Living in Italy: Embracing the Lifestyle and Culture

Italy is famous for la dolce vita, literally “the sweet life”. The phrase embodies the principles of living life to the fullest, complete with indulgence and style. There is a unique Italian charm and history that continues to draw Expats to this beautiful country year on year. In this article, we explore the reality and practicality of what it’s really like living in Italy.

Table of Contents

• Living in Italy Summary: La Dolce Vita
• Cost of Living
• Transport
• Taxes
• Healthcare Options for Expats
• The Best Places to Live in Italy
• Retiring in Italy
• Are you ready to Start Living in Italy?

Living in Italy Summary: La Dolce Vita

Aside from the magical scenery, enthralling history and iconic modernity, what makes Italy such a special place to live in for the thousands of people who move there every year? 

For starters, Expats quickly realize the value of a slower pace of life, where rushing around is less important than time with family and friends. Shorter work days, long and leisurely lunches and as much holiday as possible all form an integral part of what the daily routine is like in Italy. 

Meals are seen as the most important times of the day, and in that sense are treasured and savored, irrelevant of what else is going on! In that vein, it’s hard to think of a nation that is more famous for its food. Italian food is popular around the world, and the fresh ingredients and passion found in Italian cuisine is second to none. Each region of Italy has its own food specialties, with more differences between the regions than you might expect. This is in part because of the length of the country, and also the difference in the climate. Similarly to their way of life – Italians believe in simple, fresh and quality ingredients for all of their food and there really is no way to exist in Italy without a passion for food as a way of life!

Much of the Italian lifestyle comes from the climate. Most of the country has an iconically Mediterranean climate. This means mild winters, hot summers and long days. With almost 8000km of coastline, much of Italy is either on or very near to the beach, which means it is very easy to always make the most of this beautiful weather. 

In the North of the country, the nation is also bordered by famous mountain ranges like the Alps and the Dolomites which provide an exhilarating alternative for the adventurer looking for some winter thrills or summer altitude! 

Because of its global attraction, Italy also has very good international flight hubs. Almost all the major cities in the country have international flight connections which fly all over the world, including cheap and frequent trans-atlantic flights. Like many countries in Europe, Italy also has excellent intercontinental transport systems with high speed trains, regional flights and buses connecting it to all ends of Europe.

When describing Italy’s cultural scene, only superlative words are acceptable! Italy is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and is one of the birthplaces of modern civilization. Italy was the center of the Roman Empire, which was founded more than 2000 years ago and which impacted the entire Western world as we know it today. Understanding the history of this iconic country will illuminate so much of not only its modern state, but much of the whole of Europe. However, in its modern state, Italy was only formed in 1861, making it simultaneously one of the oldest and one of the youngest countries in Europe. It truly is a country unlike any other and there are more UNESCO cultural World Heritage sites in Italy than any other country in the world! 

Because of its remarkable foundations, Italy also became the center of the artistic world for a very long time. It was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and produced famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. The beauty of their art is also matched by the beauty of the art museums in which their art is displayed, which are as unique and magnificent. So much of what it means to live in Italy has to do with understanding their reliance on beauty. 

Catholicism is also an integral part of the daily life of many Italians. It’s where the epicenter and government of the Roman Catholic Church lies, the Vatican. Catholicism heavily affects Italian history as well as its culture and some of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world can be found throughout Italy. These churches are very popular sights for tourists, Catholics, and non-Catholics alike. All over Italy, you’ll hear church bells ring frequently throughout the day. However, the official separation of church and state is defined by Article 7 of the Italian constitution. This means that no one can discriminate against anyone else for their religion, race, or sexual orientation.

To fully describe the global impacts of Italy’s culture is almost impossible and so the best advice we can give is… go and see for yourself!

Cost of Living in Italy

Overall, the cost of living in Italy is cheaper than in many European countries. Outside the main cities, expenses such as internet connection, rent and public transport are cheaper than in the US. However, Italian salaries are also lower. You should carefully consider how your income and outgoings will compare.

How much you spend can vary hugely. If you choose to live in big cities such as Rome, Milan, Verona, or other tourist hotspots, you will have a higher cost-of-living. These spots can cost about 50% more overall than if you live in a smaller town or in a rural area. The cheapest places to live are in the south of the country. Here a couple can live very comfortably on €1,500 per month.

Italian Cost-of-living statistics

Some broad statistics can give you an idea. According to OECD statistics, the average disposable income in Italy is USD 29,431 a year. This is slightly lower than the OECD average of USD 30,490 a year.

