20 Cheapest Cities in Italy to Live 2023

Front view of a city in Saudi Arabia

If you are planning to move to one of the European continents, you must have thought about Italy. Well, Italy is a beautiful country in Europe with expensive cities and buzzing life. However, if you wanna live on a budget, you can find along the countryside the Cheapest Cities in Italy to Live. Read on to find out more.

Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Famous for its beautiful cities, delicious food, and historic landmarks. However, Italy is also a great place to live, offering a high quality of life, good healthcare, and a rich cultural heritage. 

The cost of living in Italy can vary greatly from city to city, depending on factors such as housing, transportation, and food prices. In this article, we will take a look at the cheapest cities in Italy to live in,the cost of living in each city and the historic landmarks present in each.

Top 15 Cheapest Cities in Italy to Live and work 2023

You can find the cheapest cities in Italy in the southern provinces. In some of these cities, you can have a comfortable life with a budget of $1,000 monthly. However, things get a lot more expensive in the northern part, where Rome is the capital. So where can you live on a small budget as a worker in Italy? You will get the answers you seek soon.

N/B These cities are arranged in a random order, according to the cheapest.

The Cheapest cities to Live and work in Italy include:

  1. Palermo – $1074
  2. Catania – $1084
  3. Perugia – $1,300
  4.  Bari  – $124
  5.  Lecce – $1146
  6. Ferrara  – $1121
  7.  Pisa – $1223
  8. Parma –  $1313 
  9. Cagliari – $1309
  10. Taranto $1008
  11. Naples –  $1215
  12. Pescara – $1061

Let’s take a look at this cities;

Palermo

Average cost of living – $1074

Population size – 668K

Palermo is the capital city of Sicily, an island located off the southern coast of Italy. Palermo is a vibrant and historic city, with a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, food, and traditions. The city has been undergoing a period of urban renewal in recent years, with new parks, cultural centers, and public spaces being developed throughout the city.

Despite its many attractions, Palermo is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in Palermo is significantly lower than in other Italian cities, with affordable housing prices, low food costs, and inexpensive transportation options. 

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $483 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around €15-€20.

The city of Palermo

Catania

Average Cost of living –  $1084

Population – 668K

Catania is another city located on the island of Sicily, known for its beautiful architecture, lively markets, and vibrant nightlife. The city is home to many historic landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Baroque Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater.

Like Palermo, Catania offers a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to live in Italy. The city’s housing prices and food costs are lower than in other major Italian cities, while transportation is relatively inexpensive compared to other European cities. 

Furthermore, A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $480-$500 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $18-$25.

Perugia

Cost of living – $1,300

Population – 166,676

Perugia is another city where you can live comfortably on a small budget.This is a small city located in the central region of Umbria, known for its historic architecture, cultural festivals, and beautiful countryside. 

Furthermore, Perugia is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy, with many ancient buildings and narrow streets that have remained unchanged over the centuries.

However, despite its historic charm, Perugia is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in the city is significantly lower than in other major Italian cities, with affordable housing. prices, low food costs, and inexpensive transportation options.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $480-$550 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around €15-€20.

Bari

Cost of Living – $1240

Population – 323K

Bari is a port city located in the southern region of Puglia, known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Bari is one of the largest cities in southern Italy, with a vibrant and diverse population that includes both locals and immigrants.

However, despite its size, Bari offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other Italian cities. With its affordable housing prices, low food costs, and inexpensive transportation options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $500-$950 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $25-$25.

Lecce

Cost of living – $1146

Population – 95.4K

Lecce is a small city located in the southern region of Puglia, known for its beautiful baroque architecture, delicious food, and warm climate. Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” due to its many historic landmarks and cultural attractions.

Although, despite its many attractions, Lecce is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in the city is significantly lower than in other major Italian cities, with affordable housing prices, low food costs, and relatively inexpensive transportation options.

Lastly, A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $615 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $15-$20.

Ferrara

Cost of Living  – $1121

Population – 132K

Ferrara is a small city located in the northern region of Emilia Romagna, known for its beautiful medieval architecture, lively cultural scene, and delicious regional cuisine. Ferrara is home to many historic landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Estense Castle.

Despite its many attractions, Ferrara is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in the city is significantly lower than in other major Italian cities, with affordable housing prices, low food costs, and relatively inexpensive transportation options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $500-$600 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $15-$20.

