The 20 Best Places to Live in Italy for Expats

Italy continues to attract expats from all over the world thanks to its unique mix of culture, climate, cuisine, and lifestyle. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the crystal-clear waters along the southern coast, there’s a part of Italy to suit just about every kind of life abroad.

Whether you’re drawn to the fashion-forward north, the relaxed pace of the south, or a charming small town in central Italy, this guide explores the best places to live in Italy for expats. We’ve grouped them by region and lifestyle so you can find what best fits your goals—whether you’re looking to buy property, start a business, enjoy retirement, or just enjoy the beauty of a slower pace.

Key Takeaways

• Italy offers a wide variety of living options across 20 cities, catering to various lifestyles, including fashion lovers in Milan, history enthusiasts in Rome, and culinary aficionados in Bologna.
• The quality of life in these cities is often balanced between their cultural heritage, cost of living, and modern amenities, with Rome and Milan noted for their higher living expenses but rich cultural scenes.
• Unique regional attributes define each location, such as Venice’s canals, Florence’s Renaissance architecture, and the blend of Italian and Austrian cultures in Bolzano, offering expats and locals distinctive living experiences.
• Rankings and recommendations are informed by feedback from expats and individuals who have moved from other countries, ensuring a well-rounded perspective.

Culture, Art and Urban Life: Italy’s Most Iconic Cities

Some expats want the buzz of a big city with international infrastructure, cultural events, and strong business hubs. If you’re relocating from other countries, especially for work or lifestyle perks, these cities offer the best blend of history, opportunity, and modern services.

Milan

In the north of Italy, Milan is a global business and fashion capital, perfect for professionals and entrepreneurs. With excellent public transport, museums, and world-class infrastructure, it’s ideal for expats who want to stay well-connected and active. While Milan is one of the most expensive places to live in Italy, its dynamic economy and vibrant expat community make it worth the investment.

Rome

Italy’s capital blends ancient history with modern life. Cultural events, Roman landmarks, and buzzing piazzas are everyday scenery here. Though living costs are higher than in some other regions, Rome offers a strong sense of community and access to excellent schools, services, and entertainment.

Florence

This Tuscan gem is best known for its Renaissance heritage and art galleries, offering a more relaxed city lifestyle in central Italy. Florence is popular with British expats and creatives who enjoy living in Italy surrounded by beauty and history.

Turin

Closer to the French border in northern Italy, Turin has elegant architecture, fewer tourists, and an affordable cost of living compared to Milan or Rome. It’s a great place to live in Italy if you’re interested in art, coffee culture, and a slower pace within an urban setting.

Bologna

Often ranked among the top places in Italy for quality of life, Bologna is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. It offers excellent food, strong public services, and a youthful international vibe, making it a favourite for digital nomads and students from other countries.

Southern Charm: Laid-Back Living and Coastal Beauty

Southern Italy offers warmer weather, a slower pace, and lower living costs, ideal if you’re looking to escape the fast pace of northern cities. The regions here are often more rustic and traditional, but full of culture, beauty, and flavour.

Naples

Famous for its cuisine, historic streets, and lively atmosphere, Naples is perfect for those seeking a vibrant city with deep Italian roots. It’s located near the Amalfi Coast and Mount Vesuvius, with great travel access to the rest of the country.

Palermo

On the island of Sicily, Palermo has a strong sense of local identity and is rich in historical sites. Expect sunny days, affordable housing, and a real mix of cultures thanks to its location between Europe and North Africa.

Catania

Also in Sicily, Catania sits in the shadow of Mount Etna and offers a cost-effective lifestyle with easy access to beaches and nature. It’s gaining popularity with digital nomads who want a cheaper but connected base in southern Italy.

Lecce

Often called the “Florence of the South”, Lecce in Puglia boasts baroque architecture, friendly locals, and a relaxed way of life. Property here is more affordable than in the north, and the Mediterranean climate is a big plus for many expats.

Cagliari

In Sardinia’s southern part, Cagliari offers island living with crystal-clear waters, sunshine and beaches. If you’re looking to move somewhere peaceful but still connected, it’s a great alternative to the mainland.

Historic Charm and Small-Town Beauty

Looking to escape the bustle of city life? Italy is dotted with small towns and villages that offer peace, nature, and culture, without sacrificing quality of life. These are ideal if you want to buy property, retire, or just enjoy Italy’s slower pace.

Siena

In the heart of Tuscany, Siena is full of medieval charm and surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills. The famous Palio horse race adds a touch of local tradition and excitement to everyday life.

Verona

Known for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Verona is a romantic city with a UNESCO-protected centre and good connections to other parts of northern Italy. It’s smaller than Rome or Milan, but still packed with culture, history, and nightlife.

Padua

This academic town in the Veneto region is known for its university, historical sites, and proximity to Venice. It’s a well-rounded option for expats looking for culture and tranquillity without the tourist crowds.

Bergamo

Located between Milan and the Alps, Bergamo has a well-preserved medieval centre and great views of the mountains. It’s often overlooked, but it has everything you need for a comfortable and elegant lifestyle.

Nature and Scenic Living: Lakes, Mountains and Rural Retreats

If you’re drawn to nature, Italy offers spectacular landscapes, from alpine villages to lakeside towns. These areas appeal to retirees, outdoor lovers, and those moving from other countries for a peaceful retreat.

Lake Como

One of Italy’s most luxurious regions, Lake Como offers stunning views, elegant villas, and a peaceful environment. Despite its high-end reputation, there are still accessible areas for those wanting to live near nature in northern Italy.

Lake Garda

Italy’s largest lake is surrounded by picturesque towns and offers excellent outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and sailing. It’s close to Verona and within easy reach of Switzerland and Austria.

Bolzano

In the South Tyrol region, Bolzano blends Italian and Austrian cultures. It’s bilingual, beautifully maintained, and has one of the highest quality-of-life rankings in Italy. Surrounded by mountains and close to Austria, it’s ideal for outdoorsy expats and families.

Abruzzo

This lesser-known region offers beaches, mountains, and rural towns at a much lower cost of living than Italy’s hotspots. It’s perfect if you’re looking for land, tranquillity, and a back-to-nature lifestyle.

Community and Lifestyle: Finding the Right Fit

Beyond location, the best places to live in Italy often come down to community, accessibility, and affordability. These neighbourhoods and regions are especially popular with expats thanks to their welcoming feel and practical benefits.

Trastevere (Rome)

This bohemian neighbourhood offers a mix of culture, nightlife, and community. It’s popular with both locals and foreigners and offers a more affordable way to live in central Rome.

Parioli (Rome)

If you’re after quiet, elegant living with access to good schools and green spaces, Parioli is one of Rome’s most desirable areas. It’s perfect for expats relocating with families.

Expats in Italy: Where Do They Live?

Many expats in Italy choose Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Naples due to their international communities, services, and strong infrastructure. However, more and more foreigners are moving to smaller cities and rural regions to enjoy better affordability and a stronger sense of connection with locals.

Summary

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in Tuscany, swimming off the Amalfi Coast, or enjoying city life in Milan, Italy offers something for every lifestyle. From cultural cities and scenic towns to hidden gems and countryside escapes, there’s no shortage of places to live in Italy that cater to expats, digital nomads and long-term travellers.

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