The cost of living in Italy has become an interesting topic, especially considering the country's vibrant culture and rich history. The cost of living has risen over the past few years, and many residents strive to find affordable places to live. A few considerations come into play when determining affordable living conditions, including housing prices, job opportunities, and amenities.
Cities like Rome and Milan have higher housing costs than rural areas and smaller towns. The cost of living is determined by healthcare, utility, grocery, and transportation expenses. Major cities offer various job opportunities in finance, fashion, and technology, contributing to the quality of life. Italy scores well in quality-of-life aspects, including civic engagement and work-life balance. It also has amenities like cultural attractions and historical sites, which enhance an individual's living experience. Factoring these conditions while paying attention to your income allows you to find affordable housing to boost your life satisfaction.
01 Pescara, Abruzzo
Pescara's housing and living costs are among the most affordable in Italian cities. If you live alone, your estimated cost is around $1,361 and approximately $3,116 for a family of four. This is cheaper than 84% of the Western European cities. The city offers various amenities that improve the quality of life. Students can access education at decent institutions like the University of Pescara. Health centers provide quality healthcare services through qualified doctors and therapists. Living in the area lets you access advertising, support services, and retail employment opportunities. The transportation system in Pescara is of good quality, comprising public transport and taxis.
02 Chieti, Abruzzo
The average monthly cost of living in Chieti is $1324, with a median after-tax salary of $1657. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center charges a rent of $550, while the outskirts cost $450. You can explore the area to enjoy cultural attractions like the Museo Universitario, Chieti Sotterranea, and Palazzo Zambra. Chieti Sotterranea is an underground historical site, whereas Zambra is a historic building. The city offers job opportunities in sales, information technology, and science. Its transportation system is well-connected, making commuting convenient.
03 Reggio Calabria, Calabria
Living in Reggio is quite affordable. An individual's monthly cost of living is approximately $1,361. A three-room, 125-square-meter apartment costs $590 monthly, and a four-room, 110-square-meter apartment costs $643 monthly. The city is known for beautiful landscapes like the Strait of Messina and Mt. Etna in the distance. It showcases the Lungomare Falcomata, filled with palm trees and exotic species. Open-air bars along the seafront offer an opportunity to take a relaxing break after school or work. Living in Reggio gives you access to job opportunities in social assistance, nursing, and administration. The transport system is comprised of a rail network, a Mediterranean bus, and taxis.
04 Catanzaro, Calabria
The cost of living in Catanzaro averages about $1324 monthly. The median salary after taxation is $1298, enough to cover a month's living expenses. A one-bedroom apartment costs $757 in the city center and $591 in other areas. Residents enjoy a vibrant cultural scene with top attractions, including the San Giovanni monumental complex, the Magna Grecia outdoor arena, and the Politeama Theatre. The historic center hosts ancient churches and important monuments like the cathedral and the Norman tower. Residents in the area can access different job prospects with careers as cabin crews and receptionists. The transport infrastructure is well connected with railroads and public buses.
05 Palermo, Sicily
The cost of living in Palermo is $1150, close to the world's average. Its median after-tax salary is $1381, enough to cover a month's living expenses. Residents enjoy quality amenities, including shopping areas, restaurants, and beautifully refurbished boutiques. Schools like the International School Palermo and the Sicilia Italian language school offer quality education. While living in the area, you can work in the agricultural, service, and construction industries. You also benefit from the city's reliable and budget-friendly public transportation system in key areas. Train services are available to get to the airport, courtesy of Trinacria Express.
06 Catania, Sicily
Catania offers relatively affordable housing. Long-term rentals for flats and houses range from $404 to $837 monthly, and property purchases range from $52 571 to $803 592. The area has amenities like the Infinity Relax Estetica e Benessere and Fish Therapy wellness centers. You can also visit swimming spots like S.tecla Sud and Viale Kennedy 91. Residents can get employed as teachers, tour guides, and housekeepers. Catana has transportation networks that support taxi transfers, private transfers, and public transport with trains, buses, and boats. These services are functional, allowing you to travel to various places within the city.
