Contents
- Cost of living in Italy 2026 - overall picture of expenses
- Rent - main expense item in Italy
- Groceries and food - prices in Italy 2026
- Utilities in Italy - gas, electricity, water, internet
- Transport - passes, petrol, trains
- Healthcare - medical expenses in Italy
- Taxes - how much actually 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 topic: Moving to Italy: plan
How much money do you actually need to live in Italy in 2026 — and why do numbers from the internet often not match reality?
Cost of living in Italy — the first question everyone planning to move asks. Expenses in Italy depend heavily on region, city, household composition and lifestyle. Prices in Italy in 2026 have risen compared to previous years, but the country is still cheaper than its northern neighbors — Germany, Austria, Switzerland.
According to current data, the average expenses for one person without 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 are not a badante) and pensions are roughly the same. You can live fine on that in the south, but in Milan — just survive.”
Community member, lived in several regions
It’s important to understand: you can’t evaluate the cost of living in Italy by one city. The difference between Milan and a village in Calabria is like between 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, condominio, TARI.
Comparison with other countries
“In Austria everything costs more, but salaries are higher too. In Italy nepotism is prevalent — that also affects financial situations. Italy is more for a pleasant (even early) retirement than for making money.”
Chat participant, moved from Austria
What this article is about
Here — concrete numbers for all expense items in Italy for 2026. Not Europe averages, but real prices from receipts and the experience of the Russian-speaking community.
Rent - 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 topic
Rent is the largest expense item in Italy, taking 40-50% of an immigrant’s budget. Housing prices in Italy 2026 continue to rise, especially in large northern cities. Meanwhile, 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 town in the south is 3–4 times. This is the defining factor for the budget.
Reality of rent for a family
“On one salary of one and a half thousand you won’t make it with five people. Planning to rent? A normal city rent is 700-900, and that's without utilities.”
Community member, family with children in Emilia-Romagna
Mandatory costs added to rent:
- Deposit (cauzione) - 2-3 months’ rent, returned on move-out
- Agency fee - 1 month’s rent + VAT (if through an agency)
- Contract registration - stamp duty 2% of annual rent (regime cedolare secca - fixed tax 21%)
- Condominio (condominio) - 50-150 EUR/mo for maintenance of common areas, elevator, cleaning of the entrance
Undeclared rent
Many rent without a contract (affitto in nero). It’s cheaper, but without a contract you cannot register residence, and without residence you cannot renew a residence permit. For an immigrant, undeclared rent (affitto in nero) is a direct path to document problems.
On housing expenses
“Everyone’s expenses are different, but the main costs are housing and utilities. Everything else compared to rent is small change.”
Community member, Rome
How to save on rent
Search via direct owners on Idealista, Immobiliare.it, Subito.it — no agency fee. Consider suburbs with good transport: a Milan suburb saves 300-500 EUR/mo. A 4+4 contract (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. One person spends 250–400 EUR per month on groceries if cooking at home. Restaurants and cafes are a separate item, from 50 to 200 EUR/mo depending on habits.
Actual expenses of a family of three
“We shop weekly for about 60-120 euros for three. That includes several types of meat, wine, fish, vegetables and fruit, bread, cheeses, milk, sweets. Plus restaurant expenses of about 50-70 euros for an evening out.”
Community member, family in Tuscany
Supermarkets - where is it cheaper
Prices in Italy 2026 for groceries depend on the store choice. 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 — Italian discounter with good local products. Saves 20-30% compared to average chains.
Coop, Conad, Esselunga, Carrefour - main chains. Good selection, frequent promotions (offerte). Esselunga — best price/quality ratio in the north. Loyalty cards give 10-20% discounts.
Approximate grocery prices (supermarket, 2026)
| Product | Price (EUR) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 l | 1.20-1.80 | Pasteurized is cheaper, UHT from 0.80 |
| Bread, 500 g | 1.50-3.00 | In 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 | Buffalo - 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 virgin from 9 |
Olive oil is the main “surprise” for newcomers: it has noticeably grown in price 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 course, second course, water
- Dinner for two in a restaurant - 40-70 EUR with wine
- Coperto (service 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). Closer to closing time sellers lower prices. In southern cities markets are the main way to buy fresh products.
