Italy is one of the world’s dream destinations for so many reasons: its food, its history, and its picture-perfect landscapes from snowy Alps to golden beaches. When it comes to actually living in Italy as a foreigner, though, the question gets a bit more complicated — and way more personal. People want to know: “Which is the best Italian city for expats?” The answer? There isn’t just one right city. The best Italian city for one person might be totally different for another, depending on what you want out of your new life. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the cities that score highest for foreigners, what makes each stand out, and how to choose one that matches your needs and lifestyle. No matter where you decide to land, getting familiar with daily life in Italy is a must. Before making your move, it’s a great idea to explore resources like Italy On Foot for tips, inspiration, and up-to-date information about living Italian style. Now, let’s look at where in Italy you might find your perfect home base!
How to Choose the Best Italian City for You
Picking your perfect city in Italy is about matching your priorities with a place’s reality. Here’s what most foreigners living in Italy care about, and what you should consider before starting your search:
1. Cost of Living & Rent
Italy’s cost of living is affordable compared to many big cities in the US or UK, but it depends hugely on where you settle. Milan and Florence are the priciest, while southern cities like Naples or Palermo are far cheaper. As a ballpark, for an 80 m² apartment in a big city center, you might pay €1,100–1,200 per month for rent. In less central areas or smaller cities, you could find places for as little as €500–700 a month. On top of rent, everyday life (groceries, public transport, eating out) will cost the average foreign household around €2,700–2,800 per month. Most expats find a comfort budget of €2,500–3,000 (plus rent) works for enjoying Italian life without constant stress about money.
| City | 1-bed rent (city centre) | Notable For |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | €1,200–2,000 | Expensive, best for careers |
| Rome | €1,200–1,800 | Historic, international, but chaotic |
| Florence | €1,200–1,700 | Cultural capital, popular with students |
| Bologna | €800–1,200 | Strong all-rounder, good for students and professionals |
| Turin | €900–1,000 | Affordable, industry jobs, near Alps |
| Naples/Palermo | €600–1,200 | Budget-friendly, authentic Italy |
2. Jobs & Remote-Friendly Life
Looking for work, or working remotely? Milan, Rome, Bologna and Turin are top hubs for jobs in fashion, finance, tech and design. If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, mid-sized cities like Bologna, Turin, and Verona give you strong internet, easy airport connections, and better rental prices. It’s common for international companies to base themselves in Milan, but those who don’t mind less bustle get more value farther afield.
3. Quality of Life & Safety
What’s daily life actually like? Major surveys in Italy regularly put Milan, Bologna, Bolzano, Florence, and Trento at the top for public transport, services, education and safety. Trento and Bolzano are especially known for their clean environment and strong family services. Rome, while famous worldwide, faces issues with traffic, bureaucracy, and maintenance, which can impact daily comfort.
4. Language & Integration
Unless you live inside the tourist bubble, you’ll need to learn at least some Italian. Daily bureaucracy, healthcare, and social life are mostly in Italian, especially outside the biggest international cities. Milan, central Rome, Florence, and Bologna are the most English-friendly, but in smaller towns and the south, using English won’t get you very far. It’s both a challenge and a wonderful way to integrate into Italian culture.
5. Transport & Airports
Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Naples are your main international gateways, with big airports and fast rail connections. Bologna is a stand-out for its central location and quick train routes to Milan, Florence, and Venice. Smaller high-quality cities like Trento, Verona, and Bolzano rely on nearby major hubs, but still offer great internal infrastructure.
Understanding Visas & Tax Basics
Moving to Italy means dealing with visas and tax rules, which can influence where you choose to live. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you plan:
- EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: You can live and work without a visa, but you need to register residency and health care if you stay long-term.
- Non-EU Citizens: There are several common paths:
- Digital Nomad/Remote Worker Visa: For remote workers with proof of professional experience and a minimum annual income (around €25,000–28,000), plus private health insurance and a signed lease in Italy.
- Elective Residence Visa: For retirees or people with passive income, requiring at least about €31,000 per year and a housing contract.
- 7% Retiree Tax Regime: Retirees who move to certain small towns in southern or some central regions pay only 7% flat tax on foreign income for 10 years (great for keeping costs down!).
- High-net-worth tax: Italy’s flat tax regime for wealthy newcomers attracts people to cities like Milan.
As always: check your Italian consulate’s official site and consult a financial advisor for your specific case.
