The cost of living in Italy for a single person without rent is estimated at €890 per month, according to September 2026 data from Numbeo. The cost of rent in Italy varies drastically based on location, with Milan and Rome being the most expensive cities in the country. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €741.25 per month, while rents outside of the city center average €572.45.
This article will break down the factors that make up the cost of living in Italy, what you can expect to spend each month, the difference in costs between cities, and a practical cost-of-living comparison between Italy and the US so you know what to expect.
Cost of Living in Italy: Key Takeaways
Overview of the Cost of Living in Italy
According to ISTAT (The Italian National Institute of Statistics) data from August 2026, the Italian consumer price index (NIC) was up 0.5% compared with the previous month and up 3.3% on an annual basis. This is an increase from 2.9% in July. In addition to realities like inflation, there are several factors that influence the cost of living in Italy:
Location
One of the biggest factors that affects the cost of living in Italy is where you choose to stay. Costs will be significantly higher in major cities, while smaller towns tend to be less expensive. This includes things like groceries, rent, and leisure activities. Choosing to live in a more rural area in Italy can reduce your cost of living significantly.
Housing
The type of accommodation you choose will affect your cost of living in Italy. For example, living in a one-bedroom apartment in Rome’s city center will be drastically more than an equivalent apartment in a Southern town. If you’re looking to live in Italy long term, the Italy Golden Visa may be ideal, offering a residence permit for a financial investment in Italy’s economy.
Education
If you’re thinking about moving to Italy with your family, the type of education can significantly affect your budget requirements. There are public schools, but lessons are taught in Italian. If your children need to attend international schools in Italy, the cost will be considerably higher.
Health care
Italy has a fantastic public health care system available to residents and citizens. Expats who are not yet residents may be required to investigate private health insurance to ensure they get the care needed. Luckily, there are private health insurance plans to suit a range of budgets, depending on your medical needs.
Lifestyle choices
The most pertinent variable for the cost of living in Italy is the type of lifestyle you’re accustomed to. For example, if you want to eat out every other night, live in a modern apartment, take an Uber over public transport, and shop for the latest fashions, this will impact your living costs significantly.
For a more in-depth evaluation, our guide to living in Italy provides all the essential information you’ll need on what it’s truly like to live in the country, expanding on what to expect and how you can integrate into Italian culture seamlessly.
Cost of Living in Italy for a Single Person
The cost of living in Italy for a single person varies based on the area they live in, the lifestyle they are accustomed to, and other factors like utilities, phone bills, etc. The following are the basic costs for a single person living in Italy.
Breakdown of monthly costs for a single person in Italy
The table below provides the basic costs for a single person living in Italy, and has been sourced from Numbeo in September 2026:
| Category | Item | Average Monthly Cost (€) | Typical Range (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 1 bedroom apartment, city center | 741.25 | 600–1,200+ | Higher in Milan/Rome; lower in smaller cities and the south |
| 1 bedroom apartment, outside center | 572.45 | 450–900 | Suburban areas and secondary cities | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for ~85 m² | 190–240 | 130–375 | Seasonal and building dependent |
| Mobile phone plan (10 GB+ data, calls) | ~10–12 | 7–15 | Prepaid/postpaid averages | |
| Broadband internet (60 Mbps+, unlimited) | ~27–30 | 25–40 | Fixed line, typical urban offer | |
| Food & Groceries | Groceries (single person, home cooking) | 250–350 | 200–400 | Numbeo basket; varies by city, diet, and lifestyle |
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant (per meal) | ~15–18 | 12–25 | Lunch/dinner at casual venue | |
| Meal for two, mid range, three courses | ~70 | 55–90 | Useful for budgeting dining out | |
| Transport | Public transport, monthly pass | 35–55 | 30–70 | City specific; larger cities at upper end |
| Taxi, 1 km normal tariff | ~1.50–2.00 | 1.20–2.50 | Short urban trips | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | ~1.80–2.00 | 1.70–2.10 | If budgeting for a car | |
| Leisure & Lifestyle | Fitness club, monthly fee (1 adult) | ~40 | 20–60 | Mid range gym membership |
| Cinema ticket (international release) | ~10 | 9–12 | Standard adult ticket | |
| Total (excl. rent) | All non rent costs (groceries, utilities, transport, leisure) | ~880–900 | 800–1,100 | Numbeo national estimate for a single person |
| Total (incl. rent) | With 1 bedroom, city center | ~1,600–1,800 | 1,400–2,400+ | Center rent + non rent basket; Milan/Rome higher |
| With 1 bedroom, outside center | ~1,440–1,600 | 1,250–2,000 | Outside center rent + non rent basket |
Cost of living in Italy for a single person with rent
The cost of living in Italy for single person with rent can vary depending on the location and type of housing. For example, in Rome:
- One bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,255
- One bedroom apartment outside the city center: €838
Considering the cost of living in Italy, in addition to the rent, a single person is looking at anywhere between €1,400 to €2,400+ per month to live in Italy.