Utilities in Italy - gas, electricity, water, internet
How much do utilities cost in Italy — and what hidden payments await an immigrant?
Utilities 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/mo) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 50-120 | Depends on AC and heating. Tariff mercato libero or maggior tutela |
| Gas | 50-100 | Winter heating 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. Speeds 100-1000 Mbps |
| Mobile | 6-15 | Iliad from 6 EUR (150 GB), ho. from 7 EUR |
| TARI (waste) | 15-35 (pro rata) | Paid yearly: 200-400 EUR. Depends on apartment size and city |
| Condominio | 50-150 | Building maintenance: cleaning, elevator, landscaping, manager |
Total utilities for a 60-80 sq.m apartment: 200-450 EUR/mo, including all payments.
Community member experience
“Utilities killed us the first winter. Gas heating in an old house — 200 euros a month just for gas. We switched to an inverter AC — 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 ISEE up to 9,530 EUR (or 20,000 EUR with 4+ children) receive an automatic discount on gas and electricity. You don’t need to apply — the discount is applied automatically after ISEE is issued. More in our article ISEE and benefits.
Condominio - obligatory expense
Condominio is paid even when renting (usually included in the rent, but check the contract). In new buildings with elevator, garden and concierge — 100-150 EUR/mo. In old buildings without an elevator — 30-60 EUR/mo. This is not a utility but building maintenance.
Transport - passes, petrol, trains
How much does getting around in Italy cost — and is a car or public transport more economical?
Transport expenses in Italy depend on where you live. In large cities (Milan, Rome, Bologna) public transport works well and a car is not necessary. In small towns and in the south it’s hard without a car.
Public transport
| City | Monthly pass | Single ticket | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | 49 EUR (ATM) | 2.20 EUR | Metro, tram, bus, suburban trains (zone Mi1-Mi3) |
| Rome | 35 EUR (ATAC) | 1.50 EUR | Metro, bus, tram, suburban trains |
| Bologna | 39 EUR (TPER) | 1.50 EUR | Bus, regional 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/yr (more expensive in the south, maximum for newcomers)
- Bollo (vehicle tax) - 100-300 EUR/yr, depends on power
- Revisione (MOT) - 70-80 EUR every 2 years
- Parking - in center 1-3 EUR/hour, subscription 50-150 EUR/mo
- Highway toll (pedaggio) - Milan-Rome about 50-60 EUR one way
Trains Trenitalia and Italo
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 needed.
A car is a necessity in the south
“In a small southern town you can’t manage without a car — the bus runs twice a day. But keeping a car is another 200-300 EUR per month with petrol and insurance.”
Community member, Calabria
Healthcare - medical expenses in Italy
Healthcare in Italy is free — but what do you still have to pay for?
Healthcare costs are part of the cost of living in Italy, although the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) system is formally free. Currently, the main expenses are related to co-payments (ticket) and private doctors.
SSN - public healthcare
With the tessera sanitaria (health card) you get access to the SSN. It’s free: GP visits, hospitalization, emergency care. But there are nuances:
- Ticket for tests and exams - 10-50 EUR per prescription
- 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)
- Queues - main problem of the SSN: waiting for MRI or a specialist can be 2-6 months
Private healthcare
| Service | SSN (with ticket) | Private doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist visit | 20-50 EUR | 80-150 EUR |
| Blood tests (full) | 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 |
| Dental cleaning | - | 60-100 EUR |
| Dental crown | - | 400-800 EUR |
Dentistry is the most expensive category of medical expenses. In the SSN there are practically no dental services.
Private medicine vs SSN
“If you need a specialist quickly — you go to a private doctor for 100-120 euros. Through the SSN you wait 4 months for the same exam for a 35 euro ticket. Many get private insurance — 300-600 EUR/year covers the basics.”
Community member, Bologna
More about healthcare
Full guide on the SSN system, tessera sanitaria and immigrants’ rights — in our article SSN healthcare.