Best Cities in Italy for Foreigners
With all this in mind, here’s how Italy’s top cities stack up for foreign residents. Each city has its own personality, pros and cons. Find the one that feels most like you!
Bologna – Best Overall for Foreigners
If there is one city that checks almost every box for most foreigners, it’s Bologna. It’s often ranked among the best places in Italy for quality of life thanks to its vibrant mix of academic culture, food, walkability, reasonable costs, and lively social life. Bologna has the oldest university in the Western world, which means there’s always an international atmosphere with students, researchers, and young professionals. Rent and everyday spending is noticeably lower than Milan with a similar level of urban comfort — expect to pay around €1,000 per month for a one-bedroom in the center, and benefit from everyday costs about 6% below Milan’s average. City life is energizing and there’s always something to do, but without the overwhelming crowds (or prices) of Rome, Florence, or Milan. Bologna’s train station is one of Italy’s main transport hubs for easy trips north and south, while its airport serves dozens of European cities. The biggest drawbacks? Housing competition can be fierce, and the hot, humid summers plus foggy winters aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Still, if you want a city where you can blend in quickly, make international friends, and enjoy food and culture every day, start your Italian adventure in Bologna.
Milan – Best for Career Driven Expats
If you are chasing a high-powered career or need to join an international business scene, Milan is Italy’s business capital. It’s the most cosmopolitan city in the country, with industries ranging from finance and tech to media and fashion. English is spoken more regularly here — especially in business circles — than almost anywhere else in the country. Milan has outstanding nightlife, restaurants, and cultural events, as well as beautiful neighborhoods for nearly every taste. Be prepared though: Milan is Italy’s most expensive city for rent, with one-bed apartments in the center often costing €1,400–1,800 or more per month. Life moves faster here, and the city has a “big European capital” vibe that can feel less relaxed than the classic Italian pace. Milan has also become especially popular among wealthy newcomers thanks to its flat-tax regimes. For ambitious professionals, digital nomads who want every modern comfort, or families that want access to international schools, Milan is a top choice, but make sure your budget is ready.
Turin – Best Affordable Big City Life
Turin offers much of the big-city feel of Milan, but at a fraction of the cost. Known for its strong café culture, art scene, and proximity to the Alps (if you’re a skier or love hiking, this is a dream city), Turin also boasts excellent job prospects in technology, engineering, and industry. It’s a great choice for those who want an Italian city experience with more breathing room in their budget — expect central rental prices in the €900–1,000 range for a one-bedroom. The city is historically industrial, so some visitors find it less charming than Italy’s tourist hotspots. Winters can be foggy and grey, but summers are lovely, and the city is rapidly developing a more international feel. If you want big-city connections, weekend access to mountain adventures, and a lively but affordable food and music scene, Turin is a clever choice.
Florence – Best for Lovers of Art and Culture
Florence is a perennial favorite for its stunning Renaissance heritage, vibrant cultural life, and romantic Tuscan setting. It’s the city where you’ll constantly stumble on world-class art, history, and events — ideal for anyone with a passion for culture. The catch: living in Florence comes with a price, both financial and practical. Rents are in the €1,200–1,700 range for a city-center one-bedroom. Tourists flock here almost year-round, so the city can feel crowded and, at times, like living inside a museum. If you dream of morning strolls by the Arno, sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo, and filled weekends with art shows, Florence could be your perfect fit — just be ready for a fast pace and tourist crowds, especially in summer.
Trento & Bolzano – Best for Families and Outdoor Lovers
Tucked into the mountains up north, Trento and Bolzano are repeatedly rated as Italy’s best cities for safety, education, public services, and family life. If clean air, lots of green space, and access to outdoor sports are your priorities, these cities stand out. Trento tops surveys for sustainability and education, while Bolzano adds a healthy German-speaking community to the Italian mix. The catch? These are smaller cities with less of an international buzz, property prices are among the highest in Italy, and winters can be cold. If you value safety, a prosperous environment, and direct access to Italy’s best outdoor lifestyles, Trento and Bolzano are gems, though Italian (and in Bolzano, German) language skills are extra useful.
Verona & Parma – Best Mid-Size “Just Right” Cities
If big cities feel too hectic and small towns too sleepy, Verona and Parma offer a lovely middle ground. Verona is famous for its blend of culture, high livability, family-friendly pace, and classic “small city” charm. Parma, meanwhile, has a strong foodie culture and was ranked high for quality of life, education, and economic stability. Both cities sit along major train lines for easily accessing major hubs, but life here moves at a gentler rhythm. Rents are more manageable, crowds are smaller, and expats enjoy a real sense of community. If you want balance, these mid-sized cities could be your answer.
