Cost of Living in Italy 2026: Complete Monthly Breakdown

How much does it cost to live in Italy? A single person needs approximately €1,450-1,800 per month excluding rent for a comfortable lifestyle in Italy. With rent, expect €2,000-2,500/month in smaller cities or €2,500-3,500/month in major cities like Milan or Rome. Italy is 14-20% cheaper than the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands, and significantly cheaper than the US—though northern cities cost 30-40% more than the south.

This guide breaks down every major expense category with current 2026 data, so you can budget accurately whether you're planning a move, retirement, or remote work stint in Italy.

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Monthly Cost of Living by Category

Here's a detailed breakdown of what you'll actually spend living in Italy, based on February 2026 data from Numbeo and real expat experiences.

Rent

Rent is your biggest expense and varies dramatically by city:

1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center):

• Milan: €1,400/month
• Rome: €1,150/month
• Florence: €1,000/month
• Bologna: €1,000/month
• Naples: €850/month
• Turin: €800/month
• Palermo: €600/month
• National average: €730/month

1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center):

• National average: €570/month
• Typically 20-30% cheaper than city center

3-Bedroom Apartment:

• City center: €1,300/month average
• Outside center: €955/month average

Key insight: Southern Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Puglia) offers rents 40-60% lower than Milan. A €600/month apartment in Palermo would cost €1,400 in Milan for similar quality.

Groceries and Food

Italian groceries are high-quality and reasonably priced. Monthly grocery spending averages €250-350 for a single person.

Common grocery prices (2026):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.44
• Bread (500g loaf): €2.07
• Eggs (12): €3.63
• Chicken breast (1kg): €10.94
• Beef (1kg): €17.85
• Rice (1kg): €2.62
• Apples (1kg): €2.25
• Tomatoes (1kg): €2.90
• Local cheese (1kg): €15.00
• Bottle of wine (mid-range): €6.00
• Domestic beer (0.5L bottle): €1.57
• Water (1.5L bottle): €0.46

Pro tip: Shop at local markets for produce—fresher and often 20-30% cheaper than supermarkets. Discount chains like Lidl and Eurospin offer significant savings on staples.

Dining Out

Italian restaurant culture is affordable compared to Northern Europe or the US:

• Meal at inexpensive restaurant: €16
• Three-course meal for two (mid-range): €70
• McDonald's combo meal: €10
• Cappuccino: €1.74
• Domestic beer (0.5L, restaurant): €5.00
• Pizza margherita: €7-10
• Espresso at bar: €1.10-1.50

Standing at the bar for coffee is cheaper than table service. Aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks, typically 18:00-20:00) often includes free snacks.

Utilities

For an 85m² apartment, expect to pay approximately €200/month for basic utilities:

• Electricity, heating, water, garbage: €200/month average
• Mobile phone (10GB+ data): €10.68/month
• Home internet (60Mbps+): €27/month

Note: Heating costs vary significantly by region. Northern Italy (Milan, Turin) has cold winters requiring more heating. Southern Italy has milder weather but may need air conditioning in summer.

Transportation

Public transport is efficient and affordable in Italian cities:

• Monthly public transport pass: €38
• Single ticket: €1.70
• Taxi start fare: €5.00
• Taxi per km: €1.50
• Gasoline (1 liter): €1.77

Intercity travel: Italy's train network (Trenitalia, Italo) is excellent. High-speed trains connect major cities—Rome to Milan in 3 hours for €50-90 depending on booking time.

If you have a car: Budget €200-300/month for fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Parking in cities is challenging and expensive. ZTL (restricted traffic zones) in historic centers result in automatic fines if you drive in without authorization.

Healthcare

Italy's public healthcare system (SSN) is one of the world's best—ranked 2nd globally by the WHO. Once registered as a resident, most care is free or low-cost.

