Cost of Living in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Italy is one of the top cities in the world for those looking to immigrate. From the big cities to the small towns, Italy offers a good life for anyone that wants to experience its enticing culture firsthand.

In this article, we’re looking at the cost of living in Italy, providing a glimpse into what you can expect. You’ll learn about:

• The factors that influence costs in Italy
• Cost of living for a single person
• Living expenses for international students
• Rent in Italy’s top cities, and more

Overview of the Cost of Living in Italy

Factors that influence the cost of living in Italy

There are several factors that influence the cost of living in Italy. From location to lifestyle choices, let’s explore some of the varying factors.

Location

Like with all other countries across the globe. One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of living in Italy is where you choose to stay. Costs will be significantly higher in major cities, while smaller towns may be less expensive. This includes things like groceries, rent, and leisure activities. Choosing to live in a more rural area in Italy may reduce your cost of living significantly.

Housing

The type of accommodation you choose will affect the cost of living in Italy. For example, living in a one-bedroom apartment will cost a lot less than a four-bedroom home. This doesn’t just include rent or the purchase price but utilities too. If you’re looking to purchase property and live in Italy long term, the Italy Golden Visa may be ideal, offering a residence permit in exchange for a financial investment in Italy’s economy.

Education

If you’re thinking about moving to Italy with your family, the type of education can significantly affect your budget requirements. There are public schools, but remember lessons are taught in Italian. So, if your children need to attend international schools in Italy the cost will be considerably higher.

Health care

Italy has a fantastic public health care system available to residents and citizens. For this reason, expats may be required to look into private health care to ensure they get the care needed. Luckily, there are private health insurance plans to suit a range of budgets, depending on your medical needs.

Lifestyle choices

Possibly the most pertinent variable for the cost of living in Italy is the type of lifestyle you’re accustomed to. For example, if you want to eat out every other night, live in a modern apartment, take an Uber over public transport, and shop for the latest fashions, this will impact your living costs significantly.

For a more in-depth guide, our guide to living in Italy provides all the essential information you’ll need on what its truly like to live in Italy, expanding on what to expect and how you can integrate into Italian culture seamlessly.

Cost of Living in Italy for a Single Person

The cost of living in Italy for a single person varies based on the area they live in, the lifestyle they are accustomed to, and other varying factors like internet packages, phone bills, etc. Let’s take a look at some of the basic costs for a single person living in Italy.

Breakdown of monthly costs for a single person in Italy

The table below provides the basics for a single person living in Italy in 2024:

The average monthly cost of living for a single person without rent in Italy comes out to around €855.

Cost of living in Italy for a single person with rent

The cost of living in Italy for single person with rent can vary depending on the location and type of housing. For example:

• 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: €749
• 1 bedroom apartment outside the city center: €570

Considering the cost of living in Italy in addition to the rent, a single person is looking at anywhere between €1,400-€1,600 per month to live in Italy.

How much to budget for essentials: food, utilities, and transport

Knowing how much to budget per month for essentials in Italy can be difficult because of the varying factors. On average, for a single person it is best to budget around €550 for these basics. While it might be on the higher side, it’s better to budget more and know the essentials are covered every month.

Entertainment and leisure expenses for single individuals in Italy

Entertainment and Leisure expenses aren’t always the first thing one thinks about when budgeting. However, it’s an essential part of integrating into Italian society and culture. Here are some basic leisure and entertainment costs in Italy for a single person.

Depending on how often you like to go out you may need more or less of a budget for entertainment and leisure activities in Italy. Generally, about €200 per month is a safe amount to budget for a single person, but this varies depending on the types of activities you’re interested in.

Monthly Cost of Living in Italy

The estimated monthly costs of living in Italy can vary dramatically depending on where you live and the types of accommodation and activities you’re interested in. Let’s explore some basics.

Average monthly expenses for different cities in Italy

Comparing some of the living expenses in various Italian cities provides some fascinating insights into how much to budget for each.

Monthly cost of living in Italy with rent

The estimated monthly costs for Italian citizens and expats depend on the type of accommodation and how much space is needed. Let’s compare four estimated monthly costs for rent in some of the most popular Italian cities.

As you can see the cost of rent in Italy varies greatly by area and type of accommodation. If you’re looking for some of the cheapest cities with lower priced accommodation in Italy, two of the top options would be Palermo or Turin. 