Another rough guide is the US State Department per diem rate. This is the amount the State Department pays its employees to cover their basic daily expenses while abroad. The average for Italy is similar to the United Kingdom and 25% lower than Switzerland.

With eating out, there are a wide variety of options depending on budget. As an example, two people can enjoy a meal at a mid-range restaurant, with drinks, which will typically cost around €55.

Home cooking is a popular alternative. Fresh food is affordable, with local markets being a great source of seasonal produce. Americans are often delighted at the value and quality.

Wine, beer, and spirits are cheap compared to many European countries. 

Italy is a fashion mecca, and Italians take great pride in how they dress. The cost of clothing is generally higher than in other European countries, but you can find cheaper brands in high street stores. There are also a variety of outlet malls, where you can pick up good quality bargains.

The low average wage and relatively high unemployment rate mean that home help is also affordable.

READ ALSO: A Practical Guide for Successfully Moving to Italy

Transport in Italy

Like many European countries, Italy has excellent public transport. In many cities, you can get by without a car, and intercity buses and trains are regular, cheap, and safe.

Buses

Italian buses run within the cities and between them. Bus services are usually limited during public holidays and Sundays. Buses traveling to the countryside also have schedules catering for locals. This means departures in the early morning and late evening, but very few in between.

Remember to purchase your bus tickets and validate them immediately once you board. Getting caught with a non-validated ticket can mean a fine of €60 all the way to €280.

Trains

If you want to travel around Italy by train, you should use the Frecciarossa. These are high-speed trains that reach almost 300 km/hr.

You can purchase your ticket online, and the cost depends on the route and time of day. For example, a trip from Bologna Centrale to Roma Termini costs from €31 to €97.

There are also other options.

Metro

Rome, Milan, Naples, and Turin have metros.

Rome’s metro has three lines (A, B, and C) and 73 stations. It is currently the smallest Metro in all of Europe, however excavation is currently underway to build a new one. One of the major reasons why this Metro is so limited, is because every time they dig to build a new line, major archeological ruins are found throughout the city! One metro ride ticket costs €1.50. You can also purchase tickets that are valid for varying periods, from 24 hours to seven days, from €7 to €24.

Milan’s metro has five lines (red, green, yellow, blue and purple). A single trip ticket costs €2 and is valid for ninety minutes.

The Naples metro has three lines (Line 1, Line 6, and the Naples-Aversa Metro) and 26 stations. Ticket prices range from €1.50 to €294.00, (90 minutes to twelve months).

Turin’s metro has one line and 23 stations from Collegno to Moncalieri. A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 100 minutes.

Air travel

Air travel is cheap and easy in Italy, with all the major cities having airports, many of which offer international flights. You’re always close to a connecting flight.

The top five airports with the airport code are:

• Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
• Milan’s Malpensa International Airport (MXP).
• Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
• Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ).
• Naples International Airport (NAP).

The cost of a non-stop flight from Rome to New York is roughly €400, and takes under ten hours.

Driving in Italy

Italy’s accident rates have steadily improved over the years. Accident rates have halved from their 2001 levels and this trend continues.

However, you don’t have to be in Italy for long to realize that many people drive fast and assertively. It can be a little intimidating, and you’ll need your wits about you until you acclimatize.

It’s normal to hear the sound of the car horn in Italy. You can hear it as a warning in hairpin turns, or even when greeting friends and celebrating events. You seldom hear a driver blow the horn because of annoyance or anger.

The speed limits are as follows.

• Urban zones: 50 km/h (ca. 31 mph).
• Minor out-of-town roads: 90 km/h (ca. 56 mph).
• Major out-of-town roads: 110 km/h (ca. 68 mph).
• Freeways: 130 km/h (ca. 81 mph).

Taxes

An employee is subject to three types of income tax in Italy.

• National income tax. Levied on all income and ranges from 23% to 43%.
• Regional income tax. The rate ranges from 1.23% to 3.33%.
• Municipal income tax. Similar to the regional income tax, this tax depends on the municipality of residence. The rate ranges from 0% to 0.8%.

US citizens still have to submit a US tax return, even if they live in Italy. This doesn’t mean you’ll pay double taxes. You may still be liable for taxes in both countries, but a tax treaty between Italy and the US aims to minimize this. US citizens can also claim deductions for income earned abroad.

Healthcare Options for Expats

Italy spends over 9% of its GDP on healthcare, and as a consequence, it is regarded as having an excellent healthcare system.

