Cost of living in Italy in 2025

Before you read “Welcome to Italy” when arriving at the airport, tons of preparations should be made. One such measure is understanding the cost of living in Italy to calculate your budget. In this article, you’ll find out about the prices in Italy and will get an answer to the question, “Is Italy expensive to live in?”

Salary

It seems like we should start with a positive part to set the right mood. Understanding the cost of living in Italy per month is impossible without knowing your income. The average salary in Italy (after taxation) is 1,617.18 €. For many expats, this is higher than their current earnings, so the Italian standard of living is attractive to migrants.

The taxes strongly affect your final your final cost of living in Italy, especially if you’re self-employed or a freelancer, since you must deal with official deductions yourself. Learn more about the Personal Income Tax (IRPEF), Social Security Contributions (INPS) and other possible taxes to understand this system entirely.

Share a part of the salary with your loved ones back home — send them beneficial money transfers with Profee.

Rent

The average rent in Italy is pretty high, as is everywhere in Europe. You can find cheap places to live in Italy if you’re ready to sacrifice comfort. If not, expect to pay a lot, at least half of your income.

Average rent in Italy:

Rent prices in Italy differ from city to city, so if you haven’t decided where to stay yet, search for some cheap places to live in Italy (and it’s not Milano).

The cost of living in Italy for a single person may be high when it comes to rent, so here is some advice:

1. Live with a friend;
2. Try to get the dormitory place if you’re a student;
3. Search for shared places if you’re working.

Utilities

Along with the rent, electricity, gas and water payments are a massive part of the cost of living in Italy.

As you see, the cost of living in Italy per month may be high due to utility prices. Luckily, this is something you can control (but please don’t freeze yourself). There are countless tips on how to save on utility bills. Follow them to make the Italian standard of living a little less pricey.

When searching for cheap places to live in Italy on websites like Immobiliare.it, Idealista.it, Casa.it or Subito.it, pay attention to whether utilities are included in the final price.Also, always check if the landlord provides internet access or if you should arrange it yourself. This is especially important for those working from home, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking that Wi-Fi is a must-have in every flat.

Groceries and restaurants

We’re not rocks and we need some products to survive, so finding out about the food cost in Italy is essential. The average cost of food in Italy per day may vary depending on many factors: your eating habits, the number of people you cook for, the variety of shops and markets near your house, and more. If you can’t live without eating salmon daily, the total expenses may surprise you.

For some of you, the food cost in Italy may seem high, but it’s lower than in some other European countries. As people say, “It could be worse…”

For restaurant lovers, the average cost of food in Italy per day will be even higher:

Thank you, Italians, for the affordable cappuccino. However, remember that drinking coffee in coffee shops often negatively affects the average cost of living in Italy. So, take some lessons from the locals and brew your perfect cup at home.

Transportation

You bought several bags of groceries on the market to save some money, and now the next quest awaits — how to get it all back to your flat. You have several options: own car, taxi or public transportation. Let’s compare transportation prices in Italy:

Buying a car is a big step for an expat, so you will likely use Italian public transportation for the first years of your stay. In this case, buying a monthly pass is a great option. Obtaining a bicycle is a cheap alternative for those who don’t travel far.

Is Italy expensive to live in in terms of transportation? Not really, if you avoid taxis. In other European countries, one-way tickets are much more expensive (for example, 2.40 € in Vienna, Austria), so prices in Italy are affordable.

Sports and leisure

Enjoy your life while being abroad! Don’t lock yourself in a room and do some activities after work or on weekends. But how much does it cost to live in Italy while doing sports or exploring the cultural side of the country? Here are the approximate numbers:

Are there cheaper alternatives? To replace fitness club, you may:

1. Run in the nearby park;
2. Search for the nearest public sports locations;
3. Follow online fitness marathons.

Instead of going to the cinema you can go to the museum and get a discount ticket if you’re eligible. Be smart with your choices to lower the average cost of living in Italy.

Childcare

How much does it cost to live in Italy as a family? Let’s have a look at the prices of the childcare:

You may also search for public schools and kindergartens, but it will take more time and effort to get your child a place there.

If you plan to have a child, read our parents’ checklist.

All the prices in this article were taken from Numbeo. Check the website for up-to-date information.

Tips to save money as an expat

The cost of living in Italy is bearable but still high. To make your stay more comfortable, we have collected some advice on how to use your funds wisely and have a comfortable life in Italy.

• Organise a house swap while you’re away to lower the cost of living in Italy for a single person. Consider swapping houses with other expats instead of paying for accommodation while travelling.
• Buy in bulk. Some products like rice, pasta and canned goods are sometimes sold in big packages, so buy them to save funds in the long term. Food costs in Italy are more beneficial when you shop big.
• Set up a local bank account. Thus, you’ll avoid paying fees and losing money on exchange rates.
• Take advantage of the free events. Search on Facebook or in your local communities’ chat — you’ll be fascinated by the number of events you can visit for free. It will significantly lower the cost of living in Italy while keeping you entertained.
• Send money back home with Profee. The cost of living in Italy per month for an expat cannot be discussed without mentioning remittances to one’s home country. With Profee, your transfers will go smoothly with the unmatched exchange rates and some special offers.

Conclusion

In this article, we explore the cost of living in Italy. Overall, the total amount spent depends on your habits and preferences. The most significant part of the expenses is rent with the utilities, so pay special attention to the flat you choose — be aware of the scam schemes and ensure the accommodation meets your needs.

To save money on international transfers, use Profee. The service provides beneficial rates and a client-friendly interface, ensuring a pleasant experience.