Guide to Italy 2026: all cluster articles
Permesso: first obtainment - Permesso renewal - Permanent residence and citizenship - Times at the Questura - Codice Fiscale - Digital Nomad visa
Cost of living - Forfettario 5% - Impatriati regime - INPS and pensions - ISEE and benefits - Driving licenses - Driving and fines
Contents
- Cost of living in Italy 2026 - overall picture of expenses
- Rent - the main expense item in Italy
- Groceries and food - prices in Italy 2026
- Utilities in Italy - gas, electricity, water, internet
- Transport - travel passes, fuel, trains
- Healthcare - doctor expenses in Italy
- Taxes - how much really remains from income
- City comparison - Milan, Rome, Bologna, Naples
- Real budgets of immigrants in Italy 2026
- Conclusions
Cost of living in Italy 2026 - overall picture of expenses
Main article on the subject: Moving to Italy: the plan
How much money do you really need to live in Italy in 2026 - and why do figures from the internet often not match reality?
Cost of living in Italy is the first question everyone planning a move asks. Expenses in Italy depend heavily on region, city, household composition and lifestyle. Prices in Italy 2026 have risen compared to previous years, but the country is still cheaper than its northern neighbours - Germany, Austria, Switzerland.
According to current data, average expenses for one person excluding rent are 800-1500 EUR per month. With rent - from 1200 in the south to 2500+ in Milan. The north is 30-40% more expensive than the south, and this applies to everything - from groceries to utilities.
Real figures from a community member
“The average salary in Italy is 1300 euros (if you’re not a badante) and pensions are roughly the same. With that money you can live comfortably in the south, but in Milan you only survive.”
Community member, lived in several regions
It is important to understand: the cost of living in Italy cannot be judged by a single city. The difference between Milan and a village in Calabria is like two different countries. Expenses in Italy for an immigrant include not only obvious costs (food, housing), but also specific ones - tessera sanitaria (health card), INPS (Italian social security), condominio (condominium fee), TARI.
Comparison with other countries
“In Austria everything costs more, but salaries are higher too. In Italy nepotism is well developed — that also affects financial situation. Italy is more for a pleasant (even early) retirement than for making money.”
Chat participant, moved from Austria
What this article is about
Here are concrete figures for all expense items in Italy in 2026. Not averages for Europe, but real prices from receipts and the experience of the Russian-speaking community.
Rent - the main expense item in Italy
How much does renting an apartment in Italy cost in 2026 - and why does it eat up half the budget?
Detailed guide on the subject
Rent is the largest expense in Italy, taking up 40-50% of an immigrant’s budget. Housing prices in Italy 2026 continue to rise, especially in major northern cities. At the same time, in the south you can find options 2-3 times cheaper.
| City | One-bedroom (center) | One-bedroom (outskirts) | Two-bedroom (center) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | 1000-1500 EUR | 700-1000 EUR | 1300-2000 EUR |
| Rome | 800-1200 EUR | 500-800 EUR | 1000-1500 EUR |
| Bologna | 700-1000 EUR | 500-700 EUR | 900-1300 EUR |
| Naples | 400-700 EUR | 300-500 EUR | 550-900 EUR |
| South (small towns) | 250-400 EUR | 200-350 EUR | 350-550 EUR |
The difference between Milan and a small southern town is 3-4 times. This is the determining factor of the budget.
Reality of renting for a family
“You can’t live with one salary of one and a half thousand with five people. Are you planning to rent a place? One rent in a decent city is 700-900, and that’s without utilities.”
Community member, family with children in Emilia-Romagna
Mandatory expenses are added to rent:
- Deposit (cauzione) - 2-3 months’ rent, returned upon leaving
- Agency fee - 1 month’s rent + VAT (if through an agency)
- Contract registration - stamp duty 2% of annual rent (regime cedolare secca - flat tax 21%)
- Condominio (condominio) - 50-150 EUR/month for maintenance of common areas, lift, cleaning of entrance
Undeclared rent (affitto in nero)
Many landlords rent without a contract (affitto in nero). It is cheaper, but without a contract you cannot register residency, and without residency you cannot renew your permit of stay. For an immigrant, undeclared rent is a direct route to problems with documents.
