Moving to Italy – Regional Guides and Moving Costs 2023

Going to live in Italy is certainly a dream for many people, it is a country that will give you a wonderful quality of life, and open you up to experiences that you never dreamt possible.

Italy is not a country that we automatically think of as affordable, we associate Italy with designer clothing, glitzy and glamourous resorts and cities, the chic stores of Milan, and the stunning villas on the coast of southern Italy.

The big cities and tourist hot spots are where you will pay the big bucks to live, but there are some amazingly beautiful and cheap properties to be found in the countryside of Italy.

If you have no need to work in Italy but want to live in an historical, traditional village set within breathtaking scenery there are certainly some real bargains to be had.

Incredible food and wine, stunningly beautiful scenery, art, history, glamour, relaxation, and tranquility, the attraction of moving to Italy is plain to see.

And each region of Italy is very unique, and there is a reason for that.

Italy did not become a unified nation until 1861, prior to that each region had its own currency, language, governance, and traditions.

That is why today you will find that each region is incredibly proud of its traditions and why the food, wine, architecture, and accents are so different between each one.

There are 20 regions of Italy, 15 of which have a coastline, each one very different from the next, and with a vast number of ports, fishing villages, and resorts.

Whatever you seek from moving to Italy, a vibrant city, chic town, traditional country village, or quaint fishing port, Italy not only has it all but a number of each from which to choose from.

Select which region you are most interested in from the links below, but we would recommend that you read through each region or you might just miss that gem of a place you never knew existed.

• Moving to Northern Italy
• Most Affordable Places to Live In Northern Italy
• Number of Expats in Northern Italy by Region
• Quality of Life Index for Northern Italy
• Moving to northwest Italy
• Moving to North-East Italy
• Moving to Central Italy
• Most Affordable Places to Live In Central Italy
• Number of Expats in Central Italy by Region
• Quality of Life Index for Central Italy
• Moving to Central Italy
• Moving to Southern Italy
• Most Affordable Places to Live In Southern Italy
• Number of Expats in Southern Italy by Region
• Quality of Life Index for Southern Italy
• Moving to Southern Italy
• Moving to Sicily and Sardinia

Moving to Northern Italy

Northern Italy often ranks as the best place in Italy to live for quality of life. Often considered as the industrial powerhouse of Italy, Northern Italy accounts for over half of the country’s economy.

It is the mix of available jobs, laid-back lifestyle, the lack of stress, great schools, and excellent infrastructure that attracts many British expat families to live in Northern Italy. But many people thinking of going to live in northern Italy do so to retire, to enjoy the history, culture, and stunningly beautiful countryside, to live a more tranquil life, and all at a more affordable cost than in the UK.

British expats moving to northern Italy will find that the west and east of the north are very different so this guide is split up that way.

North-West Italy is made up of the regions of Aosta Valley, Liguria, Lombardy, and Piedmont, whilst North-East Italy contains the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Veneto.

Where is the Most Affordable Place to Live In Northern Italy?

The latest data from www.statistica.com 2019 ranks these as the cheapest and most expensive parts of Northern Italy to buy a property.

The most expensive regions of Northern Italy to buy property are:

• Liguria
• Aosta Valley
• Lombardy
• Piedmont

Where do Most Expats Live In Northern Italy?

In Northern Italy, you will find a mix of expats, some who have come to retire in a country with a wonderful quality of life, and others who have come here to work.

Having a number of fellow countrymen in your community can be useful because you will have a support network to get you through all the inevitable bureaucracy you will need to go through, and also to help you with any language problems you may have to start with.

Equally, you may want to fully immerse yourself in a traditional Italian village with no expats.

Whichever is your preference there is a region of northwest Italy to perfectly suit your needs.

Based on just the numbers of expats in each region according to www.statistica.com, these are the regions with the most expats:

• Lombardy
• Emilia-Romagna
• Veneto
• Piedmont
• Liguria
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Aosta Valley

Which are the Best Cities to Live in Northern Italy for Quality of Life?

According to the latest figures for 2019-2020 published by www.lab24ilsole24ore.com, which has been publishing quality of life indexes for Italy for the last 30 years, these are the top 7 cities to live in Northern Italy for the best quality of life.

• Milan
• Aosta
• Trieste
• Monza e Brianza
• Verona
• Bresica
• Cuneo

Moving to North West Italy

North West Italy offers you some amazing winter sports, breathtaking scenery, pollution-free air, and easy access to France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.

In Northwest Italy, the average annual temperatures are between 17°C in the summer to 8°C in the winter, with Genoa enjoying the highest temperatures of between 19°C in the summer and 13°C in the winter.

You can choose from the expensive regions of Liguria or Aosta Valley, or the incredibly good value-for-money villages of Piedmont.

There is a large expat community in northwest Italy, especially around Lombardy, if that is important to you.  Properties in Lake Garda and Lake Como in Lombardy come with hefty price tags but are very popular with British expats.

Many of the regions in North West Italy are on the borders of neighbouring countries and some are bilingual.

You will also find that the local traditions are influenced by their neighbours which creates a fascinating mix of cultures, although if you want to truly immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle you may want to look at regions a little further south.

Turin is in Piedmont, and Milan is in Lombardy, so if you want to work, or be surrounded by history, culture, and more cafes and restaurants than you could visit in a lifetime, then those cities may interest you.

From the snowcapped mountains of the Alps and the Dolomites to the hot and humid Po valley, the climate varies throughout this region, giving you the opportunity to go skiing or sunbathing. You have plenty of options if you choose to live in northwest Italy.

Moving to Aosta Valley Italy

The Aosta Valley is the smallest region in Italy. It is a sparsely populated region that shares its borders with France and Switzerland and so has both French and Italian as its official languages.

If you are considering going to live in Aosta Valley then stunning nature will feature heavily in your life should you move here. The Gran Paradiso is the oldest National Park in Italy and is home to eagles, chamois, and ibex.

The Aosta Valley is a beautiful mountainous region that is popular with skiers but also offers some great walking and outdoor sports.

It is in the Aosta Valley that you will find some of the highest peaks in the Alps including the highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc.

But the Aosta Valley offers its residents so much more than the world-famous ski resorts of Courmayeur and Cervinia. There are numerous castles to be found here including the Castilla di Fenis and the Castle of Issogne.

History buffs will be drawn to the Medieval and Roman delights of Aosta. It is here where you can walk the Roman city walls, and gaze in marvel at the Cathedral of Santa Maria, or the 11th-century Sant’Orso Collegiate Church.

The Aosta Valley is home to more than 20 wines as well as the herb liqueur, ‘Genepy des Alpes’. The regional food of the Aosta Valley is varied, from regional specialties such as Carbonada, a meat stew, to mocetta, which is dried beef or ibex smothered with mountain herbs. Salami features heavily on the menu here as do some very good cheeses, such as Fontina Dop.

Both tranquil and scenic, if you want a region where you can enjoy the great outdoors or quiet retirement, then this region could be ideal for you. You will find that the towns offer some nice apartments in quiet areas, often with outdoor living space or a terrace, so are ideal if you intend to downsize.

Properties are mainly mountain chalets in this region, although you will also find traditional farmhouses in the villages, and apartments in the larger towns.

Homes in the Aosta Valley command a premium and are some of the most expensive of any region of Italy. New builds are restricted in most towns so demand is high, but the homes that do come on the market tend to be beautiful old buildings.

British Families moving to the Aosta Valley tend to move to the larger towns where there are more schools and better facilities. The smaller towns tend to only have junior schools and fewer amenities for a family.

• The average property price in the Aosta Valley is €2,396 per square metre.
• Excluding rental costs, a couple would need on average €1,344 (£1,182) a month for living expenses in Aosta.
• Excluding rental costs, a family of 4 would need on average €1,985 (£1,744) a month for living expenses in Aosta.

Moving to Liguria Italy

Bordering France, Liguria is a stunningly beautiful region of endless beaches, lush green hills, mountains, and idyllic fishing ports. It is a region that offers you history, culture, nature, great shopping, and plenty of nightlife.

Liguria is one of the most densely populated regions of Italy, although most of the residents live along the coast. Of the 1.6 million who call Liguria home just 6% are expats.

Going to live in Liguria offers a wonderfully relaxed lifestyle, where you can choose to immerse yourself in traditional Italian ways whilst enjoying mild winters and pleasantly hot summers.

The 300km of coastline is home to some wonderful resorts such as Portofino, Rapallo, and Sestri Levante. Sanremo is home to a world-famous casino, Lerici has a spectacular medieval castle, and the elegant towns of Alassio and Bordighera are just some of the highlights of Liguria.

The city of Genoa offers much for those seeking to move to a city in Italy. The architecture is spellbinding, and the narrow passageways of the old town are steeped in history. You can admire paintings by Rubens and Van Dyck, then spend time indulging in some very exclusive boutique shopping before heading to one of the many fine restaurants here.

Moving to the Italian Riviera will give you access to some very special places to walk or enjoy outdoor leisure activities. Nature lovers will be happy to know that this part of the Mediterranean Sea is home to a large number of whales and dolphins, whilst many of Italy’s best marine life reserves are found in Liguria.

As you would expect in such a tradition-rich and tourist-popular region like this, there are many annual fairs and festivals, including the Festival of Italian Music in Sanremo, and the International Nautical Fair in Genoa.

Being such a sea-focused region, as you can imagine, the seafood here is outstanding. From fish soups to stuffed sardines, the fish is the freshest and most mouthwatering that you will ever taste.

And to accompany your fine food, you will be pleased to know that the vineyards of Liguria produce some superb wines, as well as excellent olive oil.

