Southern Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Italy
The average cost of living in Italy ranges from $935 per month in Catania to $1,829 per month in Milan, with a median monthly basket of $1,238 for a single person. We track 21 cities in Italy.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Italy at a glance | Headline numbers across 21 cities. |
| Cities in Italy | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about Italy | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
21
Median monthly · single
$1,238
Average cost index
29.8
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Milan /
Catania
Browse cities
21 cities shown
About cost of living in Italy
- How expensive is Italy?
- Italy has 21 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Catania is among the most affordable, while Milan ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in Italy?
- Budget anywhere from $935 per month in Catania (the cheapest tracked city) to $1,829 per month in Milan (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in Italy?
- Catania typically offers the lowest cost of living in Italy, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in Italy has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for Italy up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.