Retire in Perugia, Italy
Last updated on Apr 04, 2025
Summary: Perugia, Italy is a popular destination for retirees due to its stunning scenery, rich culture, and mild climate. The weather in Perugia is typically mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. There are several retirement communities in Perugia, offering a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and social activities. The cost of a nice two-bedroom home in Perugia is typically around $200,000 USD, while a nice three-bedroom home can cost around $250,000 USD.
What is it like to retire in Perugia?
"Retirees in Perugia and its surroundings enjoy a vibrant and active lifestyle. There is an active expat community in the area, with many retirees from other countries living in the city and its surrounding areas. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the city's many churches, museums, and galleries. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. For those looking for a more active nightlife, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore," remarked one retiree in Perugia.

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

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 advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"It is important to research the climate and country you are considering retiring in. Research the healthcare system, cost of living, and the local culture. Make sure that the country you are considering has all the necessary amenities to support retirees, such as adequate access to medical care and good transportation systems. Consider the linguistic differences, and learn enough of the language to get by. Make sure you have a good support system, either through fellow expat retirees or from family and friends back home. Talk to others who have already retired in the country you are considering and ask for advice about what to expect. Be sure to set up your financials and legal matters prior to moving, such as having a power of attorney designated in your home country and researching banking and currency options. Finally, move ahead confidently and recognize it will take some time to adjust," explained one retiree living in Perugia.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Perugia?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Perugia is the language barrier. Although many people in the city speak English, it is still important to learn some Italian in order to fully integrate into the local culture. Additionally, the cost of living in Perugia can be quite high, making it difficult to live comfortably on a fixed income. Furthermore, the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, making it difficult to find a quiet place to relax. Finally, the healthcare system in Italy can be difficult to navigate, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the language and culture," explained one retiree living in Perugia.

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

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.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Perugia?
"Retiring in Perugia offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Italian countryside and the charm of a small city. The city is known for its vibrant culture, with a variety of festivals, events, and activities to enjoy. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. The city is also home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in the region, making it a great place to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee. Additionally, the city is home to a number of historical sites, making it a great place to explore the history of the region. Finally, the city is known for its friendly and welcoming people, making it a great place to make new friends and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle," explained one retiree living in Perugia.
What are healthcare services like in Perugia?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Perugia. They wrote:
"Perugia offers a wide range of healthcare services. The city has several hospitals, including the University Hospital of Perugia, which is the largest hospital in the region. Additionally, there are numerous private clinics and medical centers that provide specialized care. The city also has a number of pharmacies, as well as a variety of health centers and health promotion centers. Perugia also has a number of specialized medical services, such as a cancer center, a cardiology center, and a pediatric center. Furthermore, the city has a number of health insurance companies that offer coverage for medical expenses," explained a retiree in Perugia.
How do I meet people in Perugia?
When we asked people living in Perugia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Perugia can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Perugia. This is a great way to connect with other expats and learn more about the local culture," commented one retiree living in Perugia, Italy.
What is life like in Perugia?
When we asked people living in Perugia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Perugia is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's many attractions, such as its historic churches, museums, and galleries. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. Additionally, the city is home to a number of universities, making it a great place for expats and digital nomads to pursue their studies. The cost of living in Perugia is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad," said one retiree in living in Perugia, Italy.

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

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.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do I need to know before retiring in Perugia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Perugia, they said:
"Before retiring in Perugia, expats should be aware that the cost of living is higher than in many other parts of the country. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge, as Italian is the primary language spoken in the city. Expats should also be aware that the city is quite hilly, so having a car or access to public transportation is essential. Furthermore, expats should research the healthcare system in Perugia to ensure they have access to the medical care they need. Finally, expats should be aware that the city is quite small, so it may not offer the same amenities as larger cities," said a person in Perugia.
What type of recreational activities are there in Perugia?
"Perugia offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. The city is home to several parks, including the Parco di Porta Sant'Angelo, which features a large lake and a variety of walking paths. The Parco di San Francesco is a large park with a playground, a botanical garden, and a variety of sports facilities. The Parco di San Domenico is a large park with a lake, a playground, and a variety of walking paths. The Parco di San Pietro is a large park with a playground, a botanical garden, and a variety of sports facilities. The city also has several public swimming pools, including the Piscina Comunale di Perugia, which is a large outdoor pool with a variety of slides and other attractions. Additionally, the city has several sports clubs, including the Perugia Calcio, which is a professional soccer team. Finally, the city has several cultural attractions, including the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, which is an art museum, and the Teatro Morlacchi, which is a theater," said one retiree in living in Perugia, Italy.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Perugia?
"Perugia is a great place for expats to buy groceries and do other shopping. There are several supermarkets in the city, such as Conad, Coop, and Eurospin, which offer a wide variety of products. Additionally, there are several local markets, such as the Mercato delle Erbe and the Mercato di San Lorenzo, where expats can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local specialties. For other shopping needs, there are several malls and shopping centers, such as the Centro Commerciale Ipercoop, the Centro Commerciale La Fattoria, and the Centro Commerciale La Piazzetta, which offer a variety of stores and services," remarked one retiree in Perugia.
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.
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