How much to budget for essentials: Food, utilities, and transport
Knowing how much to budget per month for essentials in Italy can be difficult because of the varying factors. On average, for a single person, it is best to budget around €650 for these basics. While it might be on the higher side, it’s better to budget more and know the essentials are covered every month.
Entertainment and leisure expenses for single individuals in Italy
Entertainment and Leisure expenses aren’t always the first thing one thinks about when budgeting. However, it’s an essential part of integrating into Italian society and culture. The following are some basic leisure and entertainment costs in Italy for a single person.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Domestic beer (500 ml) at a restaurant | €5 |
| Imported beer (330 ml) at a restaurant | €4.50 |
| Tennis court rental (One hour) | €21 |
| Cappuccino at a restaurant | €1.62 |
| Fast food meal | €10 |
Depending on how often you like to go out, you may need more or less of a budget for entertainment and leisure activities in Italy. Generally, about €250 per month is a safe amount to budget for a single person, but this varies depending on the types of activities you’re interested in.
Monthly Cost of Living in Italy
The estimated monthly costs of living in Italy can vary dramatically depending on where you live and the types of accommodation and activities you’re interested in.
Average monthly expenses for different cities in Italy
The following table uses September 2026 data from Numbeo and compares a range of Italian cities at different price points so that you can see some of the average monthly expenses in Italy:
| City | Rent (1-bed, city center) | Monthly transport pass | Utilities (basic, 85 m2) | Meal, inexpensive restaurant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | €1,255 | €35 | €189 | €15.50 |
| Milan | €1,474 | €39 | €222 | €20.00 |
| Turin | €728 | €38 | €200 | €15.00 |
| Florence | €1,265 | €39 | €200 | €25.00 |
| Palermo | €619 | €32 | €201 | €12.00 |
| Bologna | €911 | €37.50 | €209 | €20.00 |
| Naples | €947 | €42 | €202 | €15.00 |
Average monthly costs of rent in Italy
The following table uses September 2026 data from Numbeo to compare popular Italian cities that have very different average rent costs:
| City | 1-bed city center | 1-bed outside center | 3-bed city center | 3-bed outside center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | €1,255 | €838 | €2,393 | €1,558 |
| Milan | €1,474 | €1,030 | €3,004 | €1,844 |
| Turin | €728 | €549 | €1,336 | €888 |
| Florence | €1,265 | €862 | €2,458 | €1,616 |
| Palermo | €619 | €458 | €928 | €708 |
| Bologna | €911 | €754 | €1,767 | €1,309 |
| Naples | €947 | €631 | €1,830 | €979 |
The cost of rent in Italy varies greatly by area and type of accommodation. If you’re looking for some of the cheapest cities with lower priced accommodation in Italy, two of the top options would be Palermo or Turin.
How to build a realistic Italy budget
- Know the costs: The number one part of creating a solid budget while living in Italy is to have the updated costs to ensure you are working with the correct amounts for personal living expenses, rent, etc.
- Ensure you have enough money for the basics: While having money for entertainment and shopping is nice, it isn’t essential. Before moving to Italy ensure you have enough money to cover the basics like food, rent, and utilities.
- Ask the locals: Every country has tips and tricks for the best ways to budget while living there. For example, locals can tell you where to find cheaper fresh groceries at a local market or the hidden gems for meeting friends for drinks.
- Understand the taxes: Each country has its own set of tax regulations, and understanding where you fall is an essential part of budgeting. You need to know how much of your salary or pension is going towards tax each month to budget accordingly.
- Plan: It’s always best to plan as far as possible to predict future costs.
