Located in Europe, Italy is a beautiful historic country surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Its cities are full of extraordinary architecture, including Roman ruins and art galleries filled with beautiful artworks. Examples are the country’s capital, Rome, with its iconic Roman ruins and home to Vatican City. Florence is home to many famous Renaissance artworks and architecture, including Brunelleschi’s Duomo cathedral and the well-known sculpture of David by Michelangelo. Milan, on the other hand, is the fashion capital of Italy, while Venice is a city nestling on the canals, with beautiful architecture and gondola rides. For those considering a move, the following are the best places to live in Italy.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 20, 2024.
1. Naples (from USD 376)
As with other southern Italian cities, Naples is known for its reasonably priced housing. The cost of living here is lower than in Rome, Florence, and Milan. Naples has its own distinctive vibe with beautiful architecture, castles, and churches. Among the popular neighborhoods are Vomero, a middle- to upper-class neighborhood with smart restaurants and bars. Shopping offers a good range of independent stores and vintage boutiques. Chiaia is a more expensive neighborhood with stores selling Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, and the rents are comparatively high. Additionally, Quartieri Spagnoli is an authentic neighborhood where you are likely to see laundry hanging on the balconies and vendors in the streets. Public transport is readily available throughout the city.
2. Bologna (from USD 59)
Reasonably priced with good value for money, including breakfast
Spacious rooms with large terraces, convenient location near train station
Close proximity to the train station and within walking distance to the city center
Breakfast included, though predominantly packaged foods, limited fresh options
Bologna is a relatively cheap place to live when compared to the larger cities in Italy. Food and grocery shopping is reasonable, while rent for a small, downtown apartment can be as low as 500 EUR (580 USD). A luxurious apartment or small villa can be three or four times the price. Living in the hills can be a luxurious experience, but due to mass migration, this area is often hit by crime. Families should choose an apartment in the avenues close to Giardini Margherita and Villa Spada parks. While Bologna has no metro, the city has an efficient public bus service to all areas.
Itremoschettieri
Address: Viale Pietro Pietramellara 35
3. Florence (from USD 479)
Florence is one of the more expensive cities in Italy. Outside the popular tourist hotspots, rents in the city are reasonable. When living like a local, grocery shopping can be affordable. Of the best neighborhoods in the city, San Marco stands out. This mostly residential area has a good selection of restaurants and shops. While parking is difficult, the area is easily reached by public transport. A lively, trendy area of Florence is Santo Spirito, which has a piazza with restaurants and public gardens. Again, the area is difficult to navigate with a private vehicle, and perhaps that’s why most residents use public transport. Florence is easily navigable on foot, but the ATAF buses are the best way to move around the city.
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4. Milan (from USD 140)
Excellent price-quality ratio, especially for upgraded rooms.
Convenient location near central train station, metro stops, and historic core. Friendly and accommodating staff with 24-hour reception.
Close proximity to central train station, downtown historic core, and various dining options.
Plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants, though breakfast may not be available on-site.
Milan is Italy’s fashion and finance capital and is a multicultural city. Where to live in Milan depends on a person’s income. For instance, Centro Storico is a great place to live with all its entertainment options, but rental prices here are very high. Brera is also a wealthy area, popular for the artsy and Bohemian scene. The neighborhood has plenty of shops and restaurants, but rents are high too. More affordable neighborhoods include Citta Studi. With its university campuses, this area is popular with the young and lively. The most affordable neighborhood is Porta Venezia, with cheaper rents and shopping opportunities. Most of Milan can be navigated using the public transport system, including the subway, trams, and buses.
Delle Nazioni Milan Hotel
Address: Via Alfredo Cappellini 18
5. Pisa (from