On housing expenses
“Expenses vary for everyone, but the main costs are housing and utilities. Everything else compared to rent is small change.”
Community participant, Rome
How to save on rent
Look for direct owners on Idealista, Immobiliare.it, Subito.it - no agency fee. Consider suburbs with good transport: a Milan suburb saves 300-500 EUR/month. A 4+4 lease (canone concordato) gives tax benefits to the owner and a lower price for you.
Groceries and food - prices in Italy 2026
How much is spent on food in Italy - and where to buy groceries cheaper?
Food expenses in Italy are the second largest budget item after rent. For one person, 250-400 EUR/month is spent on groceries if cooking at home. Restaurants and cafes are a separate item, from 50 to 200 EUR/month depending on habits.
Actual expenses of a family of three
“We shop weekly for about 60-120 euros for three people. This includes several kinds of meat, wine, fish, vegetables and fruit, bread, cheeses, milk, sweets. Plus restaurant expenses about 50-70 euros for an evening.”
Community participant, family in Tuscany
Supermarkets - where cheaper
Prices in Italy 2026 for groceries depend on the store. The difference between cheap and expensive chains is up to 30-40%.
Lidl, Eurospin, MD, Penny - the cheapest. Lidl - German quality at low prices. Eurospin - an Italian discounter with good local products. Savings of 20-30% compared to mid-range chains.
Coop, Conad, Esselunga, Carrefour - main chains. Good selection, frequent offers (offerte). Esselunga - best price/quality ratio in the north. Loyalty cards give 10-20% discounts.
Approximate supermarket prices (2026)
| Product | Price (EUR) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 l | 1.20-1.80 | Pasteurized cheaper, UHT from 0.80 |
| Bread, 500 g | 1.50-3.00 | At a bakery 2-4 EUR/kg |
| Eggs, 10 pcs | 2.00-3.50 | Bio/organic more expensive |
| Chicken, 1 kg | 5.00-8.00 | Breast more expensive, thighs cheaper |
| Pasta, 500 g | 0.50-2.00 | De Cecco/Barilla 1-1.50, discounter from 0.40 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | 1.50-3.00 | Seasonal cheaper, more expensive in winter |
| Mozzarella, 125 g | 0.80-1.50 | Büffala from 2.50 |
| Wine (table), 0.75 l | 2.00-5.00 | Decent from 3-4 EUR |
| Ground coffee, 250 g | 2.50-5.00 | Lavazza/Illy from 3.50 |
| Olive oil, 1 l | 8.00-14.00 | Has become more expensive, extra vergine from 9 |
Olive oil is the main “surprise” for newcomers: it has become noticeably more expensive in recent years.
Restaurants and cafes
- Coffee (espresso) at the bar - 1.10-1.50 EUR (standing at the counter, +50% for a table)
- Cappuccino - 1.50-2.00 EUR
- Pizza in a pizzeria - 7-12 EUR (margherita from 6, with toppings 9-14)
- Lunch (primo + secondo) - 15-25 EUR
- Menu fisso (business lunch) - 10-15 EUR, includes first, second, water
- Dinner for two in a restaurant - 40-70 EUR with wine
- Coperto (cover charge) - 1.50-3 EUR per person, added automatically
Tip: markets (mercato)
Vegetables, fruit, fish, meat at markets are 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets. Markets operate in the morning (usually until 13:00). Near closing time vendors reduce prices. In southern cities markets are the main way to buy fresh produce.
Utilities in Italy - gas, electricity, water, internet
How much do utilities cost in Italy - and what hidden payments await an immigrant?
