The ultimate guide to Italy’s best regions to live in (2023-2024)

Looking to make a move to Italy but you're not sure which region to move to? Read this guide to learn about the pros and cons of each region

Yordan

5 minute read

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Updated on 5 Mar 2024

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Living

Italy is a varied country with 20 regions offering different lifestyles and experiences. Some areas are more expensive to live in than others, but all offer a unique take on the Italian culture and way of life. Here is our guide to the seven best regions in Italy to live in.

Tuscany is one of the most popular regions in Italy, and it's not hard to see why. With its rolling hills, stunning countryside, and delicious food, it's easy to fall in love with Tuscany. The cost of living here is relatively high, but it's worth it for the high quality of life on offer. Florence is the biggest city in Tuscany,with plenty of things to offer, including Michelangelo's David and the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. While living in the centre of the city can be expensive, you can explore houses for rent near Florence which will significantly lower you cost of living.

Other cities in Tuscany include Siena and Lucca. Siena is a smaller city but is known for its beautiful cathedral and the Palio, a horse race that takes place in the city's main square twice a year. Lucca is famous for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and for being the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini. Additionally, there are plenty of other things to do in the region, from exploring the charming medieval villages to hiking in the picturesque hills and vineyards.

The Emilia Romagna region is in the north of Italy and is home to the cities of Bologna and Modena. Both cities are known for their food, with Bologna famed for its ragù sauce and Modena for its balsamic vinegar. The cost of living in Emilia Romagna varies depending on which city you choose to live in. But overall, it's relatively affordable. Finding rental homes in Bologna, for instance, will set you back with at least €1,200 per month including food, leisure and public transport. Yet, they're still cheaper than living in larger cities like Rome or Milan.

One of the best things about living in Emilia Romagna is the incredible food. This region is renowned for its delicious pasta dishes, cheese, and wine. In fact, Emilia Romagna is home to some of the most famous Italian food brands, like Bologna's Mortadella and Modena's Aceto Balsamico.

There are also plenty of cultural attractions, like the Museo di Palazzo Poggi in Bologna and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. And of course, Emilia Romagna is surrounded by Italy's typical stunning countryside that’s perfect for hiking or cycling.

This region is in the northeast of Italy where you can find houses to rent in Padua, Venice and Verona. Veneto is a great place to live if you're looking for a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. The region is famous for its friendly people and there's always something to do, regardless of whether you're into outdoor activities or just want to relax in a cafe and people watch.

The quality of life in the Veneto region is good and living here is an affordable and enjoyable experience. However, there are some differences depending on which city you live in. For example, living in Venice is more expensive than living in Verona. But, on the whole, you can expect to spend between €700 and €1,200 per month, including rent, on living expenses.

The Lazio region is in the center of Italy and is home to the city of Rome. When it comes to quality of life, Lazio definitely doesn’t disappoint. The people are friendly and welcoming, the food is delicious and there is always something to do or see. From the stunning countryside, through the buzzing cities, and all the way to awe-inspiring mountain ranges, Lazio has something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and diverse region to call home, Lazio is definitely worth considering.

You can expect your monthly living expenses to be similar to those in other parts of Italy. However, it’s important to keep in mind that prices do vary depending on which city you choose to live in. Living in Rome, for instance, cost on average €1,900 monthly. However, it’s possible to save money if search homes for rent in Rome's more affordable neighbourhoods like Trastevere and Monti.

Lombardy is one of the most prosperous and industrialised regions in Italy. The region is home to some of the country’s most popular cities, including Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia. Lombardy’s residents are famous for being hardworking. However, this does not mean that the quality of life is sacrificed – on the contrary, Lombardy is a great place to live.

Most of Lombardy’s major cities are expensive to live in, with its capital being the most expensive. Your monthly expenses in Milan, excluding rent, will be no less than €900-€1,000 per month. However, it's still possible to live here on a budget and discover houses for rent in Milan which are more cost-effective.

You will find that Lombardy is as varied as it is beautiful. The public transportation system in the region is excellent, making it easy to get around on your weekend trips. From hiking in the Alps to visiting ancient villages, being bored isn’t an option. Lombardy is also home to some of the best restaurants in Italy, so you will never go hungry.

The Sicily region is in the southern part of Italy, and it’s the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The capital city is Palermo, and it’s known for its beautiful beaches, rolling hills, historic buildings, and delicious food.

The most important thing to know is that living in Sicily is not cheap, especially if you want to live in a big city like Palermo. You’ll need to budget for things like rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The monthly expenses you’ll have to cover can range from €900 to €1,300, depending on where you locate homes for rent in Palermo.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather in Sicily can be hot and humid. The summers are long and warm, and the winters are short and mild. If you’re not used to living in a climate like this, it can take some time to adjust.

It’s also important to know that the job market isn’t very strong. Unemployment is high, and competition for jobs can be fierce. If you don’t have a job lined up before you move, it may be difficult to find one.

If you're thinking of making a move to Italy, the Piedmont region should definitely be at the top of your list. Located in the northwest of the country, this beautiful area is known for its stunning scenery, delicious food and wine, and friendly locals.

There's no shortage of things to do in Piedmont. The region is home to some beautiful mountains and lakes, which make for great hiking and camping opportunities. If you're looking for a place to soak up some culture, Piedmont is also home to a number of museums and historical sites. There are also a number of charming villages and towns that are worth exploring. And of course, you can't miss out on sampling the delicious food and wine that the region is known for.

The capital of the Piedmont region is Turin. As such, it’s the biggest and most expensive city across the region. With a population of over 900,000, Turin(https://housinganywhere.com/s/Turin--Italy) is the 4th largest city in the country and ranks among some of the best cities in Italy. Being popular with its automotive industry and its production of chocolate and wine, Turin has a strong commercial climate. When it comes to culture, the city also has a rich heritage and is home to many art galleries, museums, and theaters.

Despite its size and commercial environment, the cost of living in Turin is remarkably low. You should be ready to cover anywhere from €800 to €1,100 per month even if you explore rental homes in Turin's heart. As good as it may seem, it’s important to remember that your living expenses can be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle.

Now that you’re aware of what to expect from the top 7 regions in Italy, you’re all set to start thinking about which of Italy’s best cities is the right one for you and get to preparing your relocation checklist.

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