Europe · moderate destination

Cost of living in Italy for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Italy — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Rome.

Monthly budget

$1,900–2,900

One person, all-in, in Rome

Rent (1-bed)

$1,000–1,700

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Moderate

~$1,500–2,800/mo

What to know

What makes Italy stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Italy

Unmatched culture, cuisine and pace of life, with mid-size and southern towns far cheaper than the headline cities.

Watch out for

Florence and other tourist-heavy centres carry a real short-term-rental premium on housing, and bureaucracy plus utilities add up.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Europe

All 32 in Europe →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Portugal	$2,000–2,700	Moderate
Spain	$1,700–2,500	Moderate
Greece	$1,700–2,600	Moderate
France	$2,800–3,800	Premium
Cyprus	$1,700–2,600	Moderate
Malta	$1,600–2,600	Moderate

Italy, side by side

Portugal vs Italy Spain vs Italy Italy vs Greece France vs Italy Italy vs Cyprus Italy vs Malta

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Italy4 current routes, each with its official source Healthcare in Italy for expatsUniversal public system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in ItalyRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Italy without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

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