Evaluating Italy as an expat destination

Italy may not be as popular with aspiring UK expats as its rivals Spain and France, but it ticks all the boxes as regards lifestyle.

For would-be expats in love with food, wine, iconic culture, history and tradition, stunning scenery, a warm climate and friendly locals as well as career opportunities, Italy is the perfect choice. The language isn’t so very hard to master, and the cost of living outside a few major cities is surprisingly cheap. Choosing your destination to coincide with your income, whether it’s potential wages, a pension or an accumulation of capital, gives would-be expats the chance to design their own way of life.

Opting for a medium-sized town and avoiding tourism hubs is the best way to stay in control of your finances, as rentals and house prices are far cheaper outside major cities such as Rome, Venice and Milan. There’s also a more relaxed, essentially Italian vibe outside the huge conurbations, and it’s possible to live well on far less outlay. Obviously, the most expensive destinations are the highest-priced as regards accommodation, with this general rule extending across the country’s northern region.

A comfortable life in Milan or Rome costs around the same as it would in New York or London, although it’s almost certainly more enjoyable, but settling in one of the small towns in Italy’s stunning southern regions far kinder on the average expat budget and far more representative of the real Italy. Wherever you decide to hang your hat, you’ll adore Italian cuisine with its pastas, delicious local cheeses and great wines, all at a fraction of their cost in the US and UK. In a smaller town, an evening meal out in a local eatery should cost around £8, with heading to the movies the only activity costing more than expected.

For older or retired expats, healthcare costs are an important aspect when choosing a destination. Italian healthcare is amongst the world’s best, with the government’s national healthcare plan meaning diagnosis and treatment is far cheaper than in most other Western countries including the USA. It’s possible to supplement the plan with private medical insurance in order to get faster access to the system. One shock for newly arrived expats is the cost of fuel, with a gallon of petrol at around £5. However, the average Italian car is far smaller than popular models in your home country, so your actual usage will be less.