How to manage your budget while living in Italy

There are many ways you can manage your budget while living in Italy. Let’s take a look:

• Know the costs: The number one part of creating a solid budget while living in Italy is to have the updated costs to ensure you are working with the correct amounts for personal living expenses, rent, etc. 
• Ensure you have enough money for the basics: While having money for entertainment and shopping is nice, it isn’t essential. Before moving to Italy ensure you have enough money to cover the basics like food, rent, and utilities. 
• Ask the locals: Every country has tips and tricks for the best ways to budget while living there. For example, locals can tell you where to find cheaper fresh groceries at a local market or the hidden gems for meeting friends for drinks. 
• Understand the taxes: Each country has its own set of tax regulations and understanding where you fall is an essential part of budgeting. You need to know how much of your salary or pension is going towards tax each month to budget accordingly. 
• Plan ahead: It’s always best to plan ahead as far as possible to predict what costs may lie ahead. For example, planning a trip to your home country or having family and friends come stay with you over the holidays.

Cost of Living in Italy for International Students

The cost of living in Italy for international students is one of the top queries when looking at the cost of living in Italy. Many international students make their way to Italy each year to further their education and it’s easy to see why. From the history and culture to the excitement of a new experience and the fantastic institutions, Italy has a lot to offer students. 

Accommodation options and rent costs for international students

As with the varying rental costs above, the price of accommodation for international students will range based on where it is located and the type of accommodation. Let’s look at some student accommodation options in Italy:

• University dormitories: €200-€400 per month
• Shared apartments: €250-€700 per student per month (location dependent)
• Host families: €300-€600 per month
• Short term rentals: €30-€80 per night
• One bedroom apartment: €500-€1,200 per month

Looking at the following options it’s important to understand the type of accommodation you are looking for as a student. If you don’t mind sharing facilities then dormitories, host families, and shared apartments may be the perfect options for international students on a budget in Italy. 

Student discounts and budget-friendly living tips

There are loads of ways international students can budget while living in Italy. Some money saving options include:

• Cooking at home
• Taking advantage of student discounts for public transport and entertainment
• Avoiding touristy cities with hotspots during busy times
• Travel during off peak season

While Italy is one of the more expensive countries to study in there are ways to get around the high cost. If students plan accordingly and take advantage of the numerous student discounts in and around the cities, they may save a lot more money per month than the average expat in Italy. 

Cost of living for international students in Italy: food, transportation, and more

The living costs for international students will vary just as with any other resident in Italy. It all comes down to location, accommodation type, and lifestyle. For example:

• Transportation for students: Most public transport offers discounted prices for students with a valid student card. Some require you to book in advance, so always double check to ensure you’re saving as much as possible. A monthly pass for public transport is about €30 but may be lower if you have a valid student card. 
• Food prices: Keep an eye out for student discounts. Many restaurants, particularly in popular student areas will offer discounts and deals for students. Groceries per month for a single student are generally around €150- €300.
• Accommodation: If international students are on a tight budget, the cheapest place to stay would generally be in a share house, dormitory, or student specific accommodation. Price: €200- €700 per month.

Cost of Living in Italy for 3 Months

The cost of living in Italy for 3 months is a popular query because the Schengen Visa is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. This is a popular option for those from the UK and US that are looking to stay in the EU and explore for three months. Here is what you need to know about the living costs for 3 months in Italy.

Short-term rentals in Italy

Planning your 90-day trip to Italy requires some planning ahead of time. Remember Italy has its tourist season, and this will increase the prices drastically in popular cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. Spring and summer are the high season, so if you can avoid it, it’s easier on the budget during the fall and winter.

Planning in advance is an absolute must if you are traveling to Italy for longer than a few weeks. You should have your travel arrangements planned in full before you leave to ensure your accommodation is taken care of and you know how you’re going to get around.

The cost for a short-term rental in Italy generally goes for anywhere between €800-€2,500 per month depending on if it’s in the city center and the season. If you plan, you may be able to snag a much better price the further in advance you book your accommodation.

How to budget for a 3-month stay in Italy

Here are a few helpful tips for budgeting for a three month stay in Italy:

• Plan in advance as far as possible
• Select your transportation for each destination. Renting a car is advised for smaller towns outside the city center.
• Book your activities before your visit. This not only provides a better price and ensures your spot is booked no matter the season, but also means you’ve paid in advance, so you don’t need to keep as much money aside.
•  Book and pay for your accommodations where you can. This might not work if you plan on travelling around Italy. However, where you can, booking before the time is highly recommended.
• Look at the food costs and make a shopping list. If you’re staying in Italy for 90 days, eating out every night is not very likely. Be sure to research the cost of food and plan accordingly so you know how much to set aside.