Liguria offers you a wide range of properties to call home and as you would expect the tourist resorts are the most expensive areas to live in. Move away from the coast and you will have more choices and at far cheaper prices.

It should be noted that the smaller villages, where the cheapest properties are to be found, are unlikely to have schools or many local amenities, so research the area thoroughly if having a school nearby is important to you.

Liguria offers you a wonderfully relaxed lifestyle in a truly beautiful setting with gorgeous blue skies and hours of sunshine.

• The average property price in Liguria is €2,513 per square metre.
• Excluding rental costs, a couple would need an average €1,268 (£1,115) a month for living expenses in Genoa.
• Excluding rental costs, a family of 4 would need on average €2,274 (£1,999) a month for living expenses in Genoa.

Moving to Lombardy Italy

Lombardy is a very beautiful and diverse region of Italy. You can choose to live on the shores around one of the 15 stunningly picturesque lakes, in the vibrant and modern city of Milan, in a medieval town steeped in history, in an Alpine chalet, or in a traditional old countryside village, Lombardy has something for everyone.

It is impossible to know where to start when introducing the wonders of Lombardy. Going to live in Lombardy will certainly be a life-changing experience for you.

There are more Unesco World Heritage Sites in Lombardy than anywhere else in Italy, there are over 500 museums, the La Scala Theatre is here, the Last Supper by Leonardo DaVinci is displayed here, and then there is Bergamo’s Venetian Walls amongst nearly one million cultural highlights.

However, Lombardy is one of the most expensive and densely populated regions to live in in Italy.

Work is plentiful, the region is beautiful, and there is great infrastructure. Consequently, many large companies are based in this region, and of course, Milan is an international hot spot for all that is chic and expensive.

But even for those moving to Italy on a budget, there are ways to have a fantastic quality of life here cheaply.

Property prices and rental costs are high, especially around the main cities. But move away from the city and there are still bargain properties to be found.

To give you an example, a one-bedroom city centre apartment will cost on average €970 a month to rent, whilst an apartment outside the city would cost you about €670 per month.

The cost of buying a property can vary enormously. You could pay around €8,700 per square metre in the city, whilst outside the city that falls to around €3,300

Because of the stunning countryside and great weather, there are many outdoor leisure activities that are free and food is fresh and cheap.

And talking of food, the region has some gastronomic delights for you. Gorgonzola, Panettone, Risotto alla Milanese are regional specialties and all are well known to foodies.

To accompany your delightful meal there are some fine wines produced in this region including Pinot Grigio, and the excellent Valtellina Superiore.

Lombardy is a very special region of Italy. There is a price tag to match this exclusive way of life, but also there are some very special villages with fantastic lifestyles and budget-friendly homes. Have fun searching for your new home.

• The average property price in Lombardy is €3,706 per square metre.
• Excluding rental costs, a couple would need on average €864 (£757) a month for living expenses in Milan.
• Excluding rental costs, a family of 4 would need on average €3,058 (£2,682) a month for living expenses in Milan.

Moving to Piedmont Italy

In 2019 Lonely Planet named Piedmont the number one destination in Italy, and for people looking to move to Italy, it certainly should be considered.

Piedmont borders France to the west, Switzerland to the northeast, Aosta Valley to the northwest, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna to the east, and Liguria to the south.

From the snow-capped mountain tops of Monte Rosa to the shores of Lake Maggiore, the scenery here is truly breathtaking.

When going to live in Piedmont, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice with a large number of national parks to enjoy including Gran Paradiso National Park and Rocchetta Tanaro Natural Park.

For skiers and winter sports enthusiasts there are some excellent facilities including those at Valle Di Susa, Sestriere, and Via Lattea.

The Piedmont region produces some outstanding wines including Barolo and Barbaresco. Lakes Maggiore and Lake Orta provide some wonderful fresh fish, and as Piedmont is one of the biggest producers of rice in Italy, Risotto features heavily on the menu.

It is here that you will find world-famous white truffles, and some delicious locally produced cheeses such as Robiola, and also Asti Spumante. Food lovers will certainly have found their heaven here.

Piedmont is steeped in history and you will find many castles and palaces to explore and marvel at. And as Piedmont does not suffer from the number of tourists that many regions do, you can explore all these wonderful places at your leisure.

Compared with many other regions in Italy, Piedmont offers some excellent value-for-money properties, and if you want to live a tranquil and peaceful life in a traditional Italian village, then you can pick up homes very cheaply.

Turin is the regional capital and has every amenity you could wish for. There are numerous museums, shopping malls, and wonderful architecture, as well as the largest antique market in Europe.

Turin has some world-class universities including the University of Turin and the Polytechnic University of Turin. There is also a British International School in this city.

The big-name towns to move to in Piedmont are Alba, of white truffle fame, and Asti or Barolo, famous for their wine.

But it is in the small medieval or traditional villages that you will find the true character of Italy and the more affordable homes. They are far too numerous to mention but include the delightful villages of Barbaresco, Neive, Moncalvo, La Morra, and Costigliole. For wine lovers and those who enjoy looking out over endless lush rolling green hills then consider Roero and Monferrato.

 If you are seeking a region of Italy that offers a stress-free life, is steeped in history and tradition, has great infrastructure, some bargain homes, and offers both a traditional way of life and easy access to a world-class city, then Piedmont is an ideal choice.

• The average property price in Piedmont is €1,262 per square metre.
• Excluding rental costs, a single person would need on average €735 (£640) a month for living expenses in Turin.
• Excluding rental costs, a family of 4 would need on average €2,594 (£2,260) a month for living expenses in Turin.

What is the Average Cost of Moving from London to Milan?

The cost of an international home move has risen sharply in the last few years due to a shortage of shipping containers worldwide, and increased fuel and labour costs. the effect of the pandemic, and the additional customs checks and paperwork post-Brexit.

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Milan

• By Road: £2,600-£3,000
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from London to Milan

• By Road: £2,900-£3,300
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Glasgow to Milan?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Milan

• By Road: £3,000-£3,600
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Glasgow to Milan

• By Road: £3,400-£4,100
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Cardiff to Milan?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Milan

• By Road: £2,700-£3,200
• By Sea: £2,700-£3,200
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Milan

• By Road: £3,100-£3,700
• By Sea: £3,400-£4,200
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Belfast to Milan?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Milan

• By Road: £3,000-£3,700
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Milan

• By Road: £3,500-£4,200
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,800

Moving to North-East Italy

From the apartments on the Grand Canal of Venice, some exclusive resorts such as Portofino, to city living in Bologna, the North East of Italy has much to tempt you to move here.

The North East of Italy is a vast region and average annual temperatures can vary wildly, from 5°C in the summer to 0°C in winter in Paganella, to the average of 17°C in summer and 12°C in winter in Trieste.

Living in the North East of Italy will give you easy access to beautiful beaches, unbelievably scenic villages, and to the ski resorts.

This region is so beautiful that Lord Byron and Percy Shelley chose to live in La Spezia where the dramatic and beautiful coastline inspired their work.

The North East of Italy has a huge selection of properties, no matter whether you want a farmhouse to renovate, or a clifftop villa, from a budget-friendly village home to an apartment in a budget-busting city.

The guides to each of the regions of North East Italy below will give you lots to think about.

Moving to Emilia-Romagna Italy

Emilia-Romagna is a region of Italy that offers something for everyone. Widely regarded as one of the best regions of Italy to live for its quality of life, there is just so much that draws Britsh expats to live in Emilia-Romagna.

Going to live in Emilia Romagna will give you easy access to vibrant cities such as Bologna, or delightful towns such as Parma, Ravenna, and Modena, innumerable mountain villages, medieval towns, traditional country villages, and seaside resorts.

There are 55 miles of coastline with some beautiful sandy beaches. Choose from the buzzing resort of Rimini or one of the quieter, more relaxing resorts, the choice is endless.

For the outdoor enthusiast, there are numerous national parks and wonderful countryside offering you cycling, hiking, horse riding, and climbing. The coast here allows you many opportunities to indulge in water sports and the mountains for winter sports. And there are over 25 golf clubs in this region to enjoy. You will never run out of new experiences living in Emilia Romagna.

Living in Emilia Romagna you will discover picture-postcard canal towns, magical castles, historic churches, dozens of museums, theatres, and art galleries, architecture that dates back hundreds of years, as well as areas of extreme beauty and tranquility.

The climate here is as varied as the region itself, in the winter the mountains are covered in snow, the plains are wet, and the hillside villages mild, whilst the hot and humid summers are cooled by the sea breezes in the summer.

Emilia Romagna is considered the food capital of Italy and gastronomic delights await you in every town and village. From the famous meat sauces of Bologna, the ham and cheese of Parma, and fresh fish straight from the sea, to the many fine wines to sample, this region is a foodie mecca.

The wonderful quality of life, excellent transport links to all of Italy and beyond, the amenities of some world-class cities, and the stunning beauty of the region is reflected in the price of property here.

But as with all of Italy, venture into the magnificent mountains or stunning countryside, away from the city and coastal resorts, and property prices drop dramatically.

As an example, you could expect to pay around €303,000 for a three-bed apartment in Bologna, whereas you could buy a slightly larger property in the beautiful mountain town of Rocca San Casiano for €78,000.

Renting an apartment in Bologna will cost you around €1,300 a month, whilst in the smaller towns, you could expect to pay around €630 a month.

Emilia Romagna is so diverse that no matter what you seek, or what your budget is, there will be something here for you. The region overflows with history, culture, leisure activities, and great amenities.

And one final thing to mention is that you will find the locals here very welcoming and friendly, whilst crime rates are low.