Utility expenses in Italy are one of those things that surprises everyone who moved. Gas and electricity are expensive, and there is also a waste tax, condominio and other payments you might not expect.
| Item | Amount (EUR/month) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 50-120 | Depends on air conditioning and heating. Tariff: mercato libero or maggior tutela |
| Gas | 50-100 | Heating in winter is the main item. Minimal in the south |
| Water | 20-30 | Paid every 2-3 months, amounts small |
| Internet (fiber) | 25-30 | Fastweb, TIM, Vodafone, Iliad. Speed 100-1000 Mbps |
| Mobile | 6-15 | Iliad from 6 EUR (150 GB), ho. from 7 EUR |
| TARI (waste) | 15-35 (prorated) | Paid annually: 200-400 EUR. Depends on apartment area and city |
| Condominio | 50-150 | Building maintenance: cleaning, lift, landscaping, manager |
Total utilities for a 60-80 sqm apartment: 200-450 EUR/month, including all payments.
Community member’s experience
“Utilities killed us the first winter. Gas heating in an old house - 200 euros a month just for gas. We switched to inverter air conditioning - electricity became 80-90. In the south heating is almost not needed.”
Chat participant, moved from Lombardy to Apulia
Bonus sociale - utility discount
Families with an ISEE up to 9,530 EUR (or 20,000 EUR with 4+ children) receive an automatic discount on gas and electricity. You do not need to apply - the discount is applied automatically after obtaining ISEE. More in our article ISEE and benefits.
Condominio - mandatory expense
Condominio is paid even when renting (usually included in the rent, but check the contract). In new buildings with a lift, garden and concierge - 100-150 EUR/month. In old buildings without a lift - 30-60 EUR/month. This is not a utility bill but building maintenance.
Transport - travel passes, fuel, trains
How much does getting around Italy cost - and is a car or public transport more economical?
Transport expenses in Italy depend on where you live. In major cities (Milan, Rome, Bologna) public transport works well and a car is not needed. In small towns and in the south it is difficult without a car.
Public transport
| City | Monthly pass | Single ticket | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | 49 EUR (ATM) | 2.20 EUR | Metro, tram, bus, suburban trains (zones Mi1-Mi3) |
| Rome | 35 EUR (ATAC) | 1.50 EUR | Metro, bus, tram, suburban trains |
| Bologna | 39 EUR (TPER) | 1.50 EUR | Bus, suburban routes |
| Naples | 35 EUR (ANM) | 1.10 EUR | Metro, bus, funicular |
| Turin | 42 EUR (GTT) | 2.00 EUR | Metro, tram, bus |
Car - expenses
- Petrol - 1.70-1.90 EUR/l (one of the most expensive in Europe)
- Diesel - 1.55-1.75 EUR/l
- Car insurance (RC Auto) - 300-800 EUR/year (more expensive in the south, maximum for newcomers)
- Bollo (vehicle tax) - 100-300 EUR/year, depends on power
- Revisione (MOT) - 70-80 EUR every 2 years
- Parking - in center 1-3 EUR/hour, subscription 50-150 EUR/month
- Highway toll (pedaggio) - Milan-Rome about 50-60 EUR one way
Trenitalia and Italo trains
For intercity trips trains are often cheaper and faster than a car. Rome-Milan: from 19.90 EUR (Frecciarossa with early booking) to 90+ EUR. Italo is often cheaper than Trenitalia. Regional trains - from 5-15 EUR, no reservation.
A car in the south is a necessity
“In a small southern town you just can’t without a car - the bus runs twice a day. But car maintenance is another 200-300 euros a month with petrol and insurance.”
Community member, Calabria
Healthcare - doctor expenses in Italy
Healthcare in Italy is free - but what do you still have to pay for?
The cost of living in Italy includes medical expenses, although the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) system is formally free. According to current data, main expenses are related to copayments (ticket) and private doctors.
