Living in Italy: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Italy

Living in Italy

Last updated on Feb 08, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Italy is 60 million people. The largest cities in Italy are Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Bari, and Catania. Expats love living in Italy for its rich culture, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and friendly people. Life in Italy is often described as relaxed and laid-back, with a strong emphasis on family and community. Popular foods in Italy include pizza, pasta, risotto, gelato, and focaccia. The cons of living in Italy include the high cost of living, bureaucracy, and the language barrier. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,000 to $3,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment.

What do I need to know about living in Italy?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Italy, they said:

"Just come and look around. I never, ever tell someone that "this is the place" for you. I've lived all over Italy and have dozens of "favorite" places to live, work or visit," said one expat in Fiesole.

"Unless you have connections or otherwise know people here, Arona is a tough place to move to. Prepare to be lonely for a while, and you probably need a car," said one expat who made the move to Arona.

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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.