Is Italy as dreamy as it looks in the movies? The answer is yes! This is because those who are captivated by Italy’s rich history, palatable food, and romantic cities want to know how to speak their lingo. However, in the case of actual life, that is, daily living, prices, culture shock, way of life, things do not always show a beautiful picture as it is presented.
My name is Giulia Romano, I am an expat, and I spent some years in Italy. I came here with great expectations and a case of curiosity. I have since then lived the magic of this country as well as experienced the difficulties of making it home.
In this blog, I will be telling my story honestly and the things you should really know before you even consider moving to Italy. We’ll explore:
- What daily life in Italy feels like
- The cultural values, lifestyle, and local atmosphere
- The pros and cons of living here as a foreigner
- Whether Italy is the right fit for you
Living in Italy
Italy is in the Southern part of Europe and borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. It is famous as the land of a wide cultural heritage and variety of regions of living, which can vary from high-energy attitudes in Rome of Milan to the easier coastal regions in Sicily or Sardinia.
Quick Facts About Italy
- Capital: Rome
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Population: ~60 million
- Climate: Mediterranean (mild winters, hot summers)
Is Italy Right for You?
Ask Yourself These Questions
- Is it that you just desire a balance and beautiful lifestyle?
- Do you feel ok walking through a little red tape?
- Is there any flexibility to your income, or do you plan to be a nomadic worker?
- Are you excited to learn Italian and integrate into the culture?
In case the answer to the majority of them is yes, then Italy may be the answer to your dream.
Where to Live
What is more special about Italy is that there are so many places to live here.
- Northern Italy: Smart, vibrant, and highly developed, this is your choice in case you are on the path of pursuing a job and quality infrastructure.
- Central Italy (Rome, Florence): Ideal mix of history, culture, and charm, as well as having access to all urban and artistic features.
- Southern Italy (Puglia, Calabria): Lovely, relaxed, and cheap, but there might not be any jobs or transportation available.
- The Islands (Sicily, Sardinia): The Islands are awash with natural beauty, of which a large proportion is available at half the price of other Mediterranean destinations.
Whether you are a digital nomad, a retiree, or anyone who is just trying to live a more rewarding lifestyle, Italy has a region that fits the bill of exactly what you need.
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Jobs and Work Opportunities
This will be relevant to individuals such as myself who have to relocate on the basis of a job.
- Acquiring a work visa is difficult in case you are not a citizen of the EU.
- The sectors that require foreign workers are:
- Tourism and hospitality
- Agriculture (seasonal work)
- IT (limited, but possible)
- Teaching English (if you have a TEFL certificate)
On the contrary, it is much simpler to go to Italy as a student or on a family reunification visa, rather than on work. Therefore, consider your way very well.
Cost of Living in Italy vs Other Countries
| Category | Italy 🇮🇹 | Pakistan 🇵🇰 | Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 | UK 🇬🇧 | UAE 🇦🇪 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rent (1-BR Apartment in city) | €700 – €1,200 (Milan, Rome) | €80 – €200 (Lahore, Islamabad) | €300 – €700 (Riyadh, Jeddah) | €1,200 – €2,000 (London, Manchester) | €600 – €1,300 (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) |
| 2. Groceries (Monthly, 1 person) | €250 – €350 | €80 – €130 | €200 – €300 | €300 – €400 | €250 – €400 |
| 3. Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Waste) | €120 – €180/month | €40 – €70/month | €80 – €130/month | €150 – €250/month | €100 – €200/month |
| 4. Transportation (Monthly Pass or Fuel) | €35 – €55 (public transport) | €10 – €20 (limited public transport) | €30 – €60 (cheap fuel, good public options) | €70 – €150 (expensive public transport) | €40 – €80 (metro, taxis, buses) |
| 5. Dining Out (Mid-range for 2 people) | €50 – €80 | €10 – €20 | €30 – €50 | €60 – €100 | €40 – €70 |
| 6. Healthcare (Public/Private) | Public is free/low-cost Private: €50 – €100/visit | Affordable public Private: €10 – €30/visit | Public is free Private: €20 – €50/visit | NHS free (for residents) Private: €100+ | Public for locals, Expats use private: €30 |
Cost of Living in Italy: City vs. Town living
| Category | Towns/Villages (e.g., Lecce, Siena, Potenza) | Towns/Villages (e.g. Lecce, Siena, Potenza) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rent (1-BR Apartment) | €800 – €1,200 in center €600 – €900 outside center | €300 – €500 in center €200 – €400 outside center |
| 2. Groceries (Monthly per person) | €250 – €350 depending on lifestyle and shopping habits | €150 – €250 with access to local markets and lower prices |
| 3. Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet) | €130 – €180/month | €90 – €130/month |
| 4. Public Transport / Mobility | Excellent networks (metro, buses, trains) €35 – €55/month | Limited public transport Might need a personal vehicle |
| 5. Dining & Entertainment | More options (restaurants, events, cinemas) €50 – €80 for 2 | Fewer options but lower prices €25 – €50 for 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Italy a high-cost country?
Not always. The big cities, such as Milan and Rome, are expensive; however, small towns and southern parts are thankfully cheap. Wish to save more? Moving out of the urban areas should be a possibility.
Do I need to speak Italian to live in Italy?
Yes, even somewhat. Although tourist zones are dominated by English, the day-to-day life runs better with fundamental Italian. Acquiring the language will lead to inner experiences.
Is healthcare in Italy free?
Mostly, yes. Italy has universal healthcare for its citizens. Quality of low-cost public care is assured, but the system is privatized at a higher cost in case of fast service.
Can foreigners buy property in Italy?
Absolutely. Most nationalities are not limited. A lot of expats seize the offer of cheap houses in picturesque towns.
What are the best cities in Italy for expats?
Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Milan can be some of the favourite places for expats who want to experience the culture, convenience, and sense of community.
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Final Words
Can Italy be a good place to live? Personally, it can be amazing. Lifestyle is slower, food is better, and the views are breathtaking. Unreal. However, it is not ideal. You will not be able to avoid some paperwork, have to learn a bit of the language, and perhaps be able to adjust to some cultural differences. Nevertheless, all is good as long as you are living a rich, meaningful, and charming life.
Dreaming about a quiet life in the countryside, a busy city, and something in between, Italy will find a place to stay.
