When you think of the cheapest places to live in Europe, you may be surprised that Italy made the list, even though it has some of the highest prices in south-central Europe.
However, it’s still possible to live in Italy on a budget if that is truly what your dream is.
So, if relocating to Italy is on your bucket list, this guide will provide you with the cheapest and most affordable cities in Italy to consider living in.
The places on this list are nearly half of what you would pay compared to Florence, Rome, Venice, or Milan.
13 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Italy
1. Naples
Surprisingly, out of all the other larger cities in Italy, Naples is the most affordable to live in.
Naples is located in the southern region of the Bay of Naples.
Naples is also known as being the third-largest town in Italy, following Milan and Rome.
The overall cost of living in Naples is $1,400.
Naples has a population of 1 million people and is infamous for its excellent food, ancient buildings, and amazing culture.
Naples is the official home of pizza.
No matter where you decide to live in Naples, you can count on a decent cost of living if you’re contemplating renting an apartment.
Some attractions in Naples to check out include the Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour, Capri Boat Day Trip, and Ova Castle.
2. Pescara
Pescara is also worth adding to your list of towns to check out in Italy that offers affordable living.
The population of Pescara is 120,000 and is known as a resort city.
Pescara is situated right on the Adriatic Sea.
It’s also known as the biggest town in the Abruzzo region.
Pescara’s overall cost of living is $1,300 per month. Pescara is located close to the Apennine mountains.
Winters tend to be quiet in Pescara, while summers are much busier and more lively.
If you’re looking for a relaxed life at a great price, Pescara is the perfect city.
Pescara also offers plenty of attractions, including the Nature Reserve Pineta Dannunziana, Ponte del Mare, and Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Birthplace Museum.
3. Rieti
Approximately 47,000 people call Rieti home.
It is known as being an ancient Roman city, but it is also quite affordable.
It is situated within the Lazio region in the central part of the country.
The overall cost of living in Rieti is $1,100 per month.
Compared to Rome, the cost of living in Rieti is just a fraction of the cost of living there.
Rieti offers plenty of attractions to check out, including the Franciscan Sanctuary Fonte Colombo, the Teatro Comunale, and the Navel of Italy.
4. Campobasso
Campobasso is another town in Italy to consider moving to if you’re looking for an affordable cost of living.
Campobasso is the largest town in the Molise region and is also the capital city.
It’s located just a few hours from Rome and a couple of hours from Naples.
You’ll also be located near some of the biggest attractions in the country.
The overall cost of living in Campobasso is $1,040.
The town is also excellent for those who prefer to rely on public transit.
It’s truly a hidden gem.
Some of the most popular attractions in Campobasso are the Museo dei Misteri, the Savoy Theater, and the Monforte Castle.
5. Lecce
Lecce has a population of 95,000 and is also known as one of the cheapest cities in all of Italy.
It’s situated within the Apulia region and is infamous for its baroque buildings.
The overall cost of living in Lecce is $1,398 per month.
The cost of living is much lower in the winter when tourists are not visiting.
The further you move inland away from the Adriatic coast, the cheaper rent is.
You’ll find plenty of amazing monuments, museums, palaces, and churches in Lecce.
Moreover, Lecce is sometimes called the “Florence of the South.”
If you have a soft spot in your heart for architecture and history, you are going to fall in love with Lecce.
6. Avellino
Just about 55,000 people are living in Avellino, and it is also a very affordable place to live.
It’s a charming small town located in the southern region of Campania.
It’s also located only 31 miles from Naples.
If you adore mountains, you will love Avellino, since much of the city is surrounded by them.
But what about the cost of living?
Avellino’s cost of living is $1,016 per month.
There are also plenty of attractions in Avellino, including the Museo Irpino, Country Sport Avellino, and Pompeii Archaeological Park.
7. Benevento
Benevento’s population is 60,000 and has an overall cost of living of $1,000 per month.
It’s also located just 30 miles from Naples.
Much of the city is surrounded by the Appennine hills.
Compared to other towns nearby, Benevento offers a much lower cost of living.