07 Matera, Basilicata
Living in Matera, you can expect an estimated cost of living of $1,349 per month as an individual and $2,112 for a family of four. Renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment costs around $736.03 per month. Matera hosts a cave-dwelling complex, Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is a testament to the city's architectural significance and unique history. Rising tourism activities and industrialization have gradually improved the city's quality of life since the 1980s. Job opportunities are plenty in fashion, project management and marketing. The area is well connected via sea, rail and roads. Its private railway is called Ferrovie Appulo Lucane(FAL).
08 Potenza, Basilicata
Potenza offers affordable housing, with rentals ranging from $408 to $581 monthly. Its overall cost of living for a single person is estimated at $643 and can total up to $2038 for a family of four without rent. You can dine with your family at restaurants like Osteria Gagliardi and C'era Una Volta and create lasting memories. Companies constantly seek new employees for support, construction, and installation tasks. Public transport in the area is a metropolitan railway service that has been operational since 2007. It has 11 stations and has undergone improvement projects since 2015.
09 Bari, Puglia
A family of four living in Bari incurs an estimated $2,972 per month, while a single person needs about $874. Rent averages 83.7% lower compared to New York, with a one-bedroom apartment costing between $500 to $1000 monthly. Bari serves as Apulia's capital, with a modern city center and Bari Vecchia, a historic core. It features landmarks like the Petruzzelli Theatre, the Basilica of San Nicola, and the Castello Normanno-Svevo. The city has a major commercial sector, offering jobs in finance and administration. It is well connected with other parts of Italy, making it convenient for work and travel.
10 Lecce Puglia
Lecce has an average cost of living of $1,213 per month and a median after-tax salary of $1,449. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs $587 monthly, with properties selling for $48,049. The area, known as Florence of the South, is rich in history and culture. It hosts various bars, eateries, and museums. It has a highly-ranked university and beautiful baroque churches. Various job listings are placed on job boards, enhancing the chances of finding a job. The public transport system is extensive, even in remote areas, and is served by buses and trains.
11 Ancona, Marche
The average cost of living in Ancona is $1,293 monthly. Rent is, on average, 86.7% lower than in New York, with a one-bedroom apartment costing $540 monthly. The city is hilly, offering a spectacular sea view and beaches. It is fairly organized and safe, allowing you to experience its rich history and picturesque spots. Residents enjoy museums, wine bars, and eateries. The job market is highly active, with new employees being sought for finance, sales, and administrative jobs. Transportation is efficient and well-connected, with trolleybuses as the primary public means of transport.
12 Ascoli Piceno, Marche
Ascoli Piceno is a town full of splendor but has managed to maintain a low profile. The approximate cost of living is $1,166 monthly, and the median after-tax salary is $1,798. Renting a one-bedroom costs $587 per month, and purchasing a property costs $1602 per square meter. The town is known for its extensive use of travertine stone and medieval architecture. It features four-star hotels like CiBo and Pizza joints like the Pizza del Popolo. Various job opportunities exist in the area at restaurants and spas. The transport infrastructure is well-managed and well-connected to the rest of Italy.
13 Perugia, Umbria
Most residents in Perugia incur an average cost of living of about $1,056 monthly. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $408 monthly, and the median after-tax salary is $1,533. Umbria's capital is divided into the lower city sprawls and the old medieval town. The area has medieval churches, palaces, and museums showcasing its Renaissance art treasures and ancient artifacts. Getting a job in Umbra is quite simple, with companies like FidoCommercialista and Joy Food hiring frequently. The transport system is unified with standard "Up" tickets used in the urban network for public transportation.