The national healthcare system is known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). It is region-based, meaning regional governments in Italy are the ones responsible for the implementation and delivery of the service. The national government makes sure that the general objectives and fundamental principles are met.

Overall, the SSN provides free or low-cost universal coverage to all Italian citizens and non-citizens with residency status. SSN covers visits to doctors and to specialists, hospital care and treatment, a discount on medication, and ambulance and lab services.

However, there are differing reports about healthcare through the SSN, as waiting times, the language barrier, and bureaucracy can be difficult to negotiate. Many local citizens as well as Expat residents opt for supplementary private health insurance.

Healthcare for Expats Living in Italy

EU citizens can access SSN benefits for free using their European Health Insurance Card, the reciprocal agreement for healthcare within the EU.

For others, if you are in Italy on a visa, and haven’t become a legal resident, you must have private health cover. Depending on your individual circumstances, Expat health insurance may be the best option.

You can access SSN once you have a full residency permit or become an Italian citizen.

Safety

When it comes to safety, Italy is similar to other European countries. The main concern is being a victim of petty crime such as pick pocketing. This happens more in densely populated zones especially in tourist spots and on public transport. The sale of counterfeit goods is a crime in Italy. If you’re caught buying counterfeit goods, you can be fined up to €10,000.

The Best Places to Live in Italy

Italy offers something for everyone. From the ancient to the modern, from the mountains to the coast, urban life or country idyll – the choice really is yours.

Here is our pick of just seven places which are known favorites for Expats to live in Italy.

Milan

Milan is Italy’s most cosmopolitan destination. Recently rated as the best Italian city to live in, locals and visitors alike love the city. It is fashionable, modern and beautiful. There are large employers and a range of international schools and many people suggest it is the perfect place to merge the draws of industry and culture. Economic opportunities blend perfectly with cultural exploration and it has therefore become a favorite for professionals still making waves in business but looking for some Italian flair! 

Bolzano

This city in the north of Italy rates highly in terms of quality of life and safety. It’s cheaper than Milan, and has a thriving Expat community, with good employment opportunities. Being in the North it has a slightly milder climate than the South but this also means that it provides incredible scenery and easy access to the mountains!

Bologna

Another city in the north of the country, Bologna has a great social life, and great work opportunities. It is popular with students and young families and has also recently been boosted by a large influx in tourism. It also has easy access to both beaches and mountains. 

Genoa

This is on the coast and part of the iconic Italian Riviera. Just a stone’s throw from Monaco, it is a fashion and design hub which provides all of the iconic Italian culture with a modern twist. Famous for its fresh seafood and history it has become a firm favorite among expat communities.

Perugia

The capital city of the region of Umbria. This is a cultural and artistic center, with various festivals throughout the year promoting their famous wines, foods and music. It’s a two-hour drive from Rome, and gives a smaller, more traditional setting.

Olbia

Located on the island of Sardinia, this spectacular city by the sea is surrounded by lovely forests, mountains, and beaches. It’s a fairly inexpensive place to live, and increasingly popular with Expats. It has three airports and fast ferries to Italy, France, and Spain.

Verona

The setting of one of the most famous love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet, Verona has castles, historic city squares, and medieval churches. It has a relaxed feel, and it is a comparatively cheap place to live. It has good transport links for easy visits to Venice, Florence or Milan.

READ ALSO: Italy Visa & Residence permit: How to live the good life in Italy

The Best Places to Retire in Italy

If you’re planning to retire in Italy, you might be looking for something more relaxing and tranquil than the major economic hubs and tourist hotspots. We have provided a list of some of the most beautiful and less-populated regions.

Abruzzo

This region is seen as one of the most underrated areas in Italy, and tourists aren’t known to flock to this place. Its mountainous environment and friendly locals are a mainstay and life here is both beautiful and peaceful.

Tuscany

A little more well-known, Tuscany is famous for its fertile vineyards, rolling hills and romantic villas. It can provide a life filled with culture, history, natural beauty and of course, some delicious wine!

Sicily

If you’re looking for something more laid back, you cannot go wrong with the stunning island of Sicily. It has beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and low living costs. It is known for some unique foods, ancient cities and remarkable terrain and is sure to host all the best parts of Italy!

Are you ready to Start Living in Italy?

Like all countries, living in Italy has its positives and negatives. But, the amazing experience available is undeniable. The romance of Italy is not just for tourists, choosing to live in Italy can make it an everyday life. Expats can testify that moving to Italy and starting over is entirely worth it.Before you make detailed plans for your new lifestyle, speak to one of our lawyers for tailored advice for your situation.