Benevento sits right between the Calore and Sabato rivers.
And while Benevento is not a popular tourist town, various ancient Roman monuments are worth checking out.
But don’t forget to check out other attractions around town, including the Museum of Sannio, the Roman Theater, and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
8. Matera
Matera is a true gem and also worth noting if you’re looking for affordable towns in Italy.
It’s much slower-paced than other towns in Italy.
It’s also considered a historical town.
The overall cost of living in Matera is $1,143 per month.
Matera dates back 5,000 years and is probably one of the oldest places in the country.
It is known for having modern cave hotels and amazing scenery.
Some top attractions in Matera include the Sassi di Matera, Paombaro Lungo, and the Parco Regionale Della Murgia Materana.
9. Cosenza
Cosenza has a population of 60,000 and a cost of living of $1,000 per month, thus making it one of the cheapest places to live in Italy.
It’s another ancient town with a lot of history, located in the southern region of Italy.
It’s best known for its rich culture.
There are plenty of things to do in Cosenza, including medieval squares, craft shops, and more.
The town comes to life, particularly in the evenings.
In addition, you’ll find plenty of monuments, libraries, museums, and theaters.
Cosenza is home to the University of Calabria.
10. Crotone
Crotone is another town worth adding to the list for you to consider, as it offers an affordable cost of living.
The population of Crotone is 64,000.
And while it’s a small town, it attracts many tourists due to its overall location and atmosphere.
Crotone is situated along the southern coast of Italy.
The overall cost of living in Crotone is $1,292 per month.
Crotone has a rich history and plenty of monuments around the town.
If you’re looking for an affordable, quiet location situated along the beach, Crotone is the perfect city.
Some well-known attractions in Crotone include the National Archaeological Museum of Crotone, Castello di Carlo V, and the Lido Kursaal Crotone.
11. Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria is a large town located in the Calabria region.
It’s home to about 200,000 people and is considered a very affordable town.
It’s also one of the oldest towns in the region, as it’s still a major port for ferries and trains traveling to Sicily.
The overall cost of living in Reggio Calabria is just $968 per month.
Reggio is also considered an important hub for trade.
For those looking for top attractions in Reggio Calabria, check out the Museo Nazionale Della Magna Grecia, Castello Aragonese, and the Palace of Culture.
12. Catanzaro
Next on the list for being one of the most affordable towns in Italy is Catanzaro.
The town has a population of 91,000 and an overall cost of living of $1,173 per month.
Catanzaro is known for being one of the best towns to live in the Calabria region.
It’s also referred to as the “City of the Two Seas.”
Because of its high altitude and geographic location, it’s also a windy city.
Living in Catanzaro is not only cheap, but it also gives you easy access to the beach.
Top attractions in Catanzaro include Musmi, Teatro Politeama, and Marca-Museo Della Art di Catanzaro.
13. Syracuse
Finally, Syracuse is last on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Italy.
It’s a rather large town, with nearly 125,000 people living in it.
It’s also known as a historic town, located in Sicily.
It’s infamous for having a rich Roman and Greek history and architecture.
The overall cost of living in Syracuse is $1,308 per month.
It’s a town that has been around for thousands of years and is one of the most visited places in all of Sicily.
Top attractions in Syracuse include Arethusa Spring, Ear of Dionysius, and the Greek Theater.
Italy Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Italy Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Italy?
The average cost of living for just one person in Italy is $1,715 a month.
Couples living in Italy need at least $1,920 to live comfortably in Italy.
If you’re considering moving to smaller towns in Italy, you can probably get away with paying close to $1,300 per month, and $1,500 for couples.
Is living in Italy cheaper than living in the United States?
Yes, living in Italy is much more affordable compared to living in the United States.
Overall, the cost of living in Italy is 6% lower compared to the United States.
Moreover, the average rent paid in Italy is 51% cheaper than in the U.S.
How much is the cost of food and transportation per month in Italy?
You will probably need at least $500 per month for food while living in Italy.
This amount is for both eating out and buying groceries.
For transportation, costs in Italy can range anywhere between $40 and $55 per month.
