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

Want to know how to live in Italy without breaking the bank? While some European cities come with a hefty price tag, Italy offers a mix of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and affordability—if you know where to look.

From charming coastal towns to vibrant cities, Italy has plenty of budget-friendly options that allow you to enjoy la dolce vita without sacrificing your quality of life. Whether you’re planning a short stay or a long-term move, let’s explore the most affordable cities in Italy and how to make the most of your budget.

What are the cheapest cities in Italy to live in?

The cheapest cities are in Southern Italy. As you get closer to Rome, the capital city, the cost of living increases in the northern region. Italy is Europe’s fourth most affordable country, so even the popular towns are affordable.

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

Avellino

Monthly Living Cost: $1,000

Located about 50km from Naples, Avellino is quite affordable and offers an authentic Italian experience away from tourist crowds. This charming provincial capital sits in the heart of Campania’s wine country, making it a paradise for wine enthusiasts who can enjoy tastings of renowned Taurasi and Fiano di Avellino wines at local enotecas.

The city features beautiful medieval architecture, including an impressive cathedral and historic center with weekly markets offering local produce and artisanal goods. Living costs are remarkably low—dinner for two at quality restaurants rarely exceeds €25, and grocery shopping costs 40-50% less than in major cities like Rome or Milan.

However, the region has experienced earthquakes in the past, which have destroyed some historical buildings and remain a consideration for future residents. Despite this, Avellino’s excellent healthcare facilities, reliable public transport to Naples, and position as a base for exploring both mountains and the Amalfi Coast make it an attractive option for budget-conscious expats.

Reggio Calabria

Monthly Living Cost: Under $1,000

Most people in Reggio Calabria spend less than $1,000 a month, making it one of Italy’s most budget-friendly cities. Located at the toe of Italy’s boot in the Calabria region, Reggio is a major port city with impressive economic opportunities and stunning seaside location directly across from Sicily.

The city offers miles of pristine beaches along the crystal-clear waters of the Strait of Messina, with dramatically less crowding than tourist hotspots further north. The rural Calabria region means genuine local experiences, traditional festivals, and authentic cuisine at incredibly low prices. Fresh seafood, locally grown citrus fruits (including the famous bergamot), and regional specialties like ‘nduja spicy spread are available at local markets for fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

Public transportation is reliable and affordable, connecting residents to other Calabrian towns and ferry services to Sicily. The relatively low tourist presence means locals are particularly welcoming to international residents, though learning basic Italian is highly recommended for full integration into this traditional Southern Italian community.

Campobasso

Campobasso is an excellent place to live if you hope to spend around $1,000 monthly. This hidden gem hasn’t been discovered by tourists yet. But it has many fun attractions to explore!

It’s easily accessible to major Italian cities such as Rome and Naples, making it 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, with monuments, museums, and theaters. Visit the historical city center to find craft shops and medieval squares. There’s always something to do in this Italian town’s urban centers.

Palermo

The average cost of living in Palermo, located on the island of Sicily, is $1,100 each month. Palermo is the fifth 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 excellent public transport.

Alessandria

Alessandria costs $1,100 a month. It is close to Turin, Milan, and Genoa, and it has good railway connections, making travel easy. From this city, it is also very easy to access the French and Swiss Alps, perfect for anyone who loves winter sports.

Matera

In Matera, you can live on a budget of less than $1,200. The city 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.

Catanzaro

In Catanzaro, you can live on less than $1,200. This city is known as the “city of the two seas ” because it is between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

It is a pretty windy city with a history of significant earthquakes, which 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 monthly 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, a city full of historic relics from many cultures and civilizations. The Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Italians, and Sicilians all claimed Catania.

The history and culture are still vibrant today. Even after years here, you’ll still find new hidden gems.

Pisa

Pisa’s average cost of living is $1,250. With a population of 100,000, Pisa is a sizeable city 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 can 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, and as you integrate into it, you’ll find a strong sense of community.

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 won’t need to visit. Treviso has excellent shopping and beautiful canals. Plus, the tourists all go to Venice instead.

Rieti

Most people spend about $1,100 a month in Rieti. While Rieti is a lesser-known city in Italy, it has much to offer. There are many sights for locals and tourists to see!

It is full of history, which you can learn about as you visit historical buildings throughout the city. There are many churches and other examples of historical architecture.

Crotone

Monthly expenses in Crotone are just under $1,300. This coastal town has plenty of beautiful beaches, which attract 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

Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the average person spends $1,300 monthly there. Syracuse’s long history is full of many cultures and civilizations, and the culture is still strong today for anyone who lives there.

Verona

Verona costs about $1,300 a month for the average person. Beautiful vineyards surround this charming city. 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 can burn all those calories by hiking, biking, or strolling the nature trails.

Parma

The average cost of living in Parma is $1,300. Parma is a small city, so walking or cycling everywhere is easy. You’ll need to eat a lot of food to keep up your energy while walking. Fortunately, Parma is one of the best foodie destinations in Italy.

Home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, it also offers many other delicacies. Aside from food, art and history are easy to find everywhere. They are 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 famous with students, and international students help to increase its liveliness.

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.

Living in Italy, you can 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 relatively low in most of Italy.

If you want to eliminate house costs, consider house sitting. It is a great way to test out a new area at a super low cost. You also experience the culture and local lifestyles you couldn’t get when staying in a hotel.

Want to Try House Sitting?

Have we got you excited about house-sitting in Italy? We love sharing our experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys. 

So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.