14 Terni, Umbria
Terni offers affordable housing, with the cost of living averaging $1,024 per month. The median after-tax salary is $1,509, which can cover living expenses for one and a half months. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $291 per month. One of the well-known amenities offered by the city is the Garden Hotel. It has operated for 37 years, offering quality services to guests. Terni's calendar contains local events and exhibitions like the Le ragazze del Bauhaus e il caso Margarete Heymann. As a job seeker in the area, you can access opportunities in construction and healthcare while enjoying reliable public transportation services.
15 Naples, Campania
Living in Naples is more affordable than living in Florence, Rome, and Milan. The monthly cost of a family of four is approximately $3,104, whereas a single person can spend $890, excluding the rent. The area offers various amenities, like the Coquina sands, a relaxing spot for retirees and families, a golf course, and a public fitness center. Residents find job opportunities in the automotive, accounting, aerospace, and defense industries. Most of the city is walkable, with its main sites located between the Centro Storico historic center and the seaport. You can access other areas using the bus, metro, funicular, and tram services.
16 Genoa, Liguria
The average cost of living in Genoa is around $1,450. A single person may incur expenses of up to $999, and a family of four can spend $3,498 without rent. The city is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and rich history. It combines urban amenities and coastal charm with historical landmarks, art galleries, and museums. Various job opportunities exist in the city in the tech industries, assembly, and sales. Commuting around the city is made simple by the available infrastructure. Its highly functional public transportation system has an extensive bus network and two train stations.
17 La Spezia, Liguria
Living in La Spezia exposes residents to a cost-of-living expense of $1,248, close to the world average. A single person's estimated monthly cost is $659, and about $3,088 for a family. The city has vibrant cultural attractions like the Cinque Terre, the Centro Storico, and Castello di San Giorgio. The castle fortress has an archaeological museum with a collection of Roman artifacts. You can find a job at La Spezia at companies like La Serena Hotel Forte Dei Marmi, Zephyr, and Guidotti Group SRL. Getting around the city is facilitated by road and motorway routes that have been functional for over 30 years.
18 Cagliari, Sardinia
The average rent in Cagliari is 83.3% lower than in New York. A family spends an estimated $3,327 monthly, while an individual spends $944, excluding rent. Being the largest city in Sardinia, Cagliari offers various amenities to its residents. Top attractions include the Poetto beaches, Bastion Saint Remy and Nuragica specialty museums. Companies like Torre delle Stelle Real Estate, Skylogic, and Prada have various employment opportunities. The city's public transport network is quick and efficient, with buses operating all day.
19 Sassari, Sardinia
The cost of living in Sassari is quite affordable, at an average of $1,094. The monthly cost estimate for a family is around $2,823. A two-room flat in Strada Comunale Platamona costs about $374 monthly, and a three-room flat in Pasubio costs $769 monthly. The city is the second-largest in Sardinia, offering various cultural amenities. For residents, the Candelieri festival is among the most captivating events held in the town. It takes place annually in mid-August. The city's vast job market offers career opportunities in accounting, retail, and hospitality. The railway network and public bus transportation facilitate commuting around the city.
20 Campobasso, Molise
The average cost of living for a family in Campobasso is $2,816, and the average household cost of living is $1,151. Renting a two-room flat in Cesare Gazzani will cost you $801 monthly. Exploring the city lets you enjoy modern hotels, including Hotel San Giorgio, Palazzo Cannavina and Centrum Palace Hotel and Resorts. As a resident, you can seek employment in the health sector, content marketing, and strategic data analysis. The city has over 270 coach and train companies connecting Campobasso to over 45 countries. ATM Azienda di Trasporti Molisana S.P.A and FlixBus offer bus services in the area, connecting it to other cities.
Wrapping it up
A place's affordability makes it worth living in, but it must also be conducive and provide transport networks and essential services. If you're considering living in Italy, these are some of the most affordable areas. You can explore them further to determine their suitability for your needs. Feel free to share your experiences and contact us for more information on our listings.
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