• Public healthcare: Free for residents (funded through taxes)
• Specialist visit co-pay ("ticket"): €20-50
• Private health insurance: €80-200/month

Many expats maintain private insurance for shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors. See our Italy Healthcare Guide for details.

Entertainment and Leisure

• Cinema ticket: €9.90
• Gym membership: €49/month
• Tennis court rental (1 hour): €22
• Museum entry: €10-20 (many free on first Sundays)

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Sample Monthly Budgets

Single Person — Comfortable Lifestyle

In a major city (Rome/Milan):

• Rent (1BR, city center): €1,150
• Groceries: €300
• Dining out (8x/month): €150
• Utilities: €150
• Internet + phone: €40
• Transport: €50
• Entertainment: €100
• Miscellaneous: €100
• Total: €2,040/month

In a smaller city (Turin/Bologna):

• Rent (1BR, city center): €900
• Groceries: €280
• Dining out: €120
• Utilities: €140
• Internet + phone: €40
• Transport: €40
• Entertainment: €80
• Miscellaneous: €80
• Total: €1,680/month

In Southern Italy (Sicily/Puglia):

• Rent (1BR): €550
• Groceries: €250
• Dining out: €100
• Utilities: €120
• Internet + phone: €35
• Transport/car: €150
• Entertainment: €60
• Miscellaneous: €60
• Total: €1,325/month

Couple — Comfortable Lifestyle

Major city: €2,800-3,500/month

Smaller city: €2,200-2,800/month

Southern Italy: €1,800-2,200/month

Family of 4

Major city: €4,000-5,500/month (including international school: add €800-1,500/month)

Smaller city: €3,200-4,000/month

Southern Italy: €2,500-3,200/month

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Cost of Living by City

Milan — Most Expensive

Italy's financial and fashion capital. Expect to pay 30-40% more than the national average.

• 1BR rent (center): €1,400/month
• Dining out: 20% above average
• Best for: Career-focused professionals, fashion/finance industry

See: Living in Milan

Rome — Premium but Variable

Costs vary dramatically by neighborhood. Historic center is expensive; outer neighborhoods are more affordable.

• 1BR rent (center): €1,150/month
• 1BR rent (outside): €750-900/month
• Best for: History lovers, families, remote workers

See: Living in Rome

Florence — Tourist Premium

Beautiful but smaller rental market. Tourist demand keeps prices elevated.

• 1BR rent (center): €1,000/month
• Best for: Art enthusiasts, retirees, culture seekers

See: Living in Florence

Bologna — University City Value

Large student population creates competitive rental market but overall good value.

• 1BR rent (center): €1,000/month
• Best for: Foodies, academics, remote workers

See: Living in Bologna

Turin — Underrated Value

Former industrial capital now offering excellent quality of life at lower costs than Milan.

• 1BR rent (center): €800/month
• Best for: Budget-conscious city dwellers, growing tech scene

See: Living in Turin

Naples — Affordable Chaos

Vibrant, affordable, authentic—but requires adaptability.

• 1BR rent (center): €850/month
• Best for: Adventurous expats, food lovers, budget travelers

Sicily (Palermo, Catania) — Lowest Costs

Dramatically cheaper than northern Italy with warm climate year-round.

• 1BR rent (center): €600/month
• 7% flat tax available for retirees in qualifying municipalities
• Best for: Retirees, remote workers, those seeking la dolce vita on a budget

See: Living in Sicily

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Italy vs Other Countries

Italy vs USA

Italy is significantly cheaper than the US for most expenses:

• Rent: 50-60% lower than comparable US cities
• Healthcare: 70-80% lower (public system is effectively free)
• Dining out: 30-40% lower
• Groceries: 10-20% lower
• Higher in Italy: Gasoline, utilities, some electronics

For detailed comparison: Cost of Living Italy vs USA

Italy vs UK

Italy is 15-25% cheaper overall:

• Rent: 20-30% lower (outside London comparison)
• Dining out: 25-35% lower
• Groceries: Similar or slightly lower