Whether you want to retire or move your family to a place for a better way of life, then choosing Emilia Romagna as your new home could be the best decision you ever made.

Moving to Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italy

Going to live in Friuli-Venezia Giulia will take you off the beaten tourist track, and your life in Italy will be so much more rewarding for that.

This is a small region of Italy on the borders of Slovenia and Austria, where you will find unspoiled villages, coastal resorts, and cities full of history and culture.

The scenery here is simply breathtaking, and whether you like gentle strolls through flower-filled meadows, an easy walk along the trail from Sistiana to Castello di Duino, or mountain hikes to view the Dolomites from the Sella di Razzo pass, your efforts will be rewarded with some outstanding views.

For winter sports enthusiasts you will find the slopes of Sella Nevea and Tarvisio virtually unknown by tourists, but the quality of pistes and views are incredible.

For food lovers, Fruili-Venezia Giulia offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, often influenced by which country that part of the region borders. In the west of the region, the local specialty is seafood, to the east pork, bean and cabbage soups are influenced by their Austrian neighbours, whilst to the north German influences are found in the meat-heavy menus. The Slovenian border towns serve ravioli stuffed with beetroot and mountain herbs.

There are many fine white wines to enjoy in this region, each equally different and delicious, Tocai and Malvasia being the most famous. The Friulian Grappa is considered to be the best in all of Italy.

And the choice of places you could be calling home in Fruili-Venezia Giulia is as varied as the cuisine and landscape.

Trieste is the capital of Fruili-Venezia Giulia. It is the third-largest port in the Mediterranean and serves much of central Europe.

Being on the border of Slovenia there is a wonderfully mixed culture here and allows easy travel into Slovenia if you so wish. Additionally, Venice is only a 90-minute train journey away.

There are many expats in this area as many research institutions and a few large insurance companies are based in Trieste. There is also an International School in Trieste.

The city centre has some wonderfully grand buildings, whilst the surrounding countryside houses some very fine castles and palaces. Miramare Castle and Duino Castle should both be on your must-see list.

History buffs or those who appreciate ancient architecture will love Aquileia. Aquileia was a stronghold of the Romans and at various times throughout its history has been an important town.

Today that history can be revisited through the largest Christian mosaic floor known to exist which is found at the Basilica, as well as numerous museums throughout the town.

Udine was once a very important town in Fruili-Venezia Giulia and the castle that overlooks this beautiful town can still be visited today.

Once part of the territory of Venice, the buildings here are reminiscent of that city and there are many beautiful buildings in this historic town.

Now a peaceful and unspoiled city, Udine combines the convenience of modern infrastructure with the history and culture of an ancient old town.

Another highlight of living in Fruili-Venezia Giulia is the annual carnival. Virtually unheard of outside of Italy, every February this region holds spectacular carnivals in the village of Muggia. Dating back to 1420 this will be a highlight on your calendar when you live in Fruili-Venezia Giulia.

• The average property in Friuli-Venezia Giulia costs €1,269 per square metre.
• Excluding rental costs, a single person would need on average €828 (£722) a month for living expenses in Trieste.
• Excluding rental costs, a family of 4 would need on average €2,982 (£2,597) a month for living expenses in Trieste.

Moving to Trentino-South Tyrol Italy

Trentino-South Tyrol borders both Austria and Switzerland, so this region is a wonderful mix of Austrian and Italian cultures and history.

This is a region of two halves. The north, South Tyrol, is influenced heavily by the Austrian neighbours, where German is the predominant language, and the culture and cuisine are heavily Germanic. In the South is Trentino where the language, cuisine, and culture are very Italian.

Going to live in Trentino-South Tyrol will give you access to some of the most stunning countryside in Europe, with the Dolomites providing a jaw-dropping background of amazing vistas.

In the sunny summers you can enjoy walking some of the 8,000 miles of walking trails, whilst, in the snowy winters, you can ski some of the best slopes in Italy.

Away from the slopes of the Dolomites, you will find many picturesque villages, as well as culturally vibrant towns and cities.

Trento is the regional capital, steeped in history with great transport links to Verona and Innsbruck. Often referred to as ‘The painted City’ due to its fresco-painted buildings, this is a beautiful city with many cultural highlights.

Trento is considered a wealthy and expensive place to live by Italian standards, but the quality of life, great schools, efficient transport, and job opportunities are worth paying for.

It is a small city that is considered an ideal place to raise a family due to the range of outdoor activities, the beautiful countryside, and the superb quality of life. However, if you are looking for a city with lots of nightlife and a frantic pace of life then it is best avoided.

Bolzano is another town in Trentino-South Tyrol surrounded by picture-postcard vistas. The local area is ideal for British expats who enjoy nature and outdoor leisure activities. The local museum is where you can see the famous ‘Ice Man’. Much like Trento, this is not a town where you will find nightclubs or all-night partying, but it is ideal for those wanting to live in beautiful surroundings.

Wine has been produced in the valleys here for centuries, and Trentino-South Tyrol produces more DOC wines than any other region of Italy. From the world-famous Chardonnays and Pinot Gregios to the red Santa Maddelena, to the incredibly delicious vino Santo dessert wine, there are many fine wines to choose from.

There is a full calendar of events in Trentino-South Tyrol, from the numerous wine festivals to the Suoni delle Dolomiti jazz and folk music festivals to the amazing Christmas markets that spring up in nearly town and village in the region.

In Trentino-South Tyrol you will live in a truly stunning place that is quiet and peaceful, has a low crime rate, and has a great quality of life.

• The average property in Trentino – South Tyrol costs €2,349 per square metre.

Moving to Veneto Italy

Going to live in Veneto will give you the opportunity to be in one of the most visited regions of Italy, which includes such iconic cities as Venice and Verona.

Property in those cities is generally very expensive but there are still options if you are moving to Veneto on a budget.

As with most of Italy, look for property more inland or away from the tourist hotspots where you can still find some good property at very reasonable prices.

If you want to live in Venice but your budget does not stretch to St Mark’s Square, then consider the areas of Dorsoduro, or to the north of Venice around Cannaregio.

Verona has both a modern and old district and it is in the modern district where you will find the cheaper properties. The modern district of Verona is ideal for families and you will find a good selection of schools and shops here.

The Left Bank District of Verona is where the main residential areas are and property prices are more affordable than the Right Bank. With great schools and a wide variety of shops, this is an area popular with families.

Away from the more well-known tourist areas of Veneto, you will find some fascinating places to explore and beautiful places to live.

For example, did you know that in the Monte Lessini mountain ranges of Verona, an area rich in fossils, you will find the deepest cave in all of Italy?

If you want to live in Veneto but away from the crowds, Veneto being one of the most densely populated regions of Italy, then head for Belluno province which is the least densely populated part of Veneto.

Treviso is just 30 minutes from Venice, but property prices are much cheaper. It is a very beautiful town with peaceful canals and lovely townhouses offering you a wonderful quality of life. The advantage of living here is that Treviso airport is serviced by most of the cheaper airlines, so getting from and to the UK or Europe is very convenient.

The medieval market town of Padua is less than 90 minutes from Venice. Home to Itlay’s second oldest University, Padua is a beautiful and historic city with much to offer people relocating here.

Work is also plentiful here thanks to its industrial zone where over 50,000 people are employed.

Property prices in Padua are far more affordable than the other better-known cities, but the quality of life is just as good.

Veneto is a region that is full of cultural highlights, fascinating history, stunning architecture, long sandy beaches, and Alpine summits. Whether you want to live in a city with every amenity, or a tranquil, traditional life in a village, then Veneto has many options for you.

• The average property in Veneto costs €1,444 per square metre
• Excluding rental costs, a single person would need on average €735 (£640) a month for living expenses in Treviso.
• Excluding rental costs, a family of 4 would need on average €2,607 (£2,269) a month for living expenses in Treviso.

What is the Average Cost of Moving from London to Bologna?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Bologna

• By Road: £2,700-£3,200
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from London to Bologna

• By Road: £3,000-£3,700
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Glasgow to Bologna?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Bologna

• By Road: £3,100-£3,700
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Glasgow to Bologna

• By Road: £3,500-£4,300
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Cardiff to Bologna?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Bologna

• By Road: £2,800-£3,400
• By Sea: £2,700-£3,200
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Bologna

• By Road: £3,200-£3,900
• By Sea: £3,400-£4,200
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Belfast to Bologna?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Bologna

• By Road: £3,200-£3,800
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Bologna

• By Road: £3,600-£4,500
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,800

You may also like to read: International Home Moves. The Biggest Home Moving Challenge?

Moving to Central Italy

The Central region of Italy epitomizes the Italian lifestyle that many aspire to.

Beautiful weather, picture postcard-perfect scenery, a high quality of life, traditional villages, history, culture, glamour, and chic stores.

Moving to Central Italy you can expect average annual summer temperatures of 21°C and average winter temperatures of 9°C in Rome, whilst the average summer temperature in Monte Terminillo is 8°C, with an average winter temperature of 2°C.

Italy is a very diverse country and central Italy is especially so. Going to live in central Italy will allow you to experience Rome, Florence, rolling lush green hills, mountains, and coastal plains.

Central Italy is steeped in history and culture and there is no end of medieval villages, hilltop towns, mountain retreats, and coastal properties to explore and make your home.

Whilst there are some very expensive parts of central Italy in which to live, you will also find some surprisingly affordable properties, more of which you can learn about in the regional guides below.

The Province of Central Italy is made up of Lazio, Marche, Tuscany, and Umbria, each very special and unique in their own right.

Read on to find out all your need to know about these very special places.

Where is the Most Affordable Place to Live In Central Italy?