Pisa 

Cost of Living – $1223

Population – 90.1K

Pisa is a small city located in the central region of Tuscany, known for its world-famous leaning tower, beautiful landscapes, and excellent universities. Pisa is a popular destination for tourists and students, with a lively cultural scene and a vibrant nightlife.

Despite its popularity, Pisa is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in the city is significantly lower than in other major Italian cities, with affordable housing prices, low food costs, and relatively inexpensive transportation options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $500-$600 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $25-$30.

Parma

Cost of Living – $1313 

Population – 196K

Parma is a small city located in the northern region of Emilia Romagna, known for its beautiful architecture, excellent regional cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Parma is home to many historic landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ducal Palace.

Despite its many attractions, Parma is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in the city is significantly lower than in other major Italian cities, with affordable housing prices, low food costs, and relatively inexpensive transportation options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $500-$670 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $15-$25.

Cagliari

Cost of Living – $1309

Population – 154K

Cagliari is a small city located on the island of Sardinia, known for its beautiful beaches, charming historic center, and delicious regional cuisine. Cagliari is a popular destination for tourists, with a lively cultural scene and a vibrant nightlife.

Despite its popularity, Cagliari is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in the city is significantly lower than in other major Italian cities, with affordable housing prices, low food costs, and relatively inexpensive transportation options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $500-$633 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $15-$20.

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Taranto

Cost of Living – $1008

Population – 198K

Taranto is a small city located in the southern region of Puglia, known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and excellent regional cuisine. Taranto is a popular destination for tourists, with many cultural attractions and a lively nightlife.

Despite its popularity, Taranto is one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in. The cost of living in the city is significantly lower than in other major Italian cities, with affordable housing prices, low food costs, and relatively inexpensive transportation options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $500-$600 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $15-$20.

Naples

Cost of living – $1215

Population – 966K

Naples is the regional capital of Campania and also the largest city in Italy,  located in the South on the Bay of Naples. It is also known as the 3rd largest city after Rome and Milan. 

This city is home to several ancient buildings and the original hom to the favorite Pizza. Naples is rich with diverse cultural displays, intricate arts and its delicious meals. In fact, the world renowned delicacy originated here.

Hence, Naples attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world because of its rich endowment. However, despite it being an attractive site for tourists, the cost of living in Naples is considerably affordable compared to other cities with these attributes in Italy. Although, depending on your location in Naples, you can enjoy a comfortable life and the opportunity to network with expats around you. 

Additionally, you can rent a good one-bedroom apartment for $644 per month, while a meal in a local restaurant will cost around $20-$35.

Pescara

Cost of Living – $1061

Population – 119K

Pescara is also one of the cheapest cities in Italy to live. Located on the Adriatic sea in the Abruzzo region, close to the Apennine mountains. It has a beach which serves as a point of attraction in the city. In summer and winter, Pescara gets very busy and the view can calm your troubled nerves.  

If you want to explore Italy on a low budget, Pescara is the right place for you.

Other Cheapest Cities in Italy to live;

  1. Rieti – $1132
  2. Campobasso – $1069
  3. Benevento – $1027
  4. Matera – $1183
  5. Cosenza – $1099
  6. Crotone – $1242
  7. Reggio Calabria – $1112
  8. Catanzaro – $1032
  9. Syracuse – $1810
  10.  Alessandria – $1062

Conclusion

Italy is a great place to live, offering a high quality of life, good healthcare, and a rich cultural heritage. The cost of living in Italy can vary greatly from city to city, with some cities offering significantly lower prices than others. 

The twenty cities listed above are some of the cheapest cities in Italy to live in, offering affordable housing, low food costs, and relatively inexpensive transportation options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is rent in Italy?

A 900 square foot apartment in Italy typically costs $1,079 a month in U.S. dollars. In a less expensive neighborhood, a 480 square foot apartment costs about $732 per month. However this may vary city to city.

1. Which city is best for living in Italy?

The best cities to live in Italy include:

  • Verona. As you may know, Verona was the infamous & romantic home city of Romeo and Juliet.
  • Venice.
  • Bologna.
  • Rome. 
  • Naples.
  • Florence.
  • Palermo.
  • Cefalu.

2. What is the cheapest part of Italy to live in?

You can find the cheapest cities in Italy in the southern provinces. In some of these cities, you can have a comfortable life with a budget of $1,000 monthly. 

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

Without rent, the estimated monthly expenses for a family of four is 3,068.5$ (2,798.6€) without rent. However, the estimated monthly expenses for a single person is 881.4$ (803.8€) without rent.

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