Italian Cost of Living for Couples and Families
Cost of living for couples
The following table breaks down some of the average monthly costs that a couple will have while living in Italy, using September 2026 data from Numbeo:
| City | 1 bed rent (city center) | 3 bed rent (city center) | Utilities (85 m2) | Monthly transport pass (per person) | Meal, inexpensive restaurant (for two) | Meal for two, midrange (3 courses) | Groceries & markets (monthly, couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | €1,255 | €2,393 | €189 | €35 | €31 | €65 | €350–€450 |
| Milan | €1,474 | €3,004 | €222 | €39 | €40 | €85 | €400–€500 |
| Turin | €728 | €1,336 | €200 | €38 | €30 | €70 | €300–€400 |
| Florence | €1,265 | €2,458 | €200 | €39 | €50 | €68 | €350–€450 |
| Palermo | €619 | €928 | €201 | €32 | €24 | €50 | €250–€350 |
| Bologna | €911 | €1,767 | €209 | €37.50 | €40 | €75 | €320–€420 |
Cost of living for families of four
The following table breaks down some of the expenses that a family would have while living in Italy using September 2026 data from Numbeo:
| City | 3 bed rent (city center) | 3 bed rent (outside center) | Utilities (150 m², estimated) | Monthly transport pass (per adult) | Meal, inexpensive restaurant (for two adults + two children) | Meal for two, mid range (3 courses) | Groceries & markets (monthly, family of four) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | €2,393 | €1,558 | €310 | €35 | €62 | €65 | €700–€900 |
| Milan | €3,004 | €1,844 | €364 | €39 | €80 | €85 | €800–€1,000 |
| Turin | €1,336 | €888 | €328 | €38 | €60 | €70 | €600–€800 |
| Florence | €2,458 | €1,616 | €328 | €39 | €100 | €68 | €700–€900 |
| Palermo | €928 | €708 | €330 | €32 | €48 | €50 | €500–€700 |
| Bologna | €1,767 | €1,309 | €342 | €37.50 | €80 | €75 | €650–€850 |
The choice of city and neighborhood will play a large role in your expected cost of living in Italy.
Cost of Living in Italy for International Students
The cost of living in Italy for international students is a top concern for globally mobile learners, and we break this down by evaluating common costs:
Common expenses for international students
The following table uses September 2026 data from Numbeo to provide international students with the common costs in Italy:
| Expense | Italy average |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom apartment, city center | €741.25 / month |
| 1 bedroom apartment, outside center | €572.45 / month |
| Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for ~85 m² apartment | €193.18 / month |
| Internet (60 Mbps+, unlimited) | €27.25 / month |
| Mobile phone plan (calls + 10GB+ data) | €11.59 / month |
| One way local transport ticket | €1.70 |
| Monthly public transport pass | €36.53 |
| Milk (1 L) | €1.43 |
| Eggs (12) | €3.47 |
| Loaf of white bread | €1.85 |
| Chicken fillets (1 kg) | €10.78 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | €1.70 |
| Bottle of wine (mid range) | €6.00 |
| Domestic beer (500 ml) | €1.55 |
| Imported beer (330 ml) | €2.14 |
Student discounts and budget-friendly living tips
There are many ways international students can budget while living in Italy. Some money-saving options include:
- Cooking at home
- Taking advantage of student discounts for public transport and entertainment
- Avoiding touristy cities with hot spots during busy times
- Travel during off peak season
If students plan accordingly and take advantage of the numerous student discounts in and around the cities, they can save a lot more money per month than the average expat in Italy.
Cost of living for international students in Italy: Food, transportation, and accommodation
The living costs for international students will vary just as with any other resident in Italy. It all comes down to location, accommodation type, and lifestyle. For example:
- Transportation for students: Most public transport offers discounted prices for students with a valid student card. Some require you to book in advance, so always double check to ensure you’re saving as much as possible. A monthly pass for public transport is about €35 but may be lower if you have a valid student card.
- Food prices: Keep an eye on student discounts. Many restaurants, particularly in popular student areas, will offer discounts and deals for students. Groceries per month for a single student are generally around €200 to €400.
- Accommodation: If international students are on a tight budget, the cheapest place to stay would generally be in a shared house, dormitory, or student-specific accommodation with prices ranging based on city and neighborhood.