SSN - public healthcare
With the tessera sanitaria (health card) you get access to the SSN. It is free: visit to a GP, hospitalization, emergency. But there are nuances:
- Ticket for tests and examinations - 10-50 EUR per appointment
- Ticket for specialist visit - 20-50 EUR (with referral from GP)
- Pronto Soccorso (Emergency Room) - free for serious cases, 25 EUR for codice bianco (non-urgent visit)
- Waiting times - the main SSN problem: MRI or specialist visits wait 2-6 months
Private healthcare
| Service | SSN (with ticket) | Private doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist visit | 20-50 EUR | 80-150 EUR |
| Full blood test | 15-40 EUR | 50-100 EUR |
| Ultrasound | 20-35 EUR | 60-120 EUR |
| MRI | 40-50 EUR | 150-300 EUR |
| Dentist (filling) | Almost none in SSN | 50-150 EUR |
| Dentist (cleaning) | - | 60-100 EUR |
| Dentist (crown) | - | 400-800 EUR |
Dentistry is the most expensive medical expense. In the SSN there is practically no dental care.
Private healthcare vs SSN
“If you need a specialist quickly you go to a private doctor for 100-120 euros. Through SSN you wait 4 months for the same test for a 35 euro ticket. Many take private insurance - 300-600 EUR per year covers the basics.”
Community participant, Bologna
More about healthcare
Complete guide to the SSN system, tessera sanitaria and immigrant rights - in our article Healthcare SSN.
Taxes - how much really remains from income
What portion of income do taxes take in Italy - and why does net salary shock newcomers?
Tax burden is the hidden part of the cost of living in Italy. When they say “salary 1500 euros” - that is usually lordo (gross). Netto (net) will be noticeably less.
Employees (lavoro subordinato)
The tax system IRPEF is progressive:
| Income (EUR/year) | IRPEF rate | Example: from 30,000 lordo |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 28,000 | 23% | 6,440 EUR |
| 28,001 - 50,000 | 35% | 700 EUR |
| 50,001 - 55,000 | 43% | - |
| Over 55,000 | 43% | - |
From a 30,000 gross salary IRPEF will be about 7,140 EUR + INPS contributions (9.19%) = around 1,500 net per month on 13 salaries.
Salaries by region
“Abruzzo - 1508 gross, Apulia - 1356 gross. These are average salaries. A visualization architect in Rome: 1100-1300 euros net per month. Count the cost of living on that.”
Community data, discussion of salaries by region
Self-employed (Partita IVA)
Detailed guide on the subject
Partita IVA: how to open a VAT number / self-employed in Italy
Tax 5% of income + INPS gestione separata 26.07% (on 78% of income). Turnover limit - 85,000 EUR/year. Minimum INPS threshold about 4,200 EUR/year.
Tax rises to 15% + same INPS. Still significantly more advantageous than the ordinary regime for incomes up to 50-60k.
INPS - mandatory expense
Even with zero income INPS must be paid (if you are in gestione artigiani/commercianti). Gestione separata is paid on actual income, but 26% is significant. More - INPS and pensions.
Tax regimes in detail
Forfettario, ordinary regime, INPS, double taxation - all covered in separate articles: Forfettario, INPS and pensions.
Detailed guide on the subject
City comparison - Milan, Rome, Bologna, Naples
In which Italian city is it cheaper to live - and where is the price-to-quality-of-life ratio best?
Prices in Italy 2026 vary greatly from city to city. Below is a comparative table of main expenses for one person.
| Expense item | Milan | Rome | Bologna | Naples | Small town (south) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (one-bedroom) | 900-1500 | 700-1200 | 600-1000 | 350-600 | 250-400 |
| Groceries | 300-400 | 280-380 | 270-350 | 230-300 | 200-280 |
| Utilities | 250-400 | 200-350 | 200-300 | 150-250 | 120-200 |
| Transport | 49-80 | 35-60 | 39-60 | 35-50 | 150-250 (car) |
| Healthcare | 30-80 | 30-80 | 30-60 | 20-50 | 20-50 |
| Entertainment | 100-200 | 80-150 | 80-150 | 60-100 | 40-80 |
| Total | 1630-2660 | 1325-2220 | 1219-1920 | 845-1350 | 780-1260 |
Milan is the most expensive Italian city. In the south you can live twice as comfortably on the same money. But salaries in the south are 20-30% lower.