The latest data from www.statista.com in 2019 ranks the cheapest and most expensive regions of Italy to buy a property. Here they are listed from most expensive to most affordable of the central regions.

Tuscany and Lazio are in the national top 5 most expensive regions to live in Italy, whilst Marche is about average, and Umbria is one of the cheapest regions to live in all of Italy.

• Tuscany
• Lazio
• Marche
• Umbria

Where do Most Expats Live In Central Italy?

If having a large expat community around you for support and to help you integrate into Italian life is important to you, then based on just the numbers of expats in each region according to www.statistica.com, these are the regions with the most expats and the regions of central Italy with the least number of expats:

• Lazio
• Tuscany
• Marche
• Umbria

Which are the Best Cities to Live in Central Italy for Quality of Life?

According to the latest figures for 2019-2020 published by www.lab24ilsole24ore.com, which has been publishing quality of life indexes for Italy for the last 30 years, these are the cities to live in Central Italy for the best quality of life.

• Florence, Tuscany
• Rome, Lazio
• Ascoli Piceno, Marche
• Prato, Tuscany
• Ancona, Marche
• Macerata, Marche
• Siena, Tuscany
• Perugia, Umbria
• Pisa, Tuscany
• Arezzo, Tuscany
• Livorno, Tuscany
• Fermo, Marche

Moving to Lazio Italy

The Lazio region, on the western coast of Italy, offers you all the amenities of the capital city of Rome, as well as more traditional and quieter towns and villages.

The climate of Lazio is a major attraction for expats who want hot summers and mild winters.

Although many Brits will look to move to Rome for the amazing culture, history, and the sheer number of things to do, to ignore the rest of this region may mean you miss out on some gems.

From historic, tranquil villages, and castles, to lakeside towns with a superb quality of life, going to live in Lazio will give you lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in Italian life, but attracts those who do not want to live in such expat densely populated regions like Tuscany.

Property in the centre of Rome is very expensive but move into the suburbs, or further into the countryside, and the property becomes much more affordable.

The rural areas of Lazio do not have as many expats as regions such as Tuscany, so the rural properties are cheaper and there is more choice, especially if you are looking for a renovation.

For affordable housing within easy access of Rome look at districts such as Trastavere where schools are good and there are plenty of local amenities.

For homes with more character and far more affordable prices look to the hilltop towns and medieval villages such as Subiaco, Bagnoregio, Bracciano, Viterbo, or Rieti.

But of course, many people choose to make Rome their home, whether for work, school, or for the amazing amenities of this beautiful city.

The first decision you will need to make when moving to Rome is what is important to the way you live or the size of your family. Property in central Rome tends to be of small size with no gardens or parking, although some have balconies, even 3 bedroom apartments are not common here and the prices are high.

Move out to the suburbs of Rome and you will likely get a garden and parking too, and at a more affordable price.

Although Rome is an easy city to walk around, driving in Rome is certainly not, so you will need to rely on public transport if you live outside the city.

At best the public transport could be described as unreliable, although the metro is an efficient way to get around the city, even if it does stop at 9pm every night.

The upside of living in Rome is access to work, international schools, excellent shopping, history, culture, and an endless number of cafes and restaurants.

Many residents of Rome leave the city at weekends and head for the coast or the countryside. Rome is extremely well connected to much of Italy with regular trains to Naples, Florence, and Milan.

Rome is considered one of the best cities in all of Italy for the quality of life and it certainly has much to offer people looking to move there.

But as we said before, look around and explore Lazio, there are some wonderful and affordable places just waiting to be discovered.

What are the Average Property Prices in Lazio Italy?

To give you an idea of how wildly the price of property can vary in this region, here are some average prices that we found.

• A small home in a village off the beaten track can be bought for as little as €50,000
• A village or small town with more amenities could see you buying a farmhouse for restoration from about €120,000.
• In contrast, a city centre apartment in Rome starts from around €300,000.

What is the Average Cost of Living in Rome?

• Excluding rent, the average family of 4 would need €2,803 (£2,444) per month
• Excluding rent, the average single person would need €797 (£694) per month
• Consumer prices are 11.55% lower in Rome than in London
• Rent is 50.01% cheaper in Rome than in London
• Consumer prices are 10.29% higher in Rome than in Cardiff
• Rent is 27.53% higher in Rome than in Cardiff
• Consumer prices are 17.31% higher in Rome than in Belfast
• Rent is 39.51% higher in Rome than in Belfast
• Consumer prices are 9.76% higher in Rome than in Glasgow
• Rent is 33.15% higher in Rome than in Glasgow

Moving to Marche Italy

Imagine living in a region of Italy that is almost undiscovered, where the quality of life is high, where remote villages still go about daily tasks in the traditional way, where the property is very affordable, and the scenery is breathtaking. Welcome to Marche.

Marche is mainly a hilly region where you will occasionally come across a one-street village or a small town. There are deep river valleys where rivers meander and over 100 miles of beautiful Adriatic coastline.

Moving to Marche will allow you plenty of time to explore the Grotte di Frasassi near Genga, a vast network of caves where chambers can reach 200m in height and where there are some stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

Perhaps you enjoy outdoor sports more, in which case the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini is an unspoiled paradise for walkers and cyclists. There are 10 peaks over 2000m, the air is clean, and the views are simply breathtaking in this part of southwest Marche.

In the winter the mountainous areas are snowcapped, whilst in the summer the coast enjoys Mediterranean temperatures.

This is a very laidback region with a slow pace of life, roads twist and turn through the hills, and unless you are on the coastal road, driving anywhere quickly is not an option.

Going to live in Marche will allow you to slip back in time, to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil life.

You could choose to live in one of the stunningly pretty hillside villages such as Mondavio, Corinaldo, Ostra, or Morra d’Alba.

Or perhaps choose to live in one of the incredibly pretty coastal villages, or the modern resorts with every amenity, where the pebbly beaches of the Adriatic coast back onto white cliffs and ancient forests are virtually deserted as many tourists do not venture here. The resorts of Portonovo, Sirolo, and Numana give you easy access to the two most popular beaches on the coast, Spiaggia San Michelle, and Spiaggia Urbani.

But be careful when choosing where to live on the coast of Marche, some seaside resorts close down for the winter. Notable exceptions are the beach resorts of Fano and Senigallia which remain open in the winter months and are regarded as desirable places to live.

Nestled between the sea and the mountains is the province capital of Ascoli Piceno, a historic town with many picturesque churches and piazzas. Many of the beautiful historic buildings here are made from travertine, a grey marble that is extracted from the local mountains. Ascoli Piceno is also famous for the local delicacy of mince-stuffed fried olives, there is even a fried food festival every April.

Cagli is popular with expats and is an ancient town set on top of Mount Petrano in the Burano Valley. It is a beautiful town of cobbled streets leading to a grand square, a town full of wonderful architecture, quaint cafes, and restaurants.

But it is the unspoiled countryside that draws many expats to live in Cagli, where roads rollercoaster up and down the mountainsides, where time stands still, and property is still very affordable.

Urbino is a city of beautiful Renaissance architecture, was the birthplace of Raphael, and has an ancient university. It is also the hometown of legendary motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi so the number 46, his racing number, is proudly displayed all over this beautiful city.

Marche has many traditional local crafts and is famous for leather shoes, musical instruments, and high-quality paper.

And when friends and family come to visit you, which they surely will, there is an International Airport in Marche.

Marche is the perfect destination for British expats to retire to in Italy. If you want value for money, quality of life, a traditional Italian village to relocate to, and to live in peace and tranquility away from hordes of tourists, Marche is ideal.

What are the Average Property Prices in Marche Italy?

Although Marche offers outstanding value for money when compared to other regions, it still pays to consider what you want and to look at your options. As always, the further away from the coast you go the cheaper properties are. Here are some examples to give you an idea of the average cost of a home in Marche.

• Province of Pesaro-Urbino – €2,500 per square metre
• Province of Ascoli Piceno – €2,000 per square metre
• Province of Fermo – €1,700 per square metre
• Village homes start at around €80,000
• A small renovated cottage will cost about €100,000
• A high-end seaside apartment will cost about €250,000

Moving to Tuscany Italy

The best cities to live in Italy, where to move for the best quality of life in Italy, and the most expensive regions of Italy to live surveys nearly always have Tuscany ranking at the top, or thereabouts.

Tuscany is where, given the opportunity, many British expats would choose to make their new home in Italy.

It is the quintessential Italian province, where fine food and wine, history, culture, and stunning vistas are the norm.

Travel between the UK and Italy, and vice versa, is easy via the airports at Pisa and Florence, another reason why so many expats flock to live in this beautiful region of Italy.

Whether you intend to retire to Tuscany, move with family, or come to work, Tuscany offers a quality of life that is enviable.

The public school system is very good in Tuscany, and work is plentiful for those with the right skills in the industrial zones of Florence where banking, finance, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing are based.

One of the many advantages of living in Tuscany is that you are never that far from a city. You will have the benefits of living in stunning countryside without feeling that you live in the middle of nowhere with no access to good amenities.

Each valley, each city, village, and town, each hilltop, has its own charm and own character that would draw expats to live there, and it would be impossible to introduce you to each one, but here are some gems that you may want to check out.

Moving to the Maremma region will allow you to live in an area of unspoiled forests and beaches.

Chianti, just south of Florence, is a part of Tuscany much loved by expats, and the hill town of San Gimignano is picture-postcard perfect. This medieval hill town attracts many expats to live and due to its slow pace of life and beautiful surroundings, it is a mecca for retirees.

In southern Tuscany, the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano are stunningly beautiful and many retirees and expats choose to live here.

