Cost of living in Italy in 2026

Understanding the cost of living in Italy levels up personal budget planning. It’s a must for predicting expenses and spotting where you tend to overspend. Without further ado, let’s find out how much it costs to live in Italy.

The average cost of living in Italy

The data was taken from Numbeo, an open, crowd-sourced database. The information reflects the prices on January 15th, 2026 and may change over time.

Is it expensive to live in Italy? Is it cheap to live in Italy? The answer depends on your budget starting point. On average, the cost of living in Italy for a single person is 873.9 EUR per month, excluding rent, while a family of four needs 3,122.2 EUR.

For Europe, Italian prices are neither too high nor too low. To compare, a single person in Spain can survive on 705.8 EUR, while in Norway the number increases to 1,157.1 EUR.

With the wise approach to budget planning, you can lead a comfortable lifestyle and even spare some funds for travelling across the EU and beyond. We’ll give you some tips on how to spend less without limiting yourself later in the article.

Rent prices

Whenever you ask ‘How much is rent in Italy?’ be ready to hear the answer you won’t like. Increasing rent payments are a burning issue in the EU, and no one really knows how to deal with it. Below you can check the average prices on various types of property and their location.

While the locals are in a slightly better situation, expats often struggle with covering the full rent. It’s simply impossible, considering all the moving expenses. That’s why they unite and live in shared flats or dormitories. You can find roommates on Facebook or in group chats. Another way to cut the expenses is to move to a smaller city with lower prices.

Don’t forget about the utilities! Often, they are not included in the rent itself.

Real-life tip: When choosing an accommodation, ask landlords about the Wi-Fi options. It may happen that they don’t provide it at all, and you’ll need to use mobile data or pay for the installation.

Lastly, here are the prices per square meter for those planning to buy their own property.

In the city centre: 3,403.50 EUR

Outside of the city centre: 2,099.91 EUR

Of course, prices in the villages and small towns are much lower.

Food prices

Food expenses depend a lot on your habits and preferences. Some eat only freshly picked vegetables, others adore complicated meals. You get the idea. Taking into account the average cost of living in Italy and some basic groceries, here’s what to expect:

Obviously, cooking at home will save you the most money. However, if you want something fancier, prepare your wallet for higher expenses:

Eating out is not an everyday pleasure, but it will work well as an occasional treat. And you should definitely try local coffee, pasta and tiramisu while living in Italy! It’s worth every cent, especially if you manage to avoid tourist traps.

Transportation prices

If you are not a 100% homebody, never leaving a building, you'll need to pay for public transportation, a taxi or your own car. Which option is cheaper is an open question, so calculate it carefully. In case every solution seems off, switching to a bicycle is always a good idea – it’s beneficial to both your wallet and body. In the table below, we show the average transportation prices in Italy:

These numbers are approximate and vary from city to city. Italy has no unified prices for transportation, so check the data for the area where you live. Additionally, take advantage of monthly passes for students, seniors, and other eligible groups. Living in Italy isn’t expensive if you’re nimble and search for ways to cut costs.

Read more: Public transport in Italy – schedules, routes and tips.

Extras

The cost of living in Italy also includes shopping and leisure – we’re not robots, and everyone has their own guilty pleasure, it is normal. The key here is not to overspend and avoid impulsive buys. Check the data below:

Most people in Italy can afford mindful shopping and some entertainment. Good to know, right?

Money-saving tips

First, check our previous articles – we’ve collected the best recommendations on how to cut the costs of living in Italy and other countries:

• How to save money on groceries.
• How to save money on electricity: tips for expats.
• Saving money on your gas bill as an expat in the EU.

But that’s not the end, we’ve got more hints for you!

Your lifestyle shouldn’t grow more than your salary does

Imagine you’re earning 1,500 EUR and get promoted to a position with a salary of 1,800 EUR. It’s not a green light to spend 300+ EUR more each month. On the contrary, save or invest this extra income to secure a stable future.

Cheaper is not always worse

Used furniture or second-hand clothes are not always bad. Sometimes you can find real games for an unbelievable price. Explore markets, shops, Facebook groups and garage sales for the things you need and enjoy a good quality without overpaying. It’s also better for the environment, so you’re doing a good deed for yourself and for others.

Tax advantages are real

Check whether your home country has a Double Taxation Agreement with Italy and explore other types of tax benefits you may be eligible for. It may seem complicated and time-consuming, but once you set things up, your savings will grow.

The way you send money home matters

Exchange rates, fees, and available transfer methods – all of these factors affect how much is left in your wallet after you send support home. A great option here is to use trusted online services, such as Profee. It offers competitive rates and delivers funds to over 90 destinations, so your savings are not affected much.

Know local tricks

For example, in Italy, you pay more for a drink when sitting at a table (al tavolo) compared to standing at the counter (al banco). Small details like this can cost you a lot if you ignore them. So, be attentive to how locals behave and what they are doing to pay less.

With these and other tips, you can keep more money to yourself without changing much of your lifestyle.

FAQ – How expensive is it to live in Italy?

How much does it cost to live in Italy per month?

A single person usually spends around 873.9 EUR per month, excluding rent. Rent prices start at around 500 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre.

How much salary do you need to live comfortably in Italy?

A salary of around 2,000 EUR will be enough to live comfortably. However, you won’t be able to lead a premium lifestyle.

Is 1,000 EUR enough for a month in Italy?

Enough, but you’ll be tight on budget.

Is healthcare free in Italy?

Not fully. Healthcare in Italy, through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is largely free or very low-cost for residents and citizens, but some services are not included in the coverage.

How much tax do Italians pay?

Depends on your income. Explore our full guide on taxes in Italy here.