Cheapest Places To Live In Italy (21 Cities to Consider)

Want to know how to affordably live in Italy? Some cities in Europe can be really expensive!

But Italy is an affordable country with some of the most beautiful cities. But you need to know how to maintain quality of life on a budget.

Let’s talk about budget-friendly cities in Italy.

What Are The Cheapest Cities To Live In Italy?

The cheapest cities are found in Southern Italy. The cost of living increases in the Northern region as you get closer to Rome, the capital city.

Italy is the 4th most affordable country in Europe. That means even the popular cities are affordable cities.

Let’s learn about some affordable Italian cities to decide which one is a good fit for you.

Avellino

One can live in Avellino for $1,000 a month.

Located about 50km from Naples, Avellino is quite affordable.

However, it has had many earthquakes in the past. This has destroyed many historical buildings and may destroy buildings in the future.

Reggio Calabria

Most people in Reggio Calabria spend less than $1,000 a month.

Reggio is located in the Calabria region. Since it is a major port city, it has great economic success.

It is also the second oldest city in the country. This means you will find a lot of history and culture here.

The Calabria region is quite rural. You won’t find many tourists even though there are miles of beaches.

Campobasso

Campobasso is a good place to live if you’re hoping to spend around $1,000 each month.

This hidden gem hasn’t been discovered by tourists yet. But it has many fun attractions to explore!

It’s easily accessible to main Italian cities such as Rome and Naples. This is perfect for weekend getaways.

Benevento

The average monthly cost of living in Benevento is $1,000.

While it is close to the mountains and the Sabato and Calore rivers, it isn’t a tourist destination yet. This means you have the beauty of a tourist town without the traffic.

You’ll be able to find gorgeous real estate in this city. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to relax outdoors.

Cosenza

The average cost of living in Cosenza is $1,000.

This city is rich in culture. You can find monuments, museums, and theaters throughout Cosenza.

Visit the historical city center to find craft shops and medieval squares. There’s always something to do in the urban centers of this Italian town.

Rieti

Most people spend about $1,100 a month in Rieti.

While Rieti is a lesser-known city in Italy, it has a lot to offer. There are many sights to see for locals and tourists!

It is full of history. You can learn about it as you visit historical buildings throughout the city.

There are many churches as well as other examples of historical architecture.

Palermo

The average cost of living in Palermo is $1,100 each month.

Palermo, located on the island of Sicily, is the 5th largest city in Italy. This is great for anyone who loves the pace of life in the city, but can’t afford to live in Rome.

Since it’s one of the biggest cities in the country, it has a lot to offer, including great public transport.

Alessandria

You can expect to spend $1,100 a month in Alessandria.

Alessandria is pretty close to Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Since it has good railway connections, it is easy to travel to other places.

It is also very easy to access both the French and Swiss Alps from this city. This will be perfect for anyone who loves winter sports.

Matera

You can live on a budget of less than $1,200 in Matera.

Matera has a slow pace of life and a great sense of community.

It is a hill town with several caves. Some of its Paleolithic cave dwellings are UNESCO sites.

This ancient city has a history dating back 5,000 years ago.

Catanzaro

You can live on less than $1,200 in Catanzaro.

Catanzaro is known as the “city of the two seas.” This is because it is located between the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It is quite a windy city with a history of major earthquakes. The earthquakes have destroyed the historic buildings in Catanzaro.

However, it is an affordable city with access to miles of coastline!

Padova (Padua)

You could expect to spend $1,200 a month in Padova, also known as Padua.

Padova is fewer than 30 minutes away from Venice. However, it has so much to offer you won’t need to leave!

This small city is full of history. It is a good option for someone who would like to avoid the chaos of a major city.

Catania

Most people spend less than $1,200 a month in Catania.

Catania is a city full of historic relics from many cultures and civilizations. The Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Italians, and Sicilians have all claimed Catania.

The history and culture are still vibrant today. After years here, you’ll still be finding new hidden gems.

Pisa

Pisa has an average cost of living of $1,250.

With a population of 100,000, Pisa is a sizeable city. It is also known for its rich culture and history.

People travel from all over the world to visit this city. If you move here, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a popular destination.

There are many museums and historical sites to visit. You’ll be able to spend years here without actually seeing everything.

Treviso

The average cost of living in Treviso is $1,250.

This historic city is full of friendly people. You’ll find a strong sense of community as you integrate into the city.

The food and drink scene is strong. You’ll find lots of fresh prosecco and Cicchetti bars. It’s also the birthplace of tiramisu.

You’ll be close to Venice, but you won’t need to visit. Treviso has great shopping and beautiful canals. Plus the tourists all go to Venice instead.

Crotone

Monthly expenses in Crotone are just under $1,300.

This coastal town has plenty of beautiful beaches. This draws in many tourists.

However, it’s worth dealing with the traffic because the panoramic views are gorgeous! During the off-season, you’ll be able to enjoy a quiet and relaxing home.

Syracuse

The average person spends $1,300 monthly in Syracuse.

Syracuse is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its long history is full of many cultures and civilizations. The culture is still strong today for anyone who lives there.

Verona

Verona costs about $1,300 a month for the average person.

This charming city is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. That means you’ll be able to taste fresh wine all the time.

In addition to the wine, you can also find lots of delicious foods around Verona. This would be perfect for a foodie!

You’ll be able to burn all those calories by hiking, biking, or strolling around the nature trails.

Parma

The average cost of living in Parma is $1,300.

Parma is a small city. This makes it easy to walk or cycle everywhere.

You’ll need to eat a lot of food to keep up your energy with all this walking. Fortunately, Parma is one of the best foodie destinations in Italy.

Home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, it also has a lot of other delicacies to offer.

Aside from food, it’s easy to find art and history everywhere. It is present in the architecture and the people.

Trieste

You can expect to pay about $1,300 a month in Trieste.

In addition to its miles of coastline, you can find grasslands, forests, and caves in this city.

Since Trieste has a long and rich history, you can also find many historic sites. Castles, archaeological remains, and places of worship are easy to find.

Rimini

Rimini costs about $1,300 a month to live in.

This artistic city is popular with students. International students help to increase the liveliness of Rimini.

There is a lot to do during the school year, but even more during the summer.

If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of college life, you will enjoy living in Rimini.

How Much Does It Cost To Live In Italy?

Several factors determine the cost of living in Italy.

You’ll have to pay property taxes, utilities, and transportation costs. These prices vary by location.

If you live in Italy, you’ll be able to pay $400 for public healthcare. However, there are more expensive options if you choose private health insurance.

Grocery bills and eating out can add up. Fortunately, food prices are fairly low in most of Italy.

Don’t forget the cost of entertainment and recreation! Digital nomads will want to visit the popular destinations Italy has to offer.

All of this can add up, but fortunately, it is easy to maintain a small budget. The cost of living is 6% lower in Italy than in the US.

Now that you’re familiar with these cities in Italy, you can start deciding which one is best for you.

Hopefully moving to Italy will be one of the best choices you make!