"WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TWISTS AND TURNS, CHIQUE YOURSELF UP IN ITALY!" – BARBARA CONELLI
Are you ready to chique yourself up in this gorgeous country? Not quite feeling it yet? Well, let's delve into why you absolutely should! Italy is one of the most beautiful and sought-after educational destinations to visit for international students, given its culture, style of living and affordable cost of living in Italy. So, if the idea of relocating to Italy has been dancing around in your mind, buckle up for a journey that transforms hesitation into resounding affirmation! This blog will discuss the average cost of living in Italy, shedding light on the cost of food, groceries, travel and more!
Average Cost of Living in Italy: Major Cities
Before diving into the intricacies of various aspects, let's take a look at some of the popular cities and the average cost of living in Italy. We have listed the top ten cities along with their cost of living in Italy index.
1. Milan: 68.9
2. Bologna: 65.6
3. Florence: 64.6
4. Genoa: 61.8
5. Padnova: 59.7
6. Turin: 59.3
7. Rome: 57.5
8. Verona: 56.2
9. Naples: 54.9
10. Palermo: 53.3
Annual Cost of Living in Italy for International Students
The average cost of living in Italy for international students ranges from €7,500- €8,500. This generally covers the cost of housing, food, entertainment and personal expenses, which may be approximately €3,000. Before diving into the blog, let's take a look at an overview of the cost of living in Italy.
Cost of Housing in Italy
Milan and Rome are some of the most expensive cities in Italy when it comes to housing. In fact, a lot of Italian residents spend almost 40% of their income on housing. This proves that housing holds a major chunk of the cost of living in Italy. Imagine you're looking for a studio or a private room in one of the top cities, here is how much rent you would have to pay
- Single Occupancy: €300-€400/month
- Shared occupancy: €200-€250/month
Fun Fact: The rent you pay fluctuates not just depending on the city but also on the locality. For example, if you live in the city centre, the rent will be higher than in the outskirts of the city.
Cost of Food in Italy
The cost of food in Italy depends on your living standard. It varies depending on whether you're looking for the best price: quality ratio or saving a few euros. In either scenario, Italy has you covered. Shop your groceries at markets, greengrocers, or supermarkets such as Lidl! We have listed the average price of groceries you may require on a daily basis.
Dining out or ordering takeout sounds really exciting but can leave you worrying, too. Due to the expenses you already bear living alone in another country, you might not always go for a takeout option. To help you include a few takeouts in your budget, here are some estimated costs of eating at a restaurant or a fast food chain.
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €15
- Three course meal at a mid-range restaurant: €50
- Average cost of dinner in Italy: €40
- Regular Cappuccino: €2
- Soda: €2.5
Cost of Transportation in Italy
The transportation system in Italy is one of the most efficient and is conveniently spread throughout the cities. Offering great connectivity and low cost compared to other countries, the cost of transportation in Italy is quite affordable for international students. The ticket fares or gas prices are more or less the same in all cities.
Cost of Utilities
On average, a student living in Italy would spend €200 - €300/month. To better understand, we have further separated the basic cost of living in Italy for utilities.
Basic Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): €199.59
Monthly plan for mobile: €13
Internet: €30
Cost of Healthcare in Italy
The basic Italian health insurance for foreigners costs only €10- €13! Isn't that great? For EU students, healthcare is free; however, non-EU students have to sign up for public insurance. Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), the national health service in Italy offers students to register by paying €149.77 per year.
Tuition Fees at Top Universities in Italy
For international students, tuition fees play an important role since they take up a major chunk of your budget after housing costs in the cost of living in Italy. Home to some of the most reputed universities, Italy offers affordable tuition without hampering the quality of education. If you're looking to apply to universities in Italy, these are your best picks!
Cost of Living in Italy: Entertainment & Leisure
How does exploring the streets of Italy sound? Maybe a way to unwind from the hectic university life? Or just a new way to bond with your peers! Well, Italy has a lot of recreational hubs and places to visit to keep you entertained. Take a look at the estimated costs to help plan your budget.
Tips to Save Money in Italy as a Student
Living alone comes with its share of challenges and difficulties. Managing finances is one of the most common student problems. Figuring out where you can save might become tedious, but hey! You don't have to worry about that anymore! We have listed down a few ways you can save money in Italy as a student! Let's discuss some money-saving tips that will help you save some extra euros!
1. Book your Housing Early
Booking early allows you to save up! Go through student accommodation websites like amber to find comfortable and affordable student housing in Italy.
2. Utilise Public Transport
In Italy, the high connectivity of routes and affordable ticket prices allow you to explore and navigate the city. Utilise the public transport as much as you can and even enjoy student discounts with your studentID.
3. Talk to Locals
Local people will offer some insightful knowledge about the place which you may not know while surfing through the internet. Right from shorter routes to travel, to the best street food and cafes, the locals will tell you all! Initiate conversations with the locals to know more about the city.
4. Install Student Apps
There is an array of must have apps for students that can assist students in learning languages and more! These apps help students in organising and learning the Italian language for free instead of paying for classes. It will be a huge help when it comes to communicating in the local language.
5. Shop Locally
Shopping locally is one of the best money-saving tips you can incorporate. May it be groceries or other items you look forward to shopping for, the price will vary depending on the place. For instance, you may get vegetables at a more affordable price as compared to shopping at the supermarket.
The cost of living in Italy is influenced by a number of aspects, including location and lifestyle choices. The cost of living in Italy may vary a little depending on the city, but with careful planning and budgeting, students can manage their monthly expenses. Individuals can also get help from various budgeting apps for students to help them plan their expenses well! While the cost of living in Italy is an important consideration, with proper money management, you can enjoy your life without breaking the bank! The experiences, memories and beautiful culture in Italy will definitely be worth it! So, let's pack our bags and fly away to this stunning education destination!