For detailed comparison: Cost of Living Italy vs UK

Italy vs Other European Countries

• vs Germany: Italy 15-20% cheaper
• vs France: Similar in major cities; southern Italy much cheaper
• vs Spain: Similar overall; Spain slightly cheaper in coastal areas
• vs Portugal: Similar; Portugal slightly cheaper outside Lisbon
• vs Greece: Similar; Greek islands can be cheaper

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Taxes That Affect Cost of Living

VAT (IVA)

Italy has a 22% value-added tax on most goods and services, one of the highest in Europe. This is already included in displayed prices.

Income Tax

If you work in Italy or become tax resident (183+ days/year), you'll pay progressive income tax:

• Up to €15,000: 23%
• €15,001-€28,000: 25%
• €28,001-€50,000: 35%
• Over €50,000: 43%

Special Tax Regimes

• 7% flat tax for retirees: Available in southern regions (municipalities under 20,000 population)
• Regime forfettario: 5-15% flat tax for freelancers earning under €85,000
• Impatriate regime: 70-90% income tax exemption for workers relocating to Italy

For full details: Taxes in Italy Guide

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How to Reduce Your Costs

Housing

• Live outside city centers (20-30% savings on rent)
• Consider smaller cities (Turin, Bologna, Naples vs Milan/Rome)
• Look for long-term rentals (avoid tourist/Airbnb rates)
• Southern Italy offers 40-60% lower rents

Food

• Shop at local markets for produce
• Use discount supermarkets (Lidl, Eurospin, MD)
• Cook at home (Italian ingredients are affordable and excellent)
• Buy seasonal produce

Transportation

• Use public transport instead of owning a car in cities
• Book trains in advance for significant discounts
• Walk or bike (many Italian cities are very walkable)

Healthcare

• Register for SSN as soon as you have residency
• Use public healthcare for non-urgent matters
• Private insurance only if you need English-speaking doctors or faster access

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Italy?

A single person needs €1,600-2,000/month including rent for a comfortable lifestyle in smaller cities, or €2,200-2,800/month in major cities like Rome or Milan. Couples should budget €2,200-2,800/month in smaller cities or €3,000-4,000/month in major cities.

Is Italy expensive to live in?

Italy is moderately priced by European standards—cheaper than the UK, Germany, or Scandinavia, but more expensive than Portugal, Greece, or Eastern Europe. Compared to the US, Italy is significantly cheaper, especially for healthcare and dining out.

What is the cheapest place to live in Italy?

Southern regions—Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, and Basilicata—offer the lowest costs. Cities like Palermo, Catania, Lecce, and Bari have rents 40-60% lower than Milan. Rural areas are even cheaper. See our guide: Cheapest Places to Live in Italy

Can you live on €1,500 a month in Italy?

Yes, but with limitations. €1,500/month is possible in southern Italy or smaller northern towns if you're frugal—budget-conscious housing, cooking at home, limited dining out. In major cities like Milan or Rome, €1,500 would be very tight, especially for rent alone.

Is it cheaper to live in Italy or Spain?

They're similar overall. Spain is slightly cheaper for rent in coastal areas, while Italy is comparable in cities. Food costs are similar. Both are significantly cheaper than Northern Europe or the US.

What salary do you need to live in Italy?

The average Italian net salary is €1,666/month. To live comfortably as a single person, target €2,000-2,500/month net in medium-sized cities, or €2,800-3,500/month in Milan/Rome. For the Digital Nomad Visa, you need €28,000/year (€2,333/month).

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Related Guides

• Living in Italy: Complete Expat Guide
• Best Places to Live in Italy
• Cheapest Places to Live in Italy
• Cost of Living Italy vs USA
• Cost of Living Italy vs UK
• Taxes in Italy
• Italy Digital Nomad Visa

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Updated: February 2026

Sources: Numbeo (February 2026 data), ISTAT, Italian Ministry of Economy