Cost of Living in Italy for Single Person & Family
Some agree that the cost of living in Italy is far cheaper than in the US. The most significant benefit of selecting this country is the considerably lower cost of rent and health insurance. However, these are just the essential rewards one can gain upon shifting to this new country.
In terms of geography, the further you go down the map of Italy, the cost of living starts to decrease gradually. Additionally, the price seems even more reasonable if you decide to live in the countryside or a small town.
This guide discusses the expenses involved in living in Italy as well as provides recommendations and current statistics on factors that can affect these costs in different cities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various online sources as of September 15th, 2024, with sources listed below.
Average Cost of Living in Italy for International Students
For students who are coming from other countries, the living cost in Italy differs in terms of certain factors. The monthly costs are from €700 to €1200 euros on an average. Still, this estimate does not count in any tuition fees or any other personal expenses.
We advise you to check out the table below for a better idea:
Average Cost of Living in Italy for Singles, Couples & Families
Before you decide to shift to Italy, it's important to set realistic expectations. To get an idea of your potential monthly costs, have a look at the following tentative expenses:
Cost of Living in Major Cities in Italy
Based on the region you pick, the average cost of living in Italy varies significantly. Here, we have provided the estimated expenses in some prominent cities.
Cost of Living in Milan
The monthly cost of living in Milan is as follows:
Cost of Living in Rome
The monthly cost of living in Rome is as follows:
Cost of Living in Turin
The monthly cost of living in Turin is as follows:
Cost of Living in Florence
The monthly cost of living in Florence is as follows:
Cost of Living in Naples
The monthly cost of living in Naples is as follows:
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Italy
The cost of living in Italy varies based on several key factors:
Location
Major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence are more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Rent, dining, and general expenses in these cities tend to be higher.
Lifestyle
Eating out frequently, shopping in high-end stores, and enjoying Italy’s rich cultural scene can significantly raise your expenses. A simpler lifestyle will reduce costs.
Housing
Rent is one of the biggest expenses. Urban areas have higher rental prices, while rural locations or smaller cities offer more affordable housing options.
Transportation
Public transportation is generally affordable, especially in big cities, but owning a car comes with additional costs like insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
Utilities and Groceries
Utility costs, including electricity and heating, vary by region. Grocery costs depend on shopping habits—local markets are cheaper, while supermarkets and imported goods are pricier.
What is the Average Income in Italy?
To get a clear idea about the average income in Italy, we advise you to go through the following pointers:
- Student: A student typically earns from €450 to €600 per month by doing part-time jobs that help cover basic living expenses.
- Bachelor: Recent bachelor graduates look to earn within a range of €1,200 to €1,800 to live comfortably in Italy.
- Couple: On average, a couple in Italy can survive comfortably by earning between €2,500 - €3,300 per month.
- Families: A family of four usually requires an income of €3,000 to €4,500 per month to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and other essential costs.
Here’s an overview of the average monthly salaries in Italy:
How Expensive is Italy Compared to Other Countries?
Despite Italy being one of the largest food producers in Europe, the cost of buying groceries here is 13% higher than the EU average. However, compared to Ireland, France, or Sweden, the daily expenses of staying here are not higher.
Below is a comparison of living costs between Italy and other major cities:
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Italy
- Food expenses can be reduced mindfully in Italy as eateries are relatively expensive. Thus, you can prefer cooking your meals instead of going out to eat.
- Try to benefit from free access to various facilities as students. Moving from one place to another has been considered affordable using student cards.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and ensure that they are switched off to reduce the bills.
- You must aim to reduce rent by sharing apartments and look to share the costs for utilities.
- You need to manage your monthly expenditures well. So, prioritise setting a monthly budget, and you should not exceed it.
Finally, it is highly suggested to wait for sales and occasional promotions for buying clothes and electronics.
Overall, this article is presented as a complete guide on the cost of living in Italy. While sharing the related insights and suitable costs for different people, multiple factors were taken into consideration. Understanding these costs will empower you to carefully plan your timeline and wisely distribute resources while living in Italy as a student, single person, couple, or parent.
