Florence, Italy
Expat Guide to Best Cities in Italy
Incredible food. Rich history. Breathtaking views. Inspiring art. Thriving culture.
We could go on for days about all the reasons that make Italy an incredible place to live for foreigners, expatriates, and everybody in between.
From the old-world feel of Florence to the coastal region of Naples, Italy is full of amazing towns, villages, and metro areas. And, as with most countries, the cost of living in Italy depends on where you live.
The country is so stunning that in some cases, the hardest part about moving there is deciding where to live.
To help you decide what part of the country is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best cities in Italy for expats to live in.
Living in Rome
Located in the Lazio province, Rome is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. It’s also a fabulous choice for expatriates – especially those that have families with children.
Rome is home to a variety of top-notch private and international schools. It’s also a friendly city that makes it easy for expats to feel comfortable and get acclimated to Italian life.
This walkable city is best known for its incredible culture and historical sites. But it has much more to offer than just the famous sites of the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trevi Fountain. Rome also has a flourishing nightlife, and there are always plenty of museums to visits and restaurants to try.
Life for Expats in Florence
The small (and stunning) city of Florence offers a great balance between city living and village life. Tuscany has its own airport, so it’s easy to travel in and out of Florence for business or pleasure.
For expatriates looking to advance their careers, it’s an excellent choice for anyone in the financial or pharmaceutical industries.
Florence is home to many foreigners, and it’s a beautiful city that’s easy to navigate and full of interesting and exciting things to do. It’s easy to feel comfortable in Florence, especially if you prefer a calm lifestyle compared to hectic city living.
Once you decide on a location, check out HousingAnywhere to find a place to rent
Life for International Citizens in Bologna
The safe, walkable city of Bologna is known for being welcoming and friendly to expats. It functions as one of Europe’s main educational centers and holds exceptionally high standards for education.
For music lovers, it’s also one of Italy’s leading cultural centers (and a recognized UNESCO City of Music).
Living in Pisa
There’s a lot more to Pisa than the leaning tower. This beautiful city in Tuscany is full of museums, cathedrals, and wineries. It’s a walkable city that’s safe to travel through, and it offers a great nightlife experience for those who love to go out and let off some steam.
Genoa for Foreigners
This historic port city is perfect for English-speaking expats who haven’t yet honed their Italian language skills. It’s a great place to work, and it’s an LGBT-friendly town that makes it very comfortable for a variety of different people.
Living in Oristano
Located on the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea, Oristano offers a lower cost of living than most of the major Italian cities. With beautiful beaches surrounded by clean water, it’s a perfect choice for any expat looking to live a quiet, slow pace of life.
Other Cities in Italy Worth Considering
Not sure if one of the cities above is the best one for you? There are lots of other great places in Italy that you can choose from. Four of our other favorite spots for expats are:
- Bari
- Treviso
- Trento Padova
- Trieste
Choosing Where to Live in Italy
Italy is full of so many incredible cities, towns, and villages that it can be difficult to decide where to lay down your roots.
When planning your move to Italy, decide whether you want to live in a major city or a small town. If you plan to work, consider the type of job opportunities available. If you have children, weigh the options for education. Think about the cost of living and make sure you can afford the lifestyle you want.
Do your research before you go and you’re sure to be able to find the place that’s perfect for you.
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