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Housing Rental Costs in Italy by Region (€/m²)
Comparison of average monthly rental prices per square meter across various Italian regions (as of March 2026).
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Retire to Italy: Costs of Living, Healthcare and Best Places to Live
Costs of Retiring to Italy: Housing, Everyday Expenses, and Healthcare For many people, retiring in Italy means more than simply moving abroad. It means imagining the possibility of enjoying retirement in a country known for its quality of life. But alongside the lifestyle appeal, one practical question remains essential: is Italy affordable for retirees? Italy is not equally expensive across the country, this is one of the reasons why Italy can suit a wide range of retirement budgets. For many foreign retirees, the overall cost of living in Italy can compare favorably with countries such as the United States, especially when it comes to healthcare and everyday expenses. In this sense, Italy often offers not only a desirable lifestyle but also the possibility of a more balanced and manageable retirement budget. Housing Costs in Italy for Retirees Housing costs in Italy are shaped first of all by regional differences. The table below provides an overview of average sale and rental prices per square meter across the country, showing how significantly costs can vary from one region to another. Italy Housing Prices by Region (€/m²) Region Sale (€/m²) Rent (€/m²) Abruzzo 1,381 8.14 Basilicata 1,308 7.32 Calabria 960 8.46 Campania 1,959 10.75 Emilia Romagna 2,146 13.26 Friuli Venezia Giulia 1,776 10.49 Lazio 2,592 15.73 Liguria 2,722 11.33 Lombardy 2,729 18.49 Marche 1,610 9.1 Molise 1,043 7.07 Piedmont 1,425 10.09 Puglia 1,438 9.13 Sardinia 2,463 12.88 Sicily 1,168 8.28 Tuscany 2,640 16.21 Trentino Alto Adige 3,704 13.4 Umbria 1,178 8.45 Aosta Valley 2,722 21.88 Veneto 2,184 12.19 Source: Immobiliare.it (data consulted: March 2026) At a more local level, location also plays an important role. Housing tends to be more expensive in larger cities, where demand is higher, and prices can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. By contrast, smaller towns and villages often offer more affordable options, which can be especially appealing for retirees looking for lower living costs. Beyond rent, it is also important to consider utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and internet. For a standard apartment, basic utilities cost on average around €200 per month, while broadband internet adds roughly €27 per month, although both figures can vary depending on the size of the property, energy use, and the season. In practice, many retirees find that choosing a smaller community rather than a major city allows them to reduce housi...
Best Places to Retire in Italy: 2026 Expat Guide
Find Your Perfect Italian Retirement Spot Italy is a dream destination for many retirees, offering everything from exciting cities to charming coastal towns and peaceful rural villages. Whether you’re looking for culture, reliable public services, good value for money, or a quiet, scenic retreat, there’s something to suit every lifestyle. Here is a selection of the best places to retire in Italy, covering key factors such as local amenities, healthcare access, cost of living, and overall quality of life. Start Planning Your Healthcare Abroad Before you retire in Italy, explore international health insurance options that can help you access care and manage costs with confidence. Is Italy a Good Place to Retire? Italy has earned a place among the best places in the world for retirees, thanks to its great food and culture, warm weather, a relaxed lifestyle, and affordability. The Italian lifestyle and culture are among the biggest draws for expats. Its cuisine is world-renowned and ranks 1st on the 2025/26 Taste Atlas 100 Best Cuisines. It also has an abundance of museums, galleries, and opera houses. Meanwhile, the laid-back lifestyle allows residents to enjoy la dolce vita (“the sweet life”). Healthcare in Italy is widely accessible to all residents through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). This, coupled with supplementary private health insurance in Italy, helps the country to rank 22nd on the 2025 CEOWORLD Healthcare Index. It also scores well in terms of safety and security. The Italian climate is predominantly Mediterranean, with average summer temperatures between 77–90°F (25–32°C) and plenty of sunshine on the coasts and in the south. The north offers cooler temperatures and mountainous regions for those who enjoy a proper snowy winter break. The cost of living in Italy is more affordable overall than in many European countries, and is just over 30% cheaper than in the US. For those looking to retire on a budget, southern Italy, particularly, is worth considering. It is easier to retire to Italy than to many other countries. For non-EU nationals, there is the Elective Residence Visa (ERV) for anyone with a passive annual income of at least around $35,700. The government also offers a 7% flat tax on overseas income for expat retirees relocating to certain parts of the southern regions. The Best Places to Live in Italy for Retirees The best place to retire in Italy will depend largely on your preferences. Factors such as climate, co...
Expats Regime 2026: Requirements, Tax Benefits and Checks to Carry Out Before Returning/Coming to Italy
Expats Regime 2026 in Italy: requirements, duration, documents, sensitive cases and checks to carry out before applying the tax relief.
12 Best European Countries for American Retirees Seeking Quality of Life and Access to Healthcare
Retiring abroad is becoming more common for Americans. While many already live overseas, some look to Europe for its lifestyle advantages, including walkable ...