If you prefer to be on the coast with the rich and famous, then Forte dei Marmi is a good choice. Whilst the medieval town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and the fishing port of Porto San Stefano, ensure that the coastal region offers something for everyone.

You may choose to move to the renaissance cities of Florence, Lucca, or Pisa where history and culture are in abundance. The advantages of city life are many, great schools, career opportunities, plenty of bars and restaurants, and great infrastructure. Florence is just 2 hours from Venice and 90 minutes from Rome by train for example, whilst there are international airports at Pisa and Florence.

Cities such as Florence have a large tourist employment sector and for expats who speak Italian and English, this could offer employment opportunities. Equally, those who have a teaching qualification may find work as there are many international schools in Florence.

And finally, we cannot end without mentioning the weather in Tuscany. The coast and the valley areas tend to be the warmest but have a cooling sea breeze, whilst the hills and mountain areas tend to be milder. July and August are the hottest months of the year when temperatures can soar into the 90s.

What are the Average Property Prices in Tuscany?

• Expect to pay around €500,000 for a traditional farmhouse with 1 acre of land
• Around €5,000,000 will buy you a farmhouse with an acre of land in the most sought-after areas.
• Apartment prices in Florence start at around €220,000

What is the Average Cost of Living in Florence?

• Excluding rent, the average family of 4 would need €2,843 (£2,478) per month
• Excluding rent, the average single person would need €795 (£693) per month
• Consumer prices are 11.35% lower in Florence than in London
• Rent is 54.46% cheaper in Florence than in London
• Consumer prices are 10.53% higher in Florence than in Cardiff
• Rent is 16.17% higher in Florence than in Cardiff
• Consumer prices are 17.56% higher in Florence than in Belfast
• Rent is 27.08% higher in Florence than in Belfast
• Consumer prices are 10.00% higher in Florence than in Glasgow
• Rent is 21.29% higher in Florence than in Glasgow

Moving to Umbria Italy

Right in the heart of Italy is Umbria, a tranquil and old-fashioned region that is rich in beautiful green countryside, and allows you to have a wonderful quality of life.

The fact that Umbria has no coastline has not put off British Expats from relocating to Umbria, they have discovered the scenic beauty of the area, the traditional, stress-free way of life here, and that there is also work to be found.

Going to live in Umbria allows you to bask in beautiful weather, live in a medieval hilltop village, eat fresh and wonderful food, and sample some of the very finest wines in Italy.

Being centrally located in Italy, Umbria allows you easy access to just about anywhere. Rome and Florence are within easy travel distance for a day out. The cheaper airlines fly into Perugia Airport, whilst the airports in Rome are just an hour away by car or train.

Umbria is a very safe region, there are few tourists, and the locals are welcoming and friendly, whilst the price of property here is extremely good value for money.

There are plenty of homes for renovation in the many villages dotted throughout Umbria.

The regions of Norcia, Amelia, Narni, Terni, and Spoleto offer extremely good value for money, are rich in history, will give you a great quality of life, and the scenery is spectacular.

Umbria can also offer expats who prefer to live in a town to a village, some exquisite places to consider.

Perugia is the capital of Umbria, a city of fine art and winding cobbled streets lined with cafes and restaurants. It is a University City that has all the amenities and vibrancy that you would expect. Your days will always be filled with something to do in Perugia and annually there are many events including the Chocolate festival every October.

Todi is a fairytale town perched on a hilltop overlooking the River Tiber. This is a very friendly town where the residents have every reason to smile, this place is just so beautiful. Honey-coloured buildings with cascading brightly coloured flowers attempt to pull your eyes from the medieval buildings and the beautiful park, all to a backdrop of stunning countryside. Definitely a town to put on your shortlist.

Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, is a wonderful old city full of history and culture. It is popular with tourists but does not suffer the level of tourism of other places in Italy, and most have gone home by early evening leaving you to enjoy this amazing city in peace. The Basilica of St Francesco, the Temple of Minerva, the Medieval Piazza, and the incredibly beautiful Mount Subasio Regional Park are just a few of the highlights that Assisi offers you.

Spello is a worthy alternative to living in Assisi and is often referred to as one of the most picturesque towns in Umbria. It is an incredibly charming city with narrow winding streets lined with wonderful cafes and restaurants. Living in Spello you will get to experience the Infiorata in May and June when the locals traditionally pave the streets in flowers.

Other towns worthy of mention are the incredibly beautiful hilltop town of Orvieto with the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral, Montefalco of winemaking fame, and Trevi, which is perched on the top of a hill giving you some of the best views in all of Umbria.

If you prefer to live by a lake then the town of Castiglione del Lago is found on the shores of Lake Trasimeno and is surrounded by stunning countryside. There are many islands in Lake Trasimeno and the largest, Isola Polvese, is an educational and scientific park. There are few expats here but those who do live here are able to witness the Coloriamo I Cieli Festival each year when the blue skies become a mass of brightly coloured hot air balloons and kites.

What is the Average Cost of Living in Perugia?

• Excluding rent, the average family of 4 would need €1,625 (£1,415) per month
• Excluding rent, the average single person would need €678 (£590) per month
• Rent is 76.13% cheaper in Perugia than in London
• Rent is 39.33% cheaper in Perugia than in Cardiff
• Rent is 33.63% cheaper in Perugia than in Belfast
• Rent is 36.01% cheaper in Perugia than in Glasgow

What is the Average Cost of Moving from London to Rome?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Rome

• By Road: £2,900-£3,500
• By Sea: £2,700-£3,200
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from London to Rome

• By Road: £3,300-£4,000
• By Sea: £3,400-£4,100
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Glasgow to Rome?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Rome

• By Road: £3,300-£4,000
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Glasgow to Rome

• By Road: £3,800-£4,700
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,100
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Cardiff to Rome?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Rome

• By Road: £3,100-£3,700
• By Sea: £2,800-£3,300
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Bologna

• By Road: £3,500-£4,300
• By Sea: £3,500-£4,300
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Belfast to Rome?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Rome

• By Road: £3,400-£4,100
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Rome

• By Road: £3,900-£4,800
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,800

You may like to know: How to Compare Removal Companies

Moving to Southern Italy

Southern Italy is where bargain homes are generally to be found, indeed, in recent years Abruzzo especially has attracted many British expats on a budget to live here.

The south is regarded as a fairly poor region and there is very little work here, but there is much that would attract expats, especially retirees, to live here.

Average annual temperatures across Southern Italy range from 21°C in the summer, to an average of 12°C in the winter.

For those with a bigger budget, the wealthy have long been drawn to the beauty and quality of life that Amalfi, Capri, Ishida, and Positano offer its residents.

But if you want to live somewhere in southern Italy that is off the beaten track, then the undiscovered region of Molise, with some stunning scenery and cheap homes, is worth checking out.

If you are looking to retire to Italy on a budget but want to live in a traditional part of Italy under blue skies, surrounded by picture postcard-perfect countryside and coastline, then there are some real gems of places to discover in southern Italy.

Southern Italy consists of the regions of Abruzzo, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, and Molise.

Read on to discover each of these uniquely beautiful regions that you may soon be calling home.

• Most Affordable Places to Live In Southern Italy
• Number of Expats in Southern Italy by Region
• Quality of Life Index for Southern Italy
• Average Property Prices in Southern Italy
• Moving to Southern Italy – Guides and Costs

Where is the Most Affordable Place to Live In Southern Italy?

Data from www.statista.com in 2019 ranks the cheapest and most expensive regions of Italy to buy property. Here they are listed from the most affordable to the most expensive of the southern regions.

• Calabria
• Basilicata
• Molise
• Puglia
• Abruzzo
• Campania

Where do Most Expats Live In Southern Italy?

If having a large expat community around you for support, and to help you integrate into Italian life, is important to you, then based on the numbers of expats in each region according to www.statistica.com, these are the regions with the most expats in southern Italy:

• Campania
• Puglia
• Calabria
• Abruzzo
• Basilicata
• Molise

Which City in Southern Italy Offers the Best Quality of Life?

Pescara, Abruzzo, was listed in the top 50 best cities in Italy to live for quality of life in a 2019-2020 survey by www.lab24ilsole24ore.com which has been publishing quality-of-life indexes for Italy for the last 30 years.

Pescara, on the Adriatic Sea, is the capital city of Pescara Province in Abruzzo. It is the industrial hub of the region, as well as the most populous city.

Pescara is a very lively resort with numerous clubs and restaurants along its 20 kilometres of sandy beach. But it is not a tourist destination, rather that it is an extremely popular resort with the Italians.

During the year you will find many festivals and events to entertain you including the annual July Jazz Festival.

Famous not only for its long beaches and great nightlife, but Pescara also has much to offer lovers of culture. There is the Museo d’Arte Moderno where you can view a Miro or a Picasso, a local museum dedicated to the traditions of the Abruzzo people, and you can also visit the birthplace of the famous poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

You can read more about the delights of the Abruzzo region in the guide below.

What are the Average Property Prices in Southern Italy?

• In Abruzzo the average property costs €1,225 per square metre
• In Puglia the average property costs €1,178 per square metre
• In Basilicata the average property costs €1,229 per square metre
• In Calabria the average property costs €914 per square metre
• In Campania the average property costs €1,618 per square metre
• In Molise the average property costs €914 per square metre

Moving to Abruzzo Italy

Abruzzo is bordered to the east by miles of stunning Adriatic coastline, to the north by Le Marche, the west by Lazio, and by Molise to the south.

When expats move abroad they dream of a tranquil life spent under blue skies, spectacular countryside with alpine peaks, medieval villages with a traditional lifestyle, and some amazing food and wine, Abruzzo can offer you all this and more.

