The 6 Best Places to Live in Italy

Most people are surprised to discover that it is relatively affordable to live in Italy. Many locations offer access to fantastic weather, great food, and a rich history to uncover in your new home. Yet, deciding where you should live can be challenging since there are so many great places to live in Italy.

Picking the Best Places to Live in Italy

The first thing you need to decide when picking the best place to live in Italy is whether you want a busy city life or something more laidback and relaxed. Italy offers access to many stunning rural areas that provide a quieter life without the hustle and bustle of the big city.

The next influential factor to consider is your budget. How much can you afford to pay for housing, food, and utilities? Unless you have dual citizenship, getting approved for a work visa can take some time if you are looking for employment.

Furthermore, you should consider how long you intend to stay in Italy. Do you plan on living there for part of the year or staying year-round? For example, some people have a summer vacation home in Italy they enjoy throughout the summer. Other people enjoy spending their winters in Italy because they tend to be milder than other Northern European countries.

Explore 6 of the Best Places to Live in Italy

To help you further narrow your choices down, let’s look at six of the best and most popular cities to live in Italy that offer “La Dolce Vita”—the sweet life.

Whether you’re moving to Italy for work or any other reason, expats will love these places.

Immerse Yourself in the Nightlife of Rome

If expats are looking for a nice place to live with a great reputation, then it’s difficult to do much better than Rome. The city is full of famous Italian landmarks, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, and living in close proximity to these amazing structures is rewarding for so many American expats.

For nightlife, Rome is unbeatable. It has a variety of clubs and bars, drawing in young people who are looking for a new adventure.

The cost of living in Rome is much higher than other places, meaning it’s not the most affordable place to live in Italy for expats, but for those looking to live in this country as an American, it’s often worth it. Rome is also diverse, and you shouldn’t forget about the amazing food on offer. While there’s plenty of traditional Italian food—you won’t find pizza and pasta like it anywhere else—there are also influences from other cultures, and you’ll never grow tired of the tasty meals.

Some people who choose to study abroad in Italy also pick Rome as their city of choice.

Retire in Style in Milan

The fashion and financial capital of Italy is where many people choose to retire in Italy for a whole variety of reasons. Milan provides access to world-class fashion, culture, and high society. It also boasts one of the best international scenes, being diverse just like Rome.

If the excellent weather and class in Northern Italy doesn’t draw you to Milan, the public transport should. Although there isn’t exactly a low cost of living, Milan’s walkability and public transit eliminates the need for a car, making it one of the best places to live in Italy for those who want to help the environment and eliminate unnecessary money on vehicles.

As well as that, it’s a great study destination. Its amazing education means that most people who choose to study abroad in Northern Italy go here, and honestly, they couldn’t find much better.

Enjoy the Peace of Abruzzo

If you’re looking for slightly more remote places to live in Italy, less populated than famous places like Florence or Naples and an even bigger hidden gem, then Abruzzo might be for you. The busy city life isn’t for everyone, and Abruzzo offers the amazing combination of beautiful scenery in a more remote part of the country with enough going on that you’ll still never stop being entertained.

It also enjoys a beautiful climate, with hot summers and mild winters so you can relax all year round and never have to be concerned with extreme weather.

Tourists will venture more towards the region in the summer to enjoy the amazing food that can be found here and the beauty of the coast. It’s also a great place to buy property, as the prices are more affordable than other places around mainland Italy.

Explore the Underrated Cinque Terre

Looking for village life over city life and to get away from the bustle of central mainland Italy? This region is located in Northwest Italy and consists of five small villages along the coastline—Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Vernazza. Some villages are located on hilltops and cliffs that make up the region.

It is another unspoiled area of Italy that offers a laid-back lifestyle. There are markets, restaurants, festivals, and other activities throughout the year. Summer is the busiest time when tourists visit the region for the beaches.

Access between some of the villages is either by foot or boat, which is another appealing aspect of living in this area. The region offers some of the cleanest air you will ever breathe. Additionally, housing prices are just as reasonable at Abruzzo and start at around $100,000. Three- to five-bedroom flats (condos) start around $135,000, making it very affordable in comparison to other areas.

Bask in the Charme of Sicily

When looking for an affordable place to retire, Sicily is a wonderful choice for a relaxed island pace of life. While one of the more populated regions of Italy, housing prices are similar to Abruzzo and Cinque Terre.

Expats can choose from several charming towns and villages with access to beautiful beaches. Additionally, there are plenty of Greek and Roman ruins to explore with breathtaking scenery, making it one of the best places to retire in Italy. Sicily is also home to the best street food in Italy as well as pistachio farms.

Enjoy the Rich Heritage of Tuscany

For the best combination of art, food, and wonderful culture to immerse yourself in, check out Tuscany. It may be the best place to live in Italy for an American looking to truly get to know the culture, away from the more densely populated tourist destinations. The best places to live in Italy for expats are sometimes a little out of the way!

If you’re a wine lover, then you couldn’t pick a better place—it’s known for its wine tastings, exposing expats and natives alike to some unique and diverse flavors you’ll die for.

Obtaining Italian Citizenship

As you can see, there are several beautiful cities and places to call home when expats want to move to Italy. As a general rule, cities in Southeast Italy tend to be less expensive than other regions, but the best places to live in Italy are all over the country.

When you want to live in Italy without any restrictions or worry about visas, the best way is to obtain your Italian citizenship. If you’re looking for help with moving to Italy for work or study, or obtaining your Italian citizenship, contact the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program or visit us today! We’re experts who will get you where you need to be, helping you become a permanent resident of Italy.