If you want to stay in Italy but still want to work, the newly established Italy Digital Nomad Visa may offer the ideal solution. This visa allows non-EU citizens to work remotely while living in Italy.

Total estimated cost of living in Italy for 3 months

For Italian residents, a single person can live comfortably on round €1,400-€1,600 per month, including rent. However, this does not factor in the various holiday activities and eating out, which is an absolute must while on holiday in Italy. Generally, for a single person a three month stay in Italy will cost between €3,000-€6,000 depending on the season, location, and intent of travel.

If you plan to stay in Italy for longer than three months, it is advisable to speak with an immigration specialist to find the best route for citizenship or permanent residency. For example, the Italy citizenship by investment program may just be the perfect fit for those looking to start living in Italy.

Cost of Living in Italy vs USA: A Comparative Analysis

The cost of living in Italy vs USA is quite drastic. The lifestyle and living expenses vary significantly. But having this information comes in handy if you’re planning on travelling from the US to Italy or vice versa.

Average costs of rent, groceries, and utilities

The table below should give you some valuable insights into the varying costs of living between the US and Italy.

Groceries

Rent

Utilities

How transportation costs compare between Italy and the USA

The cost of transportation for Italy vs the US varies based on the mode of transportation. Let’s take a look:

Quality of life and expenses: Italy vs USA

The quality of life in Italy is outstanding. From a fantastic healthcare system, amazing historic architecture, and food to tantalize all tastebuds, Italy is a world class country with something to offer everyone. Based on the quality-of-life index on our Global Passport Index, Italy ranks 23rd while the US ranks 39th.

Due to the higher quality of life, Italy is one of the hardest countries to obtain citizenship. Our guide to the Italian passport provides an in-depth look at how to obtain this prestigious passports.

In terms of expenses, Italy does offer a slightly lower cost of living compared to the US, particularly when looking at transportation, internet, mobile phone plans, and certain grocery items like bread, wine, and water. Rent is another big difference, with Italy offering a much lower entry point for rentals compared to the US.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living in Italy

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Italy?

This depends on where you live, a small town in Italy may offer much lower rent and living expenses compared with a city in central Italy. The average cost for a single person to live in Italy is around €1,400-€1,600 per month.

Is it cheaper to live in Italy or the United States?

When it comes to day to day living, Italy is cheaper than the United States. However, this will depend largely on the location. For those looking to retire in Italy from the US there are some sensational areas with small towns that are very welcoming to foreign retirees looking to soak in the culture and history of Italy in their Golden years. Plus, with the lower cost of living in Italy, this may just be possible for more Americans.

Is it cheaper to live in Italy compared to other European Countries?

Italy is generally cheaper than other countries in Western Europe. Compared with France, Germany, and the UK, Italy is cheaper in terms of day-to-day expenses. Rent in cities like Milan and Rome are comparable to Paris and Berlin. While transport is cheaper in Italy compared to the UK and France. However, Italy is more expensive when compared to some Eastern European countries.

What is the cost of living in Italy for a single person?

The living costs for a single person in Italy is approximately €1,400-€1,600 per month. Again, this depends on the location of accommodation and lifestyle choices.

What is the cost of living in Italy with rent included?

The cost of living in Italy with rent starts at around €1,400 per month and can go up to well over €4,000 per month for a family living in a three-bedroom apartment.

What is the cost of living in Italy for international students?

The living costs for international students in Italy can vary significantly. Generally, international students can make their way in Italy for around €850 per month if they choose a shared accommodation option like a dormitory. The price can increase drastically for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.

What is the cost of living in Italy for 3 months?

For a single person, a three-month stay in Italy typically costs between €3,000 and €6,000, depending on factors like the season, location, and purpose of the trip.

How does the cost of living in Italy compare to the USA?

The living costs in Italy are generally cheaper than in the US. This is particularly true for things like rent, transport, and certain daily essentials. For example, rent in the city center is about double the price in the US compared with Italy.

How much does it cost to live in Italy for a year?

This depends on a range of factors. If the average single person lives on a budget of €1,400 per month including rent, you could comfortably live in Italy with about €17,000 per year.

How much is health insurance in Italy?

On average, private health insurance costs about €1,000 per year per person. Healthcare in Italy can cost a pretty penny, so getting health insurance is recommended for all those looking to live in Italy for an extended period.

How much is schooling in Italy?

Private schooling in Italy can cost anywhere between €4,000-€20,000 per year. International school fees in Italy are between €10,000-€25,000 per year. While university fees in Italy can go from anywhere between €900-20,000 per year, depending on the program and the institution.