If you want to get back to nature, have a less stressful life, have a better quality of life, enjoy hot summers, and then go skiing in winter, then Abruzzo is the ideal region to move to.

More than a third of Abruzzo is protected parkland, including three national parks where you can walk, cycle, climb, ski, and paraglide. For watersport enthusiasts, there are over 80 miles of coastline, whilst for golf enthusiasts, there are three golf courses. Abruzzo is an outdoor sports lover’s paradise.

For culture lovers, there are castles, medieval hilltop villages and towns, fortresses, art galleries, theatres, and museums, as well as numerous annual events and festivals.

Moving to Abruzzo is also an attractive option for students, with universities in Pescara, Chieti, Teramo, and L’Aquila, which gives these cities added vibrancy and energy for those expats who choose to live there.

But the attraction of going to live in Abruzzo for most expats is the opportunity to live in some charming and traditional villages and towns, surrounded by mile upon mile of incredible scenery, but at a fraction of the cost of regions such as Tuscany.

Where are the best places to live in Abruzzo? Well, it depends on what you want from your life in Italy.

If you want good transport links then Pescara is ideal with an international airport, bus, and rail hubs.

Moving to Abruzzo with family changes your priorities so having local amenities, good schools, shops, bars, and restaurants may be important to you, in which case Pescara, Chieti, Atri, and Popoli are all worth checking out.

Smaller towns of note are Torre de Passeri, Sulmona, and Tocca Da Casauria which have good transport links but fewer schools and shops.

If you are a beach lover then somewhere like the ancient Roman town of Vasto may interest you.

Pasta lovers will love the Abruzzo region. Aficionados of pasta making might like to live in the beautiful village of Fara San Martino, famous for its superb quality pasta.

It is also here that you will find a 9-mile-long canyon, perfect for long walks, cycle rides, and pasta picnics.

For those expats who want to live in truly picture-postcard towns and villages, then perhaps consider Castel del Monte, Opi, Scanno, Pacentro, or Anversa Degli Abruzzi. The choice of stunningly beautiful villages is endless.

When relocating to Abruzzo you will be faced with so many options that choosing your perfect new home will be difficult. Many expats choose to rent before buying so that they have the time to fully explore this wonderful region before they finally choose their forever home.

What is the Average Property Cost in Abruzzo?

As with any region of Italy, move further inland to the more remote villages for the absolute bargains, but here are the starting prices you can expect to pay for a home in Abruzzo.

• €25,000 will get you a small house in a remote village
• €65,000 for a seaside villa
• €135,000 for a 4-bedroom home near Pescara
• €185,000 for a fully restored 3-bedroom house

Moving to Puglia Italy

Many will know the region Apulia by the name Puglia, a region famous for beautiful unspoiled beaches, gorgeous whitewashed houses, quirky Trulli homes, and a low cost of living.

Going to live in Puglia offers you a life under the beautiful hot sunny skies of the summer months, a very laid-back lifestyle, some delicious food and wine, and being amongst some outstanding scenery.

The people in Puglia are very welcoming, but away from the larger towns and cities, you will need to speak Italian generally.

Bari is the capital of Puglia and offers you all the amenities of a large city, with great schools, shops, restaurants, and transport. Bari is a major seaport and is the second-largest city in southern Italy after Naples. There is also an international airport for flights to most European cities here.

The ancient port of Monopoli on the Adriatic Sea is an enchanting and friendly town with much to offer expats looking for a laid-back lifestyle in a beautiful coastal location. The medieval old town with numerous small cafes, friendly people, and delightful piazzas encourages you to stroll of an evening through cobbled streets, before stopping for a glass or two of excellent wine.

Locorotondo is a market town set in beautiful surroundings. Often regarded as one of Puglia’s most beautiful hilltop towns it has every amenity that an expat family or retiree could possibly need. With easy access to some outstanding beaches and coves, as well as two international airports within an hour’s drive, this is a very desirable town in which to live.

Brindisi is very popular with British expats, especially families and those who need to travel by air regularly. Not on the usual tourist bucket list, Brindisi is ideal if you want to live in an authentic Italian city where life is easygoing, but all the amenities you could need are readily available. The highlights of Brindisi are the long promenade on the harbour front, lined with baroque architecture and palm trees, the Callone Terminalli della Via Appia, which marks the end of the Appian Way from Rome, and the Pantigicia Basilica Cathedrale.

Gallipoli means ‘beautiful city’ in Greek and this really is a beautiful seaside town. Only accessible via a 16^th bridge or the sea, the city is built on an island. The old quarter of Gallipoli is particularly beautiful and just 5 minutes from the city beach. With a timeless charm and laid-back feel to it, this incredible town would be ideal for expat retirees or those who just want a slower pace of life in stunning surroundings, whilst having easy access to plenty of shops and restaurants.

Other popular areas are Oria, Martina Franca, Caravigno, Fontana, Ostuni, and Latiano.

Many people dream of owning a Trulli in Puglia, the conical homes that are iconic of this region, but you should note that these are hard to maintain and require permission to alter in any way, like a listed home in the UK.

Puglia is a very beautiful region of Italy to live and if you are unfamiliar with the region we would advise you to rent a home first so that you can spend exploring and finding the ideal location for your forever home.

What is the Average Property Cost in Puglia?

Homes in Puglia offer excellent value for money and you can expect to pay from about

• €20,000 for a small rural home requiring restoration
• €70,000 for a small modern villa
• €100,000 for a three-bedroom home
• €100,000 for a two-bedroom seaside apartment
• €250,000 for a three-bedroom house with a pool

What is the Average Cost of Living in Bari Italy?

• In Bari, you would need £2,456 to have the same standard of living that you would need £4,700 for in London.
• Consumer prices are 26.24% lower in Bari than in London
• Rent is 76.13% cheaper in Bari than in London
• In Bari, you would need £2,420 to have the same standard of living that you would need £2,900 for in Cardiff.
• Consumer prices are 8.04% higher in Bari than in Cardiff
• Rent is 39.42% lower in Bari than in Cardiff
• In Bari, you would need £2,439 to have the same standard of living that you would need £2,700 for in Belfast.
• Consumer prices are 1.19% lower in Bari than in Belfast
• Rent is 33.05% lower in Bari than in Belfast
• In Bari, you would need £2,465 to have the same standard of living that you would need £2,900 for in London.
• Consumer prices are 7.52% lower in Bari than in Glasgow
• Rent is 36.10% lower in Bari than in Glasgow

Moving to Basilicata Italy

Most people who are thinking of moving to Italy will have never heard of Basilicata, a part of Italy that even tourists tend to ignore. But what a fantastic region of Italy they are missing.

Looking at the map you will find Basilicata between the sole and the heel of the boot of Italy.

The tick list of people moving abroad usually includes miles of pure white sandy beach, great weather, beautiful scenery, great outdoor leisure pursuits, excellent food and drink, a laid-back lifestyle, and a better quality of life. Basilicata will tick every one of those boxes and more.

Historically Basilicata was not that accessible and suffered from poverty, but today it has easy access to international airports at Bari and Naples.

With jaw-droppingly beautiful national parks, ancient villages, great beaches, no hordes of tourists, and fantastic value-for-money homes, Basilicata should definitely be on your shortlist.

Living in Basilicata you will be surrounded by centuries of history, from the cave houses of Matera, dating back 9,000 years, and believed to be the first human homes in Italy, to the Tavole Palatines, the Temple of Hera, which is 2,500 years old.

But it is the great outdoors that will attract many to move to Basilicata. The largest national park in Italy, the Pollino, allows you to walk for endless miles without meeting another soul. From the top of Monte Pollino, the view is spectacular, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Sicily.

To the north of the region, you will find the Dolomite Lucane, an area of deep valleys and craggy peaks. There are superb opportunities for watersports, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and a fantastic zip wire at Il Volo del Angelo, in this region.

Basilicata has some wonderfully unique villages, steeped in history, folklore, and tradition. Where time has stood still and the pace of life is very laid back. Here, food is grown and produced right in the villages, each village with its own unique recipes and ingredients.

Amongst some of the best places to live in Basilicata are Potenza, Castelmezzano, Pietrapertosa, and Policoro. But the list of wonderful places to live is long including Viggianello, Venosa, Valsini, Tursi, Tricarico, Teana, Rivello, Rapolla, Melfi, Irsina, and Lagopesole to name but a few.

Being an undiscovered part of Italy inexplicably ignored by most British expats, there is some amazingly good value-for-money properties. There are plenty of restoration projects available, many incredibly beautiful village and coastal homes waiting to be renovated, and all at a fraction of the cost of the better-frequented regions.

Even in the ancient city of Matera, you will only pay about €1,800 a square metre, whilst, to the north of Matera where the new builds are, prices are between €1,800 – €2,000 a square metre.

Just outside of the regional capital of Potenza, you can find small renovation projects for as little as €27,000, a habitable home for about €34,000, and right up to €140,000 for a palazzo in need of renovation.

Even in Basilicata prices get cheaper the more rural you go, and in a beautiful village such as Luro Lucano, where they make very fine wine, you can get a small apartment for about €15,000, or a renovated 2-bedroom townhouse for about €81,000.

On the coast in the ancient town of Tursi, where history is everywhere and the lifestyle is idyllic, you can expect to pay only about €60,000 for a good two-bedroom home, whilst a 2-bedroom apartment for renovation is about €36,000. Head up into the hills and you can buy a villa overlooking the sea, and some stunning countryside, for about €107,000.

So as you can see, Basilicata is a wonderful place to make your home in Italy and is well worth checking out before it is discovered and prices start to soar.

