Each major Italian city brings with it a different way and cost of life. This can vary based on the size of the city, the number of tourists, the way of life, or other factors. Learn more about these differences and which city appeals to different expats as they prepare to make the big move to Italy.
Rome
Starting in the capital, Rome, or the “Eternal City” is a beautiful and expansive city that is home to numerous historical sites, museums, and famous places that draw millions of tourists each year. Rome is the capital of the country and holds a tremendous history as this was previously the seat of the Roman Empire. Today, it is home to 2.76 million people, making it one of the largest cities in Europe.
For those who are making the move or considering making the move to Italy, the difference in economy can be appealing. Goods and services are often much cheaper in Italy than you would find in major cities in the U.S., however, this depends on what city you are living in. The average monthly rent in Rome will vary depending on where in the city one is living and how many people are renting. Neighborhoods outside of the city will have lower costs with larger spaces while those inside the city center will be more expensive with smaller spaces. The monthly average price for an apartment is 1,401 euros which is calculated based on the average house size of 81 square meters.
For monthly grocery costs, it can range from 250-300 euros for one person. Again, this will vary depending on the types of goods purchased. Differing from rent prices, these will not fluctuate as much based on where in the city one is purchasing groceries. Different supermarkets or specialty stores will vary in price based on the quality of the goods. Rome is home to an expansive public transportation system. This includes a subway and bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas. For those that are living in Rome, the monthly pass costs 35 euros for one person and unlimited monthly uses. The accessibility of this public transport system means people don’t need to rely on cars throughout the city.
Milan
Milan, the de facto fashion capital, is the most expensive city in the country. Milan is an economic hub for Italy, there are numerous businesses based in the city that the rest of the country are dependent on. In addition, given that it is the global capital of fashion and design, the city attracts a lot of wealthy and high profile visitors which means a saturation of high end shops, restaurants, and cafes throughout the city. However, while it might be expensive for Italian standards, Milan is significantly cheaper than major cities such as New York.
Renting in Milan will often hold the heaviest financial burden. For a one bedroom apartment in the city center, one can expect to pay around 1,300 euros. However, a one bedroom outside of the city center will be cheaper at an average cost of 950 euros a month. As with any city, this price will vary based on where one is living and how many people are living in the apartment. Another cost of living that is more expensive is food and groceries, they are approximately 20% more expensive than grocery costs in Rome. A single person can be expected to spend 300-€400 euros on groceries in one month.
In contrast to some of these more expensive prices, Milan does provide an extensive and affordable public transportation system. Similar to the Rome public transit system, one can buy a regular monthly pass for 39 euros that allows them to travel around the city as they wish. For those who are visiting the city a one way ticket will cost 2.20 euros. In addition to public transportation, Milan has a significant amount of taxis that are accessible around the city. However, these will often be more expensive with a starting fare of 7 euros.
Although Milan boasts the title of most expensive Italian city, it is not for no reason. The city is home to numerous industries that provide job opportunities and bring people to the country. Whether it be for fashion, technology, or other business, Milan offers a lifestyle and opportunities that one will not be able to find in other Italian cities.
Venice
The picturesque city of Venice is another popular destination in Italy. The famous city is known for its canals where people opt for a boat trip as their mode of transportation. This unique quality of the city has made it one of the most popular for tourists to visit. It is also quite a small city, compared to Rome’s 2.8 million, Venice has a smaller population of 65,000 permanent residents. Since the city has limited land space as it is a collection of small islands, it makes expansion and further development difficult, which contributes to a high cost of living.
To live in the historic center of the city it can be quite expensive and quite difficult to find an apartment given the limited options. For a one bedroom in the center, one can expect to pay around 1,100 euros a month. However, moving outside of the city center can provide other cheaper possibilities that are less constrained by the unique infrastructure. For a one bedroom outside of the center, the average cost is 650 euros a month. Although transportation through Venice occurs on waterways, there is still a robust public transport system. The bulk of public transit relies on the Vaporetto water buses with other options along the waterways and buses on land as well. This system is fairly well priced with the option for a monthly pass being 37 euros and single use passes for 1.50 euros. This system usually takes visitors getting used to as it relies on boats and water taxis more than buses or trains like the systems that other Italian cities have.
Finally, for food costs, Venice is similar to Rome. A month’s groceries for one person will end up costing around 250-300 euros. Food costs increase in highly touristy areas such as the historic center. Another aspect to consider when debating on moving to Venice is the high tourism, 20 million people visit each year. For such a small city this has caused excessive overcrowding, especially in the historic areas. It has pushed the local government to implement measures to try and reduce tourists and visitors to allow the residents of the city to enjoy it without overcrowding.
Which City is Best?
In addition to Rome, Milan, and Venice, there are numerous other cities in Italy that are appealing to those looking to move. For those who are looking for cheaper living costs, smaller cities or villages will have significantly lower housing prices and living costs. However, a major city is appealing to many as it provides access to numerous possibilities and a more fast-paced lifestyle. Living in the center of any popular city will have its costs but it will also be beneficial as one can rely on public transportation or walking to get where they need to go. The city center also provides endless opportunities to visit museums, find new restaurants, or explore different neighborhoods, an experience that will never get boring.