00–200.00 |
The average salary in Italy allows for buying designer clothes during sales: discounts in outlets reach 40%. Unlike in many countries, artificially inflating prices before sales is prohibited by law. And if you shop not in a store but directly at the warehouse, the savings on clothing can be very significant.
Utilities and Internet
Whether you live in a rented or owned apartment, utility payments will always be part of your mandatory expenses. In Italy, this category includes:
- spese condominiali — costs for the maintenance and servicing of common property in a condominium;
- electricity and gas;
- heating.
Communication services and the internet are not considered utilities, but since it is impossible to do without them, we will include them here as well.
In general, the calculation and billing methods are similar to those we are used to. What differs is the calculation of heating costs, since it consists of two components:
- actual consumption;
- system maintenance.
Italians are very focused on reducing utility expenses through energy saving. Installing individual meters not only for water but also for heating is common practice. Many buildings are also equipped with solar panels, which help reduce utility costs by about a quarter.
Electricity, gas, water, and heating will cost €100–200 per month, while the internet will cost €25–40 per month. It is very important to understand that expenses also depend on the size of the apartment, the number of residents, and the season: in winter, heating costs in the north will be higher than in the south.
Entertainment Expenses
Migration is not the same as tourism, and it is unlikely that an expat will be eager to visit museums or theaters during the first years of living in a new country. However, leisure is essential, so it is important to have an idea of entertainment prices in Italy.
One way to improve your foreign language skills is by watching movies. A trip to the cinema in Italy costs €8–12. Museum tickets are slightly more expensive, around €10–20.
Even a minimum salary in Italy makes it possible to go to the gym. A fitness membership costs on average €30–70. Many gyms offer discount systems and welcome bonuses for new members, so it is quite realistic to stay in shape while saving money.
Transport
The fare does not depend on the type of transport you use but on the type of ticket you buy.
In Rome’s metro, buses, and trams, the Metrebus or BIT (biglietto integrato a tempo) ticket is valid.
- The BIT ticket is valid for 100 minutes and costs €1.50. Upon entering public transport, it must be validated, and if the validator is not working, you should write the boarding time on the ticket manually.
- The Metrebus Card (Mensile Roma personale) is a personal monthly pass. It can be personalized (in this case, the cost is €35) or non-personalized (price €53).
Public transport is convenient for those living in large cities like Rome or Milan. But what about those who settle in the suburbs or provinces?
If your budgetallows, you can buy a personal car. To get an idea of expenses, the Numbeo portal provides the following prices:
| Item | Price, € | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.78 | 1.70–1.90 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 kW Trendline (or equivalent new car) | 28,000.00 | 25,000.00–31,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car) | 29,206.70 | 25,000.00–33,400.00 |
If you cannot afford to buy a personal car yet, you can use car sharing. For example, Localrent offers rentals on the following terms:
- Fiat Panda, Opel Corsa: from €20 per day;
- Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus: from €30 per day;
- Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008: from €45 per day;
- Audi A4, BMW 5 Series: from €70 per day.
Money Transfers from Italy
Interest in life in the republic is constantly growing: many are exploring the possibility of moving and obtaining a work visa in Italy. If everything goes well, expats have the opportunity to send money home to support relatives or to send gifts for birthdays or weddings.
The Korona app is a convenient tool for sending money transfers to more than 50 countries worldwide. With its simple and user-friendly interface and modern features, you can send money in just a few minutes. At the same time, the recipient will receive the transfer almost instantly once it is confirmed.
The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.