Moving to Calabria Italy

In the far south, on the toe of the boot of Italy, is the beautiful region of Calabria.

Going to live in Calabria you will have the option of living on either the Ionian or Tyrrhenian seas, with nearly 500 miles of coastline, in ancient villages set within the unexplored countryside, or by crystal blue lakes.

There are historic towns and villages where you will find castles, palaces, and monasteries set in incredibly beautiful natural surroundings, where the air is fresh and clean, the skies are blue, and the lifestyle is laid back and very relaxed.

Outdoor lovers are spoilt for choice in Calabria. Apart from the wonderful beach life, including the World’s Top 100-rated beach at Capo Vaticano, you can experience scuba-diving, kite-surfing, wind-surfing, white water rafting, hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. And there are even ski resorts with year-round artificial ski slopes.

You will find the food here as unique as the scenery. Pepperoncino is the famous Calabrian hot pepper which is added to many local dishes to give them their incredible flavour. Pasta is still made using the traditional methods, and with the locally made olive oil, wines, liqueurs, jams, and honey, not to mention the sweet red Tropea onions, make for some delicious meals.

Whilst August is tourist season here, and Italians especially flock here for the outstanding beaches, generally, this is a region that does not have hordes of tourists, or a particularly large expat community, so learning a good amount of Italian before you move here is a good idea.

And just a word of warning about the weather. It is extreme. Scorching hot summers and cold winters. Most of the old rural buildings have little or no insulation, so whilst the stone houses keep you cool in the summer, the winters can be cold.

Relocating to Calabria you have the choice of living in lively cities like Catanzano, Reggio Calabria, or Cosenza. Small towns such as Soverato, Calabro, or Tropea, medieval villages such as Gerace or Santa Severina, or some truly stunning villages such as Stilo, Altomonte, Chianalea, or Morano Calabro.

Or if you want a really traditional and tranquil village try Amedolea or Pentedattilo. Or maybe you want some of the best skiing in all of Italy? Look around the mountain town of Gambari.

There are so many wonderful places that you could choose from to call home in Calabria that we would recommend renting here before buying, it is not until you have explored every corner of this wonderful region that you will discover all it has to offer you.

What is the Average Property Price in Calabria Italy?

Calabria has one of the lowest costs of living in Italy and some extremely affordable homes in some stunning towns and villages.

These are the average prices you can expect to pay for a home in Calabria:

• €110,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment
• €147,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment
• €218,000 for a 2-bedroom house
• €325,000 for a 3-bedroom house
• €657,000 for a 4-bedroom house

Move just a short distance inland, or look to renovate a property yourself, and you will find even cheaper property.

Those above are average prices, speak to the local mayor when you find a town or village you love, they will know the properties for sale locally and where the properties for sale by locals are to be found. For example, we found a small apartment just back from the seafront in Scalea for €33,000.

Shop around, there are some amazing bargains to be found in Calabria.

Moving to Campania Itlay

Many British expats have already chosen the beautiful region of Campania as their forever home, and it is easy to see why.

Between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Southern Apennines, Campania is a region with a mild climate, an abundance of culture, many culinary delights including pizza, mozzarella, and gelato (which all originated here), and beautiful scenery.

Known by the Romans as ‘the Happy Land’, Campania offers you all the delights of the Amalfi Coast, the islands of Capri and Ischia, the city of Naples, and the amazing sights of Pompeii.

You will certainly have a varied choice of properties to buy in Campania. If you are lucky enough to come across one, you can get a villa on the Amalfi coast, but they will set you back at least a million euros. Far more affordable and plentiful are the homes inland in some of the most beautiful villages imaginable, where houses for renovation are plentiful.

Here are just a few of the places that Brit expats have already discovered that offer an excellent quality of life.

Naples is a bustling, vibrant city set on a beautiful wide sea bay backed by majestic mountains. This is a very densely packed city being one of the most populated districts in Europe. That said, despite all the hustle and bustle of this amazing city, you can enjoy a very relaxed lifestyle here.

There are way too many highlights within this city to do it justice here, there is so much history, from the world’s oldest public University, the University of Napoli Frederico 11, the Castel Nuovo, the Teatro San Carlo opera house, the church of San Francesco, the list goes on and on.

Naples has an untold number of cafes and restaurants and being the home of pizza, you are guaranteed to eat well on some delicious fresh food. Naples is also considered to serve the best coffee in Italy.

If wanting to live in a thriving city with every amenity you could wish for, set in a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded on all sides by wonderful vistas’, then Naples could be for you.

If you prefer to live amongst rolling green hills with the benefit of the sea breeze and stunning views, then just above Salerno is the ancient town of San Cipriano Picentino. This is a beautiful quiet little town that still upholds countryside traditions and a relaxed way of life. However, there are still all the amenities you could need for everyday living, and excitement is available via the traditional festivals that are held each year here.

Perhaps living in a medieval town high above a river gorge appeals to you more. Sant’Agata de’Goti should definitely be on your shortlist then. With palaces and churches to explore, the excellent local Aglianico vintage wine to enjoy, and locally produced food to savor, this is a wonderful place to call home. This town will transport you back in time, it has hardly changed in millennia and remains virtually untouched by tourists. That said there is still everything you need for your everyday needs with a great range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

And finally, you may want to immerse yourself in a traditional Italian village, off the beaten track yet only an hour from Naples or the Amalfi Coast. Montemarano is an ancient town where traditions are still upheld and festivals are an important part of life. There are festivals dedicated to wine, truffles, and chestnuts, and the unmissable Tarantella, a purification ritual that draws people from far and wide.

Other notable towns are San Carlo, Sessa Aurunca, Castel Volturno, Salerno, and Benevento amongst countless others. Rent a place in Campania to allow you to discover all this beautiful region has to offer before deciding on your perfect new home.

What are the Average Property Prices in Campania?

Just as Campania offers you every choice of the type of area you may wish to relocate to, so the property market here is incredibly varied.

Look for a property on the Amalfi Coast, the Sorrento peninsula, on the islands of Capri or Ischia, and you will need a budget of millions.

In Naples, you can expect to pay €200,000 to €300,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in the centre of the city, considerably more in upmarket areas such as Vomero.

But if you want to find a more reasonably priced home, but still on the stunning coast, then head south from the Amalfi Coast to the Cilento coast.

Head inland and the prices drop dramatically in the sparsely populated villages here. Expect to pay about €10,000 for a small house requiring renovation in a village such as Calitri, and around €30,000 for a ready to move into home.

Moving to Molise Italy

Molise is another wonderfully undiscovered region of Italy, yet you are just 2 hours from Rome and Naples by rail.

Stunningly beautiful and steeped in history, this is a region that offers you a traditional Italian lifestyle, unchanged for centuries, in a wonderfully laid-back and relaxing environment.

If you are looking to emigrate to Italy then Molise will offer you endless sandy beaches, mountains where you can ski, nature reserves where you can enjoy any number of leisure pursuits, countless castles and churches, and traditions that are unchanged.

Festivals play an important part in traditional Italian life, and throughout the region of Molise, you will find numerous such festivals such as the White Truffle Festival in San Pietro Avellana, the International Bagpipe Festival in Scapoli, and the Lamb Festival in Capracotta.

The food and drink of Molise are wonderfully fresh and draw from the vast agricultural resources of this region. From the numerous salami types of meat, the variety of locally produced cheeses and pasta, to the Pentro and Biferno wines, to the cippillati (baked ravioli bursting with sour black cherries), foodies will be in heaven.

Going to live in Molise you will find not only a varied and unique landscape but equally as unique places to relocate to.

Campobasso is the regional capital and is surrounded by the Sannio and Matese mountains. Steeped in culture and history, the old town is particularly beautiful with the Monforte Castle at its epicenter.

There are numerous beautiful churches and palaces within the city with plenty to keep culture and history buffs alike occupied.

The city holds many famous festivals throughout the year including the Infiorata when flowers are laid across the streets, and the Festival of Corpus Christi, one of the most important events in the calendar of the residents of Molise.

Although small in size, Campobasso has everything you need for day-to-day living.

Isernia is an incredibly historic town where it is believed the first traces of man-made fire have been found, and the site itself is believed to have been settled at least 700,000 years ago. So if you want to live in an incredibly tranquil town, in beautiful countryside, in a town that still goes about life in the traditional Italian way, then Isernia may be for you.

Campitello Matese is renowned throughout Italy as having the most snow of any Central-Southern ski resort. This area draws many winter sports fans, but in the summer there are some fabulous nature trails to follow.

Molise as a region is sparsely populated, and back in 2019, the local mayors were so concerned about the decline in population that many sold homes for €1 or offered other incentives for people to move to Molise and invest in the towns and villages.

Today, if you are looking for a restoration project then you could find a small townhouse for €3,800 (£2,693), a one-bedroom apartment for €6,500 (£4,607), or a large country house with land for €18,000 (£12,758).

Depopulation is still a concern in Molise, but for those looking for an incredibly beautiful place to live, with a traditional and peaceful way of life, at rock bottom prices, then moving to Molise is a fantastic opportunity for you.

