The best places to live in Italy offer many different styles of life, each with its own charm and benefits. Popular cities like Milan, Bologna, and Rome attract many expats for their career opportunities and modern life. At the same time, quieter areas like Lake Como are great for retirees and families who want to enjoy scenic hiking trails and cozy cafes. Either way, Italy has something for everyone, from lively cities to peaceful villages and even something in between.
This article highlights the 10 best places to live in Italy, showing what makes each one special, who they suit best, how to choose where to live, and the different ways to make living in Italy possible.
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Top 10 Best Places to Live in Italy in 2025
1. Rome: Timeless beauty and living history
- Population: Approximately 2.8 million
- Climate: Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
- Airport Proximity: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino) is about 30 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Professionals, digital nomads, history enthusiasts
Rome is one of the major European cities known for its rich history, lively culture, and strong job market. It attracts professionals and digital nomads because of the many international companies and organizations there. English speakers will find a friendly expat community, though learning Italian can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
The cost of living in Rome is higher than in other Italian cities. A single person can expect to spend between €2,100 and €2,500 per month, including rent. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €1,000 and €1,500 monthly.
Rome is famous for the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon. It also offers a lively arts and music scene, many museums, and a food culture known around the world. Visitors and residents enjoy the city’s piazzas, green spaces like Villa Borghese, and local markets.
2. Milan: For work, style, and city life
- Population: Approximately 1.4 million
- Climate: Humid subtropical; hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters
- Airport Proximity: Malpensa International Airport is about 50 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Young professionals, entrepreneurs, fashion and design enthusiasts
Milan is Italy’s financial and fashion capital, with numerous career opportunities in finance, design, and technology. It has a cosmopolitan feel and a large international community, which makes it appealing for professionals and expats.
The cost of living in Milan is higher than in many other Italian cities. A single person spends about €1,030 per month excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from €1,200 to €1,500 per month.
Milan is famous for its fashion industry, historic sites like the Duomo di Milano, and world-class museums such as the Pinacoteca di Brera. The city also features vibrant nightlife, amazing restaurants, and major international events like Fashion Week and the Milan Design Fair.
3. Bologna: Ideal for students and families
- Population: Approximately 390,000
- Climate: Humid subtropical; hot summers and cool, damp winters
- Airport Proximity: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is about 6 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Families, students, entrepreneurs
Bologna is known for its great quality of life, top universities, and strong sense of community. It is a well-known student city, home to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, with a large student population and a creative, active environment.
The cost of living in Bologna is moderate. A single person spends around €800 per month, not including rent. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between €850 and €1,000 monthly. Bologna is also a great place for family life. It has numerous parks, quiet neighborhoods, and good schools.
The city has a rich food culture and is famous for dishes like tagliatelle al ragù. You will also find beautiful medieval buildings, long covered walkways called porticoes, and lots of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
4. Florence: A City for retirees and creatives surrounded by art
- Population: Approximately 370,000
- Climate: Humid subtropical; hot summers and cool, wet winters
- Airport Proximity: Florence Airport (Peretola) is about 5 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Artists, retirees, cultural enthusiasts
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is great for retirees and artists because it has a calm lifestyle with lots of cultural activities. The city is safe with has many parks and green spaces to relax in. At the same time, it is full of art, history, and beautiful buildings that inspire creativity.
The cost of living in Florence is moderate to high. A single person’s monthly expenses, not including rent, are about €900. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from €900 to €1,200 per month.
Florence has famous museums like the Uffizi Gallery and landmarks such as the Florence Cathedral. Its active arts scene, amazing Renaissance architecture, and many historic places make it a perfect spot for artists and retirees who want culture and comfort.
5. Turin: Affordable and great for families and professionals
- Population: Approximately 870,000
- Climate: Continental; cold winters and hot summers
- Airport Proximity: Turin Airport (Caselle) is about 16 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Families, professionals, students
Turin is well known for its rich culture, good public services, and strong technology and innovation industries. The city offers a high quality of life, but costs less to live in than other big Italian cities.
Turin is one of the more affordable large cities in Italy. A family of four can expect to spend about €3,143 per month, not including rent. A single person’s monthly costs are around €1,475, also excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about €700 per month.
The city has many museums, art galleries, and theaters. Turin is famous for its food, especially chocolate and coffee. It is close to the Alps, which means easy access to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
6. Parma: A peaceful City for families and retirees
- Population: Approximately 197,000
- Climate: Humid subtropical; hot summers and cold, damp winters
- Airport Proximity: Parma Airport is about 5 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Families, retirees, food enthusiasts
Parma is known for its strong culture, great food, and good quality of life. It has a relaxed feel and a close community, making it a good choice for families and retirees. Parma is near the Italian countryside, offering an authentic Italian experience with beautiful views and a peaceful lifestyle.
The cost of living in Parma is moderate. A family of four spends about €3,395 per month, not including rent. A single person spends around €1,468 per month, excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is between €600 and €800 per month.
Parma is famous for its food, especially Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. It also has a lively arts scene, with theaters, museums, and music festivals. The city has good transport links to other major cities in northern Italy, which makes getting around easy.
7. Naples: History, vibrant life, and coastal beauty
- Population: Approximately 950,000
- Climate: Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
- Airport Proximity: Naples International Airport is about 7 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Young adults, creatives, food lovers
Naples has a long history, lively streets, and a strong community feeling. It sits by the coast, offering beautiful sea views and easy access to beaches. Naples is also famous for its food and is the birthplace of pizza.
