Italy is a country with a high quality of life and rich culture. The friendly population, well-developed transport infrastructure and high level of healthcare are attracting more and more expats. Some people choose the low-key lifestyle of small towns, while others prefer the cultural opportunities and mobility of big cities.

Regardless of your taste, the cost of living in Italy is not as high as many people expect. Tourists often have the impression that Italy is expensive. Of course, a cup of coffee in a tourist centre will cost a tidy sum, but outside of tourist destinations, you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a comfortable stay.

Ukrainians can apply for asylum in Italy in 2024. As in other European countries, it provides social support for refugees. Read more about who can apply for temporary protection in Italy and what kind of assistance is provided here.

Read moreabout residence permits in Italy, available types and the procedure for obtaining them here.

Housing prices in Italy

The cost of renting property in Italy will depend on the place of residence: in large cities, the price is much higher. By choosing a small village, you will significantly save on real estate, which will become your main item of expenditure. But this does not mean that you will have to sacrifice the quality of life, because even in provincial towns there are cultural events, historical monuments and a real Italian flavour of life.

In provincial cities and towns with a population of less than 100,000 inhabitants, a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for €450-650 per month. Two-bedroom apartments in such towns and cities cost between €550 and €800 per month. Prices vary considerably by region, with rents in the northern regions usually higher.

Renting in large Italian cities is much more expensive. In Milan and Rome, you will have to pay between 800 and 1,200 euros per month for a one-bedroom apartment, while two-bedroom apartments cost between 1,000 and 1,500 euros. In Florence, Bologna and Venice, prices are somewhat lower - one-bedroom apartments can be found for 700-900 euros, two-bedroom apartments - for 900-1,300 euros per month.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Italy can be converted into another type of residence permit. You can findout how to apply for a working residence permit in Italy and what documents are required for this here.

How to rent an apartment in Italy?

The most popular websites for finding accommodation for rent in Italy:

- Immobiliare.it;

- Idealista;

- Casa.it;

- Subito.it.

For a successful move and avoidance of troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Utility bills in Italy

For an apartment of 50-70 square metres, the average utility bill is 150-200 euros per month. This amount includes electricity (50-70 euros), gas for heating and cooking (40-60 euros in winter), water supply (20-30 euros), and a fee for garbage collection (about 30 euros).

It is worth noting that in many cases, landlords require a deposit of 2-3 months' rent, and may also include additional fees for the maintenance of the building and the surrounding area.

Italy, like most EU countries, is facing an acute labour shortage. That is why the country is actively working to attract foreign specialists. You can find out what quotas for work visas are set for 2025 in Italy here.

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Food prices in Italy

The food in Italy is of very high quality, you can easily eat well and you don't have to spend a lot of money on it.

In an average Italian supermarket, basic foodstuffs cost as follows: a litre of milk - about 1.8-2.2 euros, a dozen eggs - 3.5-4.5 euros, bread - 3.5-5 euros, a kilo of chicken fillet - 9-12 euros, a kilo of beef - 16-22 euros. A kilogram of hard cheese will cost 12-18 euros, and extra virgin olive oil will cost 8-12 euros per litre. Vegetables and fruits remain relatively affordable: a kilo of tomatoes costs €2.50-4, apples €2-3, and potatoes €1.5-2.5.

As for the cost of a restaurant dinner, prices vary significantly depending on the city and the level of the establishment. In an average restaurant, a dinner for one person with the first and second courses and a drink will cost 25-35 euros. In more sophisticated establishments, this amount can reach 50-70 euros per person. A pizza in a traditional pizzeria costs 8-15 euros, and a set meal in a trattoria (a less formal family restaurant) costs 15-25 euros. In tourist centres and large cities, prices are usually 20-30% higher than in provincial towns.

It is worth noting that Italian restaurants often charge an additional service fee of €2-4 per person. It is also customary to leave a tip of 5-10% of the bill, although this is not mandatory.

Read more aboutthe peculiarities of the taxation system in Italy for foreigners here.

Prices in Italy for public transport and fuel

In large cities such as Rome and Milan, a single ticket for a 100-minute journey will cost 1.5-2 euros. A day pass costs €7-8, and a monthly pass costs €35-39. In smaller towns, prices are slightly lower: a single ticket can be purchased for €1.2-1.5, a day pass for €4-6, and a monthly pass for €25-35.

At city petrol stations, the cost of 95 petrol ranges from €1.85-1.95 per litre, and diesel from €1.75-1.85. A more economical option is LPG, which costs €0.7-0.8 per litre. The best deals can be found at the petrol stations of large supermarkets and self-service network stations.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal travel in Italy by car. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Read moreabout traffic rules, fines and toll roads in Italy, as well as about parking rules in Italy - follow the links.

How much does it cost to live in Italy: medical services

The state healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) provides basic medical care to citizens and legal residents for a nominal fee or free of charge.

When visiting public healthcare facilities, patients pay a ‘ticket’ - a fee for services. Consultation with a family doctor is free for those registered in the SSN system. A visit to a specialist in a public clinic costs between 25 and 40 euros. Basic blood tests will cost 15-30 euros, X-rays - 25-50 euros, ultrasound - 40-70 euros. An MRI or CT scan in a public clinic costs 80-150 euros.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

How much money do you need to live in Italy?

In 2024, for a comfortable life for a family of three in Italy, you need to count on a monthly budget of 2,800 to 3,500 euros in a small town and 3,500 to 4,500 euros in large cities such as Rome or Milan.

Just a reminder. Ukrainians who have entered Italy by car should know everything about the rules that apply to drivers. Read more about compulsory car insurance in Italy and whether Ukrainians need to take out a local policy here.

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