To many travelers, moving to Italy is the ultimate dream. You get to live the good life in a country full of natural beauty, unparalleled culture, and of course, mouth-watering food.
From the bustling cities of Milan and Rome to the quiet, charming villages of Sorrento and Assisi, Italy is filled with adventure around every corner. but living in Italy is far different than visiting on holiday. There are particular challenges and cultural differences that you need to take into account.
It’s not the cheapest country to travel and it’s not the cheapest country to live either, but there’s still great value to be found here.
That’s why I’ve put together this how-to guide to moving to Italy. I’ll discuss everything from what to expect as a foreigner to where to find the best apartment. You’ll be on your way in no time to living la dolce vita!
Table of Contents
Moving to Italy
Living in Italy: The culture and things To Know
Moving to Italy: Where to Live
Cost of Living in Italy
Things To do in Italy
Moving to Italy: how to choose Accommodation
Pros and Cons of Living in Italy
Final thoughts about moving to Italy
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Moving to Italy
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending the day indulging in gourmet cuisine, visiting world-class museums, and admiring centuries of historic architecture, then moving to Italy might just be for you. but before you hop on the next plane to Rome or Florence, there are a few things to remember to help you prepare for your big move — whether temporary or permanent.
Why You should move to Italy
There’s more to Italy than homemade pasta and free-flowing wine (although there is plenty of that, too). As one of the biggest cultural influences on the planet, Italy attracts hordes of tourists and expats every year.
History buffs can explore the ruins one of the oldest civilizations on the planet. Art lovers can admire Renaissance masterpieces from Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael, while foodies can enjoy some of the most delicious dishes known to humankind.
Not to mention, you’ll also be living in arguably one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the coastal shores of Sorrento and Amalfi, Italy has no shortage of magnificent landscapes.
Essentially, this laid-back, fun-loving, Mediterranean country has something for everyone.
Preparing to move to Italy
Planning to move abroad can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to help make your transition to life in Italy as smooth as possible.
First, you’ll need to determine if you’re allowed to stay, live, and work in Italy. Without the proper visa, you won’t be allowed into the country. depending on your nationality, you might be required to obtain a visa to live in Italy longer than a few months.
Your next step is to calculate your budget and cost of living in Italy. major cities – like Rome, Florence, and Milan – can be much more expensive than smaller towns. If budget is a big concern, then you’ll need to think about finding accommodation in the countryside, suburbs, or smaller villages around Italy.
After you pick where you want to live in Italy, you’ll want to start planning your move. That means finding the right apartment, looking for a job or co-working space, and finally, making friends! In my opinion, the best way to feel comfortable in Italy is by developing a network of friends and connections.
Want more reasons to move to Italy? It’s on our list of the top countries to visit, and one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe!
Living in Italy: The culture and things To Know
Although you may have visited Italy for a holiday or during a school trip, living there is an entirely different story. many people move to Italy thinking their time abroad will be an extended vacation. but unlike a holiday, they soon realize that living in a new country brings different challenges.
Italian culture is associated with good food, lively music, amazing arts, and ancient architecture. To locals, the Italian lifestyle is summed up with one phrase – la dolce vita, or the sweet life. being able to relax and enjoy the wonderful things in life is the epitome of Italian culture.
While all of this is true, there are other cultural differences to take into account before you move to Italy.
Communication Style
Italians are known for being direct, blunt, and in many cases, loud and outgoing. They speak with their hands and body and will confront you with whatever feeling or emotion they currently have. To outsiders, the Italian communication style may be considered rude or overwhelming. but by understanding this cultural difference, you’ll realize that there is no malicious intent.
Slow Paced Life
In many western cultures, you’ll see people walking fast, face down in their mobiles, and always on the move. Italy is quite different and much slower paced. To Italians, the destination is the journey itself. If you’re moving to Italy, remember to take the time to soak in the world around you! You just might find that you develop a great appreciation for the country and culture.
Driving to Your own Rules
Take a step outside, and you’ll notice that there aren’t too many rules on the road for drivers. To foreigners, driving in Italy can be an extreme sport. drivers like to stay close, turn without using signals, and use their horn obsessively.
If you do choose to rent a car, then be aware of the speed limits and regulations for drivers. but also keep in mind that you probably won’t see many locals obeying them!
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You don’t have to live in Milan to know that Italians take fashion and style very seriously. In many cities, you’ll see that people dress up just to take the bus or the grocery store. Unlike the us or other countries, Italians tend to favor fashion over comfort — keep this in mind when considering moving to Italy.
This also means that you’ll unlock a world of shopping opportunities while living in Italy. From designer boutiques to large-scale brands, shopping in Italy is in a league of its own. You’re guaranteed to find something stylish and trendy to wear.
English Is Not spoken Everywhere
Unless you can fluently parla italiano, you’ll probably be relying on English to get around Italy. While many hotels, international restaurants, and tourist destinations speak English, it’s important to note that this is not the case in most regions around the country.