What is the Average Cost of Moving from London to Naples?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Naples

• By Road: £3,000-£3,700
• By Sea: £2,500-£3,000
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from London to Naples

• By Road: £3,500-£4,2000
• By Sea: £3,200-£3,900
• By Air: £4,700-£5,800

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Glasgow to Naples?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Naples

• By Road: £3,400-£4,200
• By Sea: £2,500-£3,000
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Glasgow to Naples

• By Road: £4,000-£4,900
• By Sea: £3,200-£3,900
• By Air: £4,700-£5,800

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Cardiff to Naples?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Naples

• By Road: £3,200-£3,900
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Naples

• By Road: £3,700-£4,500
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Belfast to Naples?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Naples

• By Road: £3,500-£4,300
• By Sea: £2,500-£3,000
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Naples

• By Road: £4,100-£5,000
• By Sea: £3,200-£3,800
• By Air: £4,700-£5,800

Must have: The Ultimate Home Moving Checklist

Moving to Sardinia

Sardinia is the second biggest island in the Mediterranean, an island of stunning beaches, mountains, and vast plains.

Relocating to Sardinia will allow you to bask in the beautiful summer sun, gently being fanned by a cooling sea breeze, whilst the winters are mild but can be wet. Average summer temperatures are 22°C in the summer and 11°C in the winter on Sardinia.

Sardinia has some of the most stunning beaches to be found anywhere, but you will find that many of the resorts are totally closed in the winter.

Most of the population of Sardinia, about 170,000 people, live on the south coast around Cagliari, which is the capital city of Sardinia.

It is a beautiful, safe, and historic city where the first human habitants are believed to have settled over 5,000 years ago. The city is compact but offers you every amenity you could possibly need.

There is always something to do in Cagliari, from pleasant strolls along the beach or through the many parks, lingering lunches and coffee taken in the many cafes and restaurants, attending one of the many concerts and festivals including the Sant’Efisio parade, or visiting one of the many museums and art galleries here.

Whilst you can expect to pay about €550 to rent a small apartment or pay about €2,660 a square metre right in the city centre of Cagliari, prices drop significantly outside the centre, and in the villages around here, there are still some good value properties to be found.

If you are thinking of moving to Sardinia here are some suggestions of places outside the capital that you may want to consider.

In South Sardinia, the beautiful seaside town of Santa Margherita di Pula is popular with tourists in the high season but is quiet and peaceful out of season.

On the West coast, there are some lovely small villages on the coast such as Cabras. Go just half an hour inland from the sea and you will find villages such as Santa Giusta, whilst if you head a bit further south you will find it less touristy and even better value for money, Iglesias is one such village.

On the East coast where tourists are few, the quality of life is superb and the property is cheaper, you may consider Orosei or Dorgali.

In the northwest of the island, the towns of Alghero, Castelsardo, Bosa, and Sassari are popular with British expats.

Of course, there are many more wonderful towns and villages to call home in Sardinia. Prices vary wildly between the cities and the villages, tourist areas, and more traditional remote villages.

It should be noted that outside of the tourist areas you will need a good command of the Italian language as very few people speak English.

What is the Average Cost of Living in Sardinia?

These are the average costs that you can expect to pay if you go to live in Cagliari, depending on the area, these prices can alter significantly, and as always, the further out of the centre you live, the lower the cost of living is.

• In Cagliari, you would need £2,628 to have the same standard of living as £4,700 would cost you in London.
• Rent is 70.56% cheaper in Cagliari than in London
• Groceries are 9.30% cheaper in Cagliari than in London
• In Cagliari, you would need £2,582 to have the same standard of living as £2,900 would cost you in Cardiff.
• Rent is 25.74% cheaper in Cagliari than in Cardiff
• Groceries are 4.50% cheaper in Cagliari than in Cardiff
• In Cagliari, you would need £2,600 to have the same standard of living as £2,700 would cost you in Belfast.
• Rent is 17.93% cheaper in Cagliari than in Belfast
• Groceries are 2.72% more expensive in Cagliari than in Belfast
• In Cagliari, you would need £2,626 to have the same standard of living as £2,900 would cost you in Glasgow.
• Rent is 21.91% cheaper in Cagliari than in Glasgow
• Groceries are 0.96% more expensive in Cagliari than in Glasgow

What are the Average Property Prices in Sardinia?

Expats moving to Sardinia will find a huge array of properties at vastly different price points.

• Seafront villas start at around €3,000,000 in the best areas.
• Apartments in Castelsardo start from about €100,000
• In the medieval city of Alghero expect to pay upwards of €120,000 for an apartment
• Around Lake Omode you can pick up a renovation project for €30,000
• In many of the smaller villages homes requiring renovation starts at about €20,000

The average property price in Sardinia is around €1,522 per square metre.

Moving to Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is home to many expats and retirees.

From the beautiful warm blue Mediterranean Sea, the stunning scenery, and the wonderful architecture, to the delicious local cuisine, there is much to attract you to live in Sicily.

Sicily enjoys annual average summer temperatures of 22°C whilst the average winter temperature is 15°C.

The touristy areas, although incredibly beautiful with much to do and offer residents, are expensive to buy a property, but offer a great quality of life.

Palmero is the capital of Sicily and is steeped in history. The architecture in Palmero is particularly spectacular with examples of Roman, Norman, and Italian architecture. The city is a maze of small streets filled with wonderful galleries and boutiques, where culture oozes from every doorway.

The median cost of a home in Palmero is €1,250 per square metre.

Catania is a vibrant city with so much to offer you. Famous for its nightlife with many theatres and nightclubs, there is another side to Catania, outdoor leisure activities. Walking, cycling and watersports are available locally, and you can even go skiing on Mount Etna.

The median cost of a home in Catania is €1,250 per square metre.

Syracuse is an especially wonderful place to live, not too big, but with enough amenities to allow you to live comfortably all year round. Many expats choose to live in Syracuse so you will have a good support network, and locals are used to welcoming foreigners which makes life easier when moving to a new country.

The median cost of a home in Syracuse is €1,050 per square metre.

There are some very beautiful villages in the north including Erice and Castellamare.

Western Sicily is home to the ancient and very beautiful city of Trapani. There are many beautiful beaches here as well as the Zingaro reserve where hikers will be rewarded with some outstanding scenery. Property here is some of the cheapest in all of Sicily.

The median cost of a home in Trapani is €1,000 per square metre.

If you are seeking a bargain home in Sicily then generally the further south you go the cheaper they are.

Consider some of the villages around Modica and Ragusa where there are still some great value-for-money homes to be found.

And as always, travel inland to find the real bargains and for a totally relaxing and peaceful way of life. Rural properties in Caltanissetta can be found for around €950 a square metre.

The average property in Sicily costs about €1,087 per square metre.

What is the Average Cost of Living in Palermo?

• A family of 4, excluding rent, would need £1,815 per month for living expenses
• A single person, excluding rent, would need £516 per month for living expenses
• In Palermo, you would need £2,251 to have the same standard of living as £4,700 would cost you in London.
• Rent is 76.95% cheaper in Palermo than in London
• Groceries are 28.12% cheaper in Palermo than in London
• In Palermo, you would need £2,211 to have the same standard of living as £2,900 would cost you in Cardiff.
• Rent is 41.85% cheaper in Palermo than in Cardiff
• Groceries are 24.31% cheaper in Palermo than in Cardiff
• In Palermo, you would need £2,229 to have the same standard of living as £2,700 would cost you in Belfast.
• Rent is 35.74% cheaper in Palermo than in Belfast
• Groceries are 18.59% cheaper in Palermo than in Belfast
• In Palermo, you would need £2,249 to have the same standard of living as £2,900 would cost you in Glasgow.
• Rent is 38.86% cheaper in Palermo than in Glasgow
• Groceries are 19.98% cheaper in Palermo than in Glasgow

What is the Average Cost of Moving from London to Palermo?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Palermo

• By Road: £3,500-£4,200
• By Sea: £2,500-£3,000
• By Air: £3,200-£3,900

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from London to Palermo

• By Road: £4,000-£5,000
• By Sea: £3,200-£3,900
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Glasgow to Palermo?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Palermo

• By Sea: £2,500-£3,000
• By Air: £3,200-£3,900

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Glasgow to Palermo

• By Road: £4,500-£5,600
• By Sea: £3,200-£3,900
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Cardiff to Palermo?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Palermo

• By Road: £3,600-£4,400
• By Sea: £2,600-£3,100
• By Air: £3,200-£3,900

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Palermo

• By Road: £4,200-£5,200
• By Sea: £3,300-£4,000
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

What is the Average Cost of Moving from Belfast to Palermo?

The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Palermo

• By Sea: £2,500-£3,000
• By Air: £3,200-£3,800

The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Palermo

• By Road: £4,600-£5,800
• By Sea: £3,200-£3,800
• By Air: £4,700-£5,900

Average property prices are taken from www.statista.com

Average annual temperatures are taken from www.currentresults.com

The average cost of living data is taken from www.traveltables.com and www.numbeo.com  

For the latest advice from the UK government about moving to Italy visit www.gov.uk

You may also like to visit the Italian Embassy website for all the latest advice about moving to Italy.

Read about how to get a visa for moving to Italy for non-EU nationals at www.schengenvisasinfo.com

Finding Good International Removal Companies

Moving to Italy will be an exciting and life-changing event. But as with any international home move, knowing the costs involved and having a good international removal company to move you is vitally important.

The average moving costs to Italy above are based on the minimum amount of contents of a 1 or 3-bedroom home to the largest cities of Italy.

Each home move is unique so to find out a more accurate removal price quote for your home move just fill out the quote form, you will receive up to 4 free quotes from reputable international removal companies in just a few minutes.

You can read the latest reviews for International removals to Italy here.

When moving abroad we would recommend that you hire a removal company that is a member of one of the International Removal Associations and you can learn all about the benefits of hiring such a removal company in Home Removal Associations and Trade Bodies.

To help you organise your move to Italy be sure to visit our International Moving Blog where you will find lots of useful information to make your move to Italy as stress-free as possible.

Good luck with your move abroad and we hope you have a long and happy life in glorious Italy.