Rome – Best for Iconic Living and Global Networks
Living in Rome is like stepping into history every single day. As Italy’s capital, it’s bursting with international embassies, NGOs, English-language schools, start-ups, and creative industries. The foreign community is large, meaning support and new friends are close at hand. However, Rome’s quality-of-life rankings trail behind the top cities due to notorious transport problems, slow bureaucracy, and mixed reviews on safety and cleanliness. Rents vary by neighborhood but are comparable to Florence and Milan in the upscale or historic areas. Rome is best if you want global connections and legendary daily life, but aren’t fixated on efficiency.
Naples & the South – Best for Budgets and Laid-Back Lifestyles
If you’re seeking affordable living without sacrificing vibrant culture, southern Italy may be a dream come true. Naples, Palermo, Bari, and Lecce offer some of the best value for money in the country — often half the price for rent compared with Milan, sometimes even less in small towns. Food is unbeatable, seaside getaways are easy, and people are famously warm. These regions are also the main targets for the 7% retiree tax regime, pulling in smart retirees and digital nomads who want to make their euro stretch. Downsides? High unemployment, more paperwork, and less English spoken, so learning Italian is a must for daily life. It’s a tradeoff: less convenience, more authenticity.
Is Italy Really Cheaper Than Home?
You might be surprised by how Italy stacks up against your home city. In general, Milan and Florence are as pricey as big European capitals like Paris or Berlin, especially for rent and eating out. But once you leave the tourist centers and head for smaller cities or southern regions, savings add up quickly. Utilities will cost the average household around €150–200 a month, though winter heating bills can jump higher. Groceries and fresh market produce are a bargain, especially in rural areas. For anyone moving from London, New York, or other major world cities, Italy can feel refreshingly affordable — as long as you choose your destination carefully.
| City | 1-bed apartment (center) | Monthly total budget (excluding rent) |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | €1,400–1,800 | €2,500–3,000 |
| Bologna | €1,000 | €2,300–2,800 |
| Naples | €600–1,200 | €2,000–2,500 |
| Trento/Bolzano | €1,100–1,500 | €2,300–2,700 |
Matching Your Visa and Lifestyle: Where Should You Land?
Your legal and financial situation influences your choices in Italy. Consider these examples:
- Young professional with EU passport: Look at Milan, Bologna, Turin, or Verona for job markets, energy, and community.
- Non-EU digital nomad: Focus on Bologna, Turin, Florence, or Verona, with a preference for cities where you can easily set up residency and score good value rentals.
- Retiree on Elective Residence Visa: Consider medium or smaller cities like Siena, Lucca, or quieter parts of Tuscany and Umbria, plus pretty southern towns.
- Retiree wanting the 7% tax regime: You’ll want to examine eligible small towns in southern or central Italian regions for lower taxes on your income.
The more city amenities and connections you want, the further north you’ll likely settle. If you dream of beach days, century-old piazzas, and peace of mind, the south could offer more.
Tips for Shortlisting Your Italian City
The smartest way to decide on your new Italian home is to visit and live like a local for a while. Here are some practical steps:
- Rent short-term for 1–3 months in different cities if possible
- Join expat groups or online forums to ask specific questions
- Test out daily routines: local markets, transport, evenings in piazzas
- Visit neighborhoods you can actually afford, not just the main tourist sites
- Talk to locals and other expats about their experiences in your target city
Give yourself permission to try several places — the best Italian city for you is the one where you feel most at home.
Which Italian City is Best for Foreigners?
While there is no single answer, Bologna is often the best all-around pick for foreigners thanks to its balance of affordability, excellent quality of life, vibrant culture, and top-notch food. For careers and endless city energy, Milan leads. If you want a more affordable but still lively city life, Turin is an excellent option. Nature lovers and families flock to Trento and Bolzano for clean living and safety. Budget-seekers or retirees might find their paradise in a southern city or one of Italy’s sun-soaked small towns, taking advantage of flexible tax regimes. The real secret? Italy rewards people who explore, stay open-minded, and embrace the unique tempo of each city. Wherever you land, la dolce vita is what you make it. To stay inspired, keep exploring deep-dive resources at Italy On Foot and check official city or transport sites for updates on travel and tickets.