For this reason, you would be better off learning a few words in Italian rather than expecting English to be spoken everywhere. Not only will you have an easier time ordering in restaurants and taking taxis, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the country and culture.
Italy Is more affordable Than You Think
If you’ve ever spent a holiday in Italy, you might be aware that food, hotels, and excursions can be quite expensive. For this reason, many tourists believe that Italy is an expensive country.
However, if you venture outside the tourist hotspots, you’ll find that living in Italy can actually be relatively affordable. Of course, this will depend entirely on how you choose to live.
I’ll cover the cost of living in Italy a bit later in this article.
Moving to Italy: Where to Live
From the snow-capped Italian Alps in the north to the warm, sun-soaked waters of Sicily in the south, Italy is an incredibly diverse region. With half a dozen major cities and hundreds of quaint, charming villages to choose from, finding the ideal place to live can be difficult.
Many expats choose to live in a big city such as Rome, Florence, or Milan. However, there are plenty of other places that offer unique experiences and one-in-a-lifetime opportunities for foreigners. depending on your lifestyle, budget, and favorite activities, you’ll surely find a place in Italy to call home.
Rzym
Italy’s cultural and political capital sits in the middle of the country and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. between the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum, Rome is overflowing with 28 centuries of history. who wouldn’t want to live in one of the oldest and most influential cities in Europe?
Almost 10% of Rome’s residents are expats, which means it’s an ideal city to introduce you to the Italian lifestyle. most people within the city center speak some English, and the public transportation system is better connected than other parts of the country.
Besides the big attractions, Rome is also dotted with dozens of picturesque neighborhoods. You can choose to live in the bustling, ivy-lined quarters of Trastevere or the ancient Centro Storico. If bar hopping and trendy boutiques are more your style, then you can stay in the Monti or Testaccio neighborhoods.
Learn more in my guide to living in Rome as a digital nomad.
Florencja
Located in the heart of Tuscany is the vibrant, creative city of Florence. known for housing some of the most extensive and influential art collections in the world, Florence is an ideal destination for culture lovers.
Unlike otherbig cities on this list, Florence has more of a small village atmosphere. The hidden alleys are lined with cute cafes, independent boutique shops, and hundreds of family-style eateries.
Of course, no description of Florence would be complete without talking about the city’s impressive Renaissance architecture. As you walk through the city, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the medieval ages, with sprawling squares, marble statues, and towering columns around you. and at the center of it all is the ornate Duomo Cathedral, the largest dome building in the world.
Over the last few years, Florence has become a bigger destination for expats and foreigners. thanks to the city’s top universities, it’s also an excellent place for study abroad students.
Mediolan
As the economic powerhouse of Italy, Milan has a distinctly different personality than other cities in Italy. Not only is Milan the design and fashion capital of the world, but it’s also Italy’s wealthiest city.
Milan’s historic city center is juxtaposed against towering skyscrapers and modern highrises. For this reason, you’ll find many international businesses and companies contributing to Milan’s sophisticated urban lifestyle. In some parts of the city, you might feel as if you’re walking through Manhattan rather than Milan!
Despite its finance-heavy reputation, Milan is still overflowing with charm. You’ll find some of Italy’s most famous museums here, housing masterpieces including da Vinci’s The Last supper and Piero della Francesca’s Brera Madonna. You’ll also see magnificent architecture works, including the impressive, towering Milan Duomo.
Milan tends to have a higher cost of living compared to other places in Italy. On the other hand, you’ll receive many high-end luxuries and comforts in return.
Cost of Living in Italy
Despite what you may think, living in Italy doesn’t have to break the bank. depending on where you live, how you spend your time, and where you eat, you can enjoy life in Italy for much less than what you’d spend in other Western countries.
Cost of Living in Italy: Accommodation
When moving to Italy, your biggest expense will probably be paying for accommodation. If you plan to live in the city center, you can expect to pay higher prices compared to living in the outskirts or suburbs. It’s also worth noting that private apartments will also be more expensive. If budget is a concern, you should consider sharing an apartment or house with roommates to alleviate the rental costs.
Here’s an example of what you can expect to pay for rent in Rome, Florence, and Milan:
Private 50sq meter flat in Rome center: 1100€ ($1,225USD)
Private 50sq meter flat in Florence center: 700€ ($780)
Private 50sq meter flat in Milan center: 1000€ ($1,115)
Room in shared flat in Rome: 650€ ($725)
Room in shared flat in Florence: 500€ ($560)
Room in shared flat in Milan: 550€ ($615)
Cost of Living in Italy: Food and Drink
Food in Italy is more than just a meal. To many, it’s an art form, and one of the most important factors in Italian culture. To put it simply, Italians take their food very seriously!
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot in order to eat like a King (or Queen) in Italy. Although a meal in a touristy restaurant can be expensive (and in my opinion, not as delicious), you can still find many restaurants and food stalls that whip up cheap and filling dishes.
Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: 8€ ($9)
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant: 60€ ($67)
Bottle of beer in a restaurant: 3€ ($3.35)
Glass of wine in a restaurant: