| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) | €600 – €800 per month |
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | €450 – €600 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | €2,500 – €3,500 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | €1,800 – €2,500 per square meter |
| Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | €30 – €40 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.50 – €1.70 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | €100 – €150 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | €25 – €40 per month |
| Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef, etc.) | €200 – €300 per month |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | €10 – €15 |
| Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant | €40 – €60 |
| Private Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Monthly for 1 Child | €400 – €600 |
| Private Elementary School, Yearly for 1 Child | €4,000 – €6,000 |
| Private Middle School, Yearly for 1 Child | €6,000 – €8,000 |
| Private High School, Yearly for 1 Child | €8,000 – €12,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lucca
“The cost of living in Lucca is considered moderate compared to other Italian cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while a similar apartment outside the city center is even less expensive. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively low. Groceries in Lucca are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. Eating out in Lucca can vary, with inexpensive restaurants being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can be more costly. Public transportation in Lucca is also affordable, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Gasoline prices are on the higher side, in line with the rest of Italy. Healthcare in Italy is generally of a high standard and is free or low cost for residents. However, private health insurance can be expensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Lucca is lower than in larger Italian cities like Rome or Milan, it is higher than in many smaller towns and rural areas,” said one expat living in Lucca.
Can I live in Lucca on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Lucca for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. The cost of living in Lucca is lower than in many other Italian cities, but it’s still Europe and certain things can be expensive. Rent is one of the biggest expenses. If you want to live in the city center, in neighborhoods like San Paolino or San Frediano, you’re looking at paying around $800-$1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. These areas are beautiful, full of history and close to everything, but they’re not cheap. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like San Marco or San Concordio, you can find places for around $500-$700 a month. Groceries are another big expense. If you shop at the local markets and cook at home most of the time, you can keep this cost down. Eating out can be expensive, especially in the touristy areas. But there are plenty of affordable local trattorias where you can get a good meal for around $10-$15. Utilities like electricity, gas, and internet can add up to around $200 a month, depending on usage. Public transportation is pretty affordable, but if you want to have a car, you need to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance. Healthcare is relatively affordable in Italy, especially compared to the US. If you’re a resident, you can access the public healthcare system, which is generally good. But if you want private healthcare, you’ll need to budget for that. In terms of lifestyle, you might have to make some sacrifices. You won’t be able to eat out or travel as much as you might like, and you’ll have to be careful with discretionary spending. But if you’re okay with living a bit more simply, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month in Lucca. It’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and the quality of life is very high,” commented an expat living in Lucca.
Can I live in Lucca on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Lucca for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living in Lucca is lower than in many other parts of Italy, especially compared to cities like Rome or Milan. However, it’s still a popular tourist destination, so prices can be higher than in less well-known areas. Rent is likely to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center, in neighborhoods like San Paolino or San Frediano, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. These areas are beautiful and historic, but they’re also the most expensive. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like San Marco or San Concordio, you can find cheaper options, maybe around $700 to $900 a month. Groceries are reasonably priced in Lucca, especially if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce. Eating out can be expensive, especially in the city center, but there are plenty of affordable trattorias and pizzerias if you know where to look. Utilities like electricity, gas, and internet are fairly standard, maybe around $200 a month in total. Public transportation is cheap and efficient, but if you want to own a car, remember to factor in the cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Healthcare in Italy is excellent and much cheaper than in the U.S., but as an expat, you’ll need to pay for private health insurance unless you’re working and paying into the Italian social security system. This can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 a month, depending on your age and health. As for sacrifices, you might have to give up certain luxuries you’re used to. For example, homes in Lucca are often older and may not have modern amenities like air conditioning or a dryer. Eating out and traveling frequently can also eat into your budget. But overall, I’ve found that the quality of life in Lucca is high. The city is beautiful, the food is amazing, and the people are friendly. It’s a slower, more relaxed way of life, but if you’re open to that, I think you’ll find it’s a great place to live on a budget of $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Lucca.
Can I live in Lucca on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Lucca for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. Lucca is a beautiful city with a rich history and a slower pace of life, but it’s not as expensive as larger cities like Rome or Milan. The cost of living here is quite reasonable, especially when compared to other parts of Europe or the US. Rent is likely to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center, in a neighborhood like San Paolino or San Frediano, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a nice, modern apartment. These areas are more expensive because they’re close to the city’s main attractions, like the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the Guinigi Tower. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like San Marco or San Concordio, you can find cheaper options. I’ve seen nice apartments in these areas go for as low as $700 a month. Groceries are also quite affordable here. I spend around $300 a month on groceries, and that’s for high-quality, fresh produce from local markets. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, especially in the touristy areas, but there are plenty of affordable trattorias and pizzerias where you can get a meal for around $15. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, usually come to around $200 a month. Public transportation is also quite cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $40. However, Lucca is a small city and very walkable, so you might not even need to use public transportation that much. As for other expenses, like entertainment and personal care, it really depends on your lifestyle. But even with a budget of $500 a month for these things, you’d still be well within your $5,000 budget. The main sacrifice you might have to make is living a bit further from the city center. But even the outskirts of Lucca are charming and full of character, and you’ll be able to enjoy a more authentic Italian lifestyle. Plus, the money you save on rent can be used for other things, like travel or dining out. In my experience, living in Lucca on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but quite comfortable. You just need to be smart about where you choose to live and how you spend your money,” commented an expat living in Lucca.