Cost of Living in Italy for Three Months
Here is what you need to know about the cost of living in Italy for three months:
Short-term rentals in Italy
Planning your 90-day trip to Italy requires some forethought. Remember, Italy has its tourist season, and this will increase the prices drastically in popular cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. Spring and summer are busy seasons, so if you can avoid it, it’s easier on the budget to rent a property short-term during the fall and winter.
Planning is an absolute must if you are traveling to Italy for longer than a few weeks. You should have your travel arrangements planned in full before you leave to ensure your accommodation is taken care of, and you know how you’re going to get around.
The cost for a short-term rental in Italy generally goes for anywhere between €1,000 to €3,500 per month depending on location and season. If you plan, you may be able to get a much better price, the further in advance you book your accommodation.
How to budget for a three-month stay in Italy
Here are a few helpful tips for budgeting for a three month stay in Italy:
- Plan as far as possible
- Select your transportation for each destination. Renting a car is advised for smaller towns outside the city center.
- Book your activities before your visit. This not only provides a better price and ensures your spot is booked no matter the season, but also means you’ve paid in advance, so you don’t need to keep as much money aside.
- Book and pay for your accommodations in advance where you can. This might not work if you plan on travelling around Italy. However, where you can, booking before the time is highly recommended.
- Look at the food costs and make a shopping list. If you’re staying in Italy for 90 days, eating out every night is not very likely. Be sure to research the cost of food and plan accordingly so you know how much to set aside.
Total estimated cost of living in Italy for three months
For Italian residents, a single person can live on between €1,400 to €2,400+ per month, including rent. For shorter stays, higher costs need to be accounted for, such as short-term rentals and a greater spend on entertainment. Generally, for a single person a three month stay in Italy will cost between €6,000 and €10,000 depending on the season, location, lifestyle, and intent of travel.
If you plan to stay in Italy for longer than three months, it is advisable to speak with an immigration specialist to find the best route residency. Italy has a few visas to choose from that lead to long-term residency, like the Italy Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, the Italy Elective Residency Visa for retirees, and the Italy Golden Visa, which is perfect for investors.
Cost of Living in Italy vs US
The cost of living in Italy vs US is quite drastic. The lifestyle and living expenses vary significantly. But having this information comes in handy if you’re planning on travelling from the US to Italy or vice versa.
Average costs of rent, groceries, and utilities
The tables below have been sourced from Numbeo in September 2026 and will give you some insights into the different costs of living between the US and Italy:
Groceries
| Item | Italy | US |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | €1.43 | €1.14 |
| Eggs (12) | €3.47 | €3.72 |
| Loaf of White Bread | €1.85 | €2.85 |
| Water (1.5 liters) | €0.45 | €1.93 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | €10.78 | €10.58 |
| Potato (1 kg) | €1.70 | €2.54 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | €6.00 | €12.93 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | €14.25 | €11.11 |
| Domestic Beer (500 ml) | €1.55 | €1.69 |
| Imported Beer (330 ml) | €2.14 | €3.11 |
Rent
| Housing | Italy | US |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | €741.25 | €1,494.16 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | €572.45 | €1,233.44 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | €1,288.43 | €2,476.22 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Center | €949.64 | €2,057.77 |
Utilities
| Utility | Italy | US |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for ~85 m² apartment | €193.18 | €179.69 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data) | €11.59 | €49.26 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | €27.25 | €61.89 |
How transportation costs compare between Italy and the USA
The cost of transportation for Italy vs the US varies based on the mode of transportation:
| Transport | Italy | US |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | €1.70 | €2.15 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | €36.53 | €56.01 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | €5.00 | €3.06 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | €1.50 | €1.50 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 kW Trendline (or equivalent new car) | €28,000 | €29,297 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 l 97 kW Comfort (or equivalent new car) | €28,851 | €22,401 |
Quality of life and expenses: Italy vs US
Based on the Quality of Life Index on our Global Passport Index, Italy ranks 25th, while the US ranks 34th. Because of the quality of life, passport power, and EU access, Italy is one of the most desirable countries to obtain citizenship. Our guide to the Italian passport provides an in-depth look at how to obtain this sought-after travel document.
Italy offers a lower cost of living compared to the US, particularly when looking at transportation, internet, mobile phone plans, and certain grocery items like bread, wine, and water. Rent is another big difference, with Italy offering a much lower entry point for rentals compared to the US.