Reality of regional salaries
“Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna - salaries are 20-30% above average. But rent in Milan eats all the difference. The best ratio is Bologna, Parma, Padua: salaries almost like in the north, but housing cheaper.”
Community member, works in IT
Optimal choice for an immigrant
If you work remotely - the south or small central towns (Abruzzo, Marche, Umbria) give the best quality of life for the least money. If you need an employed job - Emilia-Romagna and Veneto (not Milan!) are the best balance of salaries and expenses.
Real budgets of immigrants in Italy 2026
How much do you need to earn in Italy to live normally - and what is the minimum budget?
Cost of living in Italy 2026 in real figures - three scenarios based on community members’ experience. Expenses depend on family composition and city, so we provide ranges.
Scenario 1: single person
Single person - mid-sized city (Bologna, Padua, Verona)
Minimum comfortable budget: 1200-1800 EUR/month
Scenario 2: couple
Couple without children - mid/large city
Comfortable budget: 1800-2500 EUR/month
Scenario 3: family with a child
Family with a child - mid-sized city
Budget: 2500-3500 EUR/month
Benefits for families with children
“Assegno unico (child allowance) - from 57 to 200 euros per month, depends on ISEE. Asilo nido is also subsidized - bonus nido up to 3000 EUR per year. With a low ISEE nursery can be almost free.”
Community participant, mother of two
First months are more expensive
Moving is always more expensive than stable life. Deposit for the apartment (2-3 rents), agency fee, furniture, appliances, document processing - set aside at least 3000-5000 EUR in addition to the usual budget for the first 2-3 months.
-
✓Marca da bollo
Revenue stamps (16 EUR each) - needed for many documents and applications.
-
✓Translation and apostille of documents
Translation of one document - 30-80 EUR, apostille - separately. For a permit of stay you may need 3-5 translations.
-
✓Insurance (if no SSN)
First months without tessera sanitaria - private insurance from 30-50 EUR/month.
-
✓Commercialista (accountant)
For P.IVA: 800-2000 EUR/year. For filing a 730 tax return - from 50 EUR.
-
✓Bank fees
Account maintenance 0-5 EUR/month, but imposta di bollo 34.20 EUR/year if average balance exceeds 5000 EUR.
Banks for immigrants
Opening an account, fees, cards for Russians - detailed in the article Bank in Italy.
Conclusions - cost of living in Italy 2026
40-50% of all expenses are housing. Choosing the city is more important than any other expense item combined. Milan vs south - a 2-3x difference.
This is a real minimum in a mid-sized city including rent. In Milan minimum is 1500+. In the south you can fit into 900-1000.
A salary of 2000 gross is about 1400-1500 net. With P.IVA on forfettario the tax burden is significantly lower.
Ideal for remote workers and pensioners. For employed work better choices are Emilia-Romagna, Veneto - balance of salaries and expenses.
Condominio, TARI, marca da bollo, commercialista, bank fees - all the things that are not listed as “cost of living” on the internet but are actually paid every month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much money do you need to move to Italy?
Minimum 10,000-15,000 EUR for the first 3 months: rent, deposit, insurance, food. Better to have a 6-month buffer.
Do you need to know Italian to move?
Not mandatory for the visa. For life - highly recommended. Without the language the first year will be hard.
Can you move with a pet?
Yes, you need a veterinary passport, a microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel.
The information in this article is based on community experience and open sources. It is not legal advice. For your specific case consult a licensed professional.
Related articles: Italy, residence permits and taxes
Description of the “Visas to Italy” category - Healthcare in Italy 2026 - Work in Milan, Rome, Bologna 2026 - Renting an apartment in Italy 2026 - ISEE and benefits in Italy 2026 - Forfettario in Italy 2026