The cost of living in Naples is lower than in cities in northern Italy. The average living cost index is about 56.2, which includes housing, food, and transport. Rent is affordable. A one bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €600 per month.
Naples has a lot of cultural sites including old buildings, museums, and art galleries. The city is full of life with busy markets, fun nightlife, and amazing food.
8. Bari: For rich history and coastal beauty
- Population: Approximately 320,000
- Climate: Mediterranean; hot summers and mild winters
- Airport Proximity: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is about 11 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Families, retirees, beach enthusiasts
Bari is a busy port city with a charming old town full of historical charm and a growing expat community. It sits on the Adriatic Sea, offering beautiful coastal views and access to beaches. The city has a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, mixing modern life with traditional Italian culture found in small towns nearby.
The estimated monthly cost for a family of four is about €2,875, excluding rent. For a single person, it is around €1,270, and rent is also excluded. Housing is affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing about €500 per month.
Bari’s Old Town, called Bari Vecchia, is full of narrow streets with traditional bakeries, medieval churches, and lively squares. The waterfront promenade offers great views of the Adriatic Sea. Modern shopping areas and universities attract young professionals and students. Bari is also famous for its lively festivals, seafood dishes, and strong local traditions.
9. Cagliari: For island life, beaches, and affordable property
- Population: ~150,000
- Climate: Mediterranean; long hot summers, mild winters
- Airport Proximity: Cagliari Elmas Airport is about 7 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Retirees, remote workers, beach lovers, digital nomads
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, offers island living with the convenience of the mainland. It is a compact, walkable city where you can enjoy the beach after work and fresh seafood every evening. The city also has a growing community of digital nomads and remote workers.
A single person’s monthly living costs average around €1,100, excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center usually ranges from €500 to €700 per month, with lower prices in suburban or coastal areas nearby. Property is still relatively affordable, making Cagliari a smart choice for buying property in Italy.
Cagliari features a relaxed island atmosphere with beautiful beaches like Poetto, a charming old town called Castello, and a lively local food scene.
10. Lake Como: For quiet living, stunning Scenery, and hiking trails
- Population: ~85,000 (Como town)
- Climate: Humid subtropical; warm summers, cool winters
- Airport Proximity: Milan Malpensa Airport is about 52 km from the city center
- Ideal For: Luxury seekers, retirees, second-home buyers, professionals with flexible incomes
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most famous places, known for its peaceful living, stunning scenery, and elegant style. It is close to Milan, which makes it a great choice for professionals and retirees who want quiet luxury just an hour away from a big city.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment with a lake view in tourist areas like Bellagio or Varenna can be more than €1,200 per month. Smaller towns like Lecco are more affordable. Overall, living costs are higher because of the demand from tourists.
The region offers beautiful hiking trails, mountains, historic villas, and small, pretty towns. With Michelin-starred restaurants and quiet lakeside cafes, it is perfect for people who want a good mix of quality and calm.
How to Choose the Best Place to Live in Italy
- Lifestyle and community: Italy has many different ways of living. In cities like Milan and Rome, life is busy and full of activity. There are more events, shops, and expat groups. In the countryside, life is quieter and slower. It’s easier to meet locals and become part of a close community.
- Budget and cost of living: Northern Italy is usually more expensive. Cities like Milan and Florence have higher costs but also more job opportunities and services. Southern areas like Bari and Palermo are more affordable while still offering a good lifestyle and beautiful views.
- Language and communication: Many people speak English in big cities, but in small towns, most people speak only Italian. Learning Italian helps with daily life and makes it easier to feel at home and make friends.
- North versus South, urban versus rural: Northern Italy has better public transport and more business centers. It is also close to the Alps. Southern Italy has warm weather, beautiful nature, and a slower way of life. Living in a city means more job choices and things to do. Living in the countryside means more space, peace, and fresh air.
How to Move to Italy
Living in Italy is possible through several residency pathways, including the Italian Golden Visa, the Elective Residency Visa, and citizenship by investment options.
1. Italy Digital Nomad Visa: Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU remote workers and freelancers to live in Italy for up to one year. Applicants must earn at least €28,000 annually, have health insurance, proof of accommodation, and a clean criminal record. It’s ideal for professionals working for companies outside Italy.
2. Italy Elective Residency Visa (ERV): The Elective Residency Visa Italy is perfect for retirees and financially independent individuals. This visa lets you live in Italy without working. You’ll need regular passive income, long-term housing, and private health insurance. Employment is not permitted under this visa.
3. Italy Golden Visa (Investor Visa): The Italy Golden Visa suits high-net-worth individuals investing in Italy. Eligible investments include €250K+ in startups, €500K+ in Italian companies, or €2M in government bonds. It offers a renewable residency and a path to citizenship after 10 years.
Living in Italy: Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
| Lifestyle | La dolce vita: relaxed pace, amazing food, stunning scenery | Slower processes, especially in rural areas |
| Cost of Living | Affordable in many towns and rural areas, especially in the south | Higher in cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence |
| Healthcare | Universal healthcare system with low costs and good quality | Long wait times in public facilities; private care adds extra cost |
| Transport | Extensive train network, especially in the north | Public transport in small towns can be unreliable |
| Bureaucracy | Italy is improving digital access to services | Complicated paperwork and slow administration remain common issues |
| Safety | Low violent crime; safe for families and expats | Some regions may have higher petty crime or organized crime concerns |
| Culture & History | Rich in historical sites, art, festivals, and traditional values | Language barrier can make integration harder if you don’t speak Italian |
| Weather | Mild winters and warm summers in most regions | Hot, humid summers in the south; foggy winters in the north |