Taxes - how much actually remains from income
What portion of income do taxes take in Italy — and why does net pay shock newcomers?
The tax burden is the hidden part of the cost of living in Italy. When someone says “salary 1500 euros” — that is usually lordo (gross). Netto (net) will be noticeably less.
Employees (lavoro subordinato)
The IRPEF tax system is progressive:
| Income (EUR/yr) | IRPEF rate | Example: for 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 with 13 salaries.
Salaries by region
“Abruzzo - 1508 lordo, Apulia - 1356 lordo. These are average wages. A visualization architect in Rome: 1100-1300 euros net per month. Use that to calculate cost of living.”
Community data, discussion of regional salaries
Self-employed (Partita IVA)
Detailed guide on the topic
Tax 5% on income + INPS gestione separata 26.07% (on 78% of income). Turnover limit - 85,000 EUR/yr. Minimum INPS threshold around 4,200 EUR/yr.
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 at the minimum contribution (if you are in gestione artigiani/commercianti). Gestione separata is paid from actual income, but 26% is significant. More - INPS and pension.
Tax regimes in detail
Forfettario, ordinary regime, INPS, double taxation — all covered in separate articles: Forfettario, INPS and pension.
Detailed guide on the topic
City comparison - Milan, Rome, Bologna, Naples
In which Italian city is it cheaper to live — and where is the ratio of prices to quality of life 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 (studio) | 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 city in Italy. In the south you can live twice as comfortably for 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 Milan rent eats the whole difference. The best ratio is Bologna, Parma, Padua: salaries almost like the north, but housing is 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 maximum quality of life for minimal money. If you need salaried work — Emilia-Romagna and Veneto (not Milan!) offer 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 numbers — three scenarios based on community members’ experiences. Expenses in Italy depend on family composition and city, so we give ranges.
Scenario 1: single person
Single person - medium city (Bologna, Padua, Verona)
Minimum comfortable budget: 1200-1800 EUR/mo
Scenario 2: couple
Couple without children - medium/large city
Comfortable budget: 1800-2500 EUR/mo
Scenario 3: family with a child
Family with a child - medium city
Budget: 2500-3500 EUR/mo
Benefits for families with children
“Assegno unico for a child — from 57 to 200 euros per month, depending on ISEE. Asilo nido is also subsidized — bonus nido up to 3000 euros per year. With a low ISEE nursery can be almost free.”
Community member, mother of two
The first months are more expensive
Moving is always more expensive than stable life. Deposit for an apartment (2-3 months), agency fee, furniture, appliances, document processing — set aside at least 3000-5000 EUR in addition to your 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 residence permit you need 3-5 translations.
-
✓Insurance (if no SSN)
First months without tessera sanitaria — private insurance from 30-50 EUR/mo.
-
✓Commercialista (accountant)
For P.IVA: 800-2000 EUR/yr. For filing form 730 — from 50 EUR.
-
✓Bank fees
Account maintenance 0-5 EUR/mo, but imposta di bollo 34.20 EUR/yr for average balances over 5000 EUR.
Banks for immigrants
Account opening, fees, cards for Russians — in detail in the article Bank in Italy.
Conclusions - cost of living in Italy 2026
40-50% of all expenses are housing. Choice of city matters more than all other expense items combined. Milan vs the south — difference of 2-3 times.
This is a real minimum in a medium city with rent. In Milan the 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 retirees. For salaried workers Emilia-Romagna, Veneto — (not Milan!) offer the best balance of salaries and expenses.
Condominio, TARI, marca da bollo, commercialista, bank fees — all the things not included in the “cost of living” figures from the internet, but actually paid monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much money is needed 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 reserve.
Is it necessary 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, microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel.
Related articles: Italy, residence permits and taxes
Category description “Visas to Italy” - Healthcare in Italy 2026 - Work in Milan, Rome, Bologna 2026 - Apartment rental in Italy 2026 - ISEE and benefits in Italy 2026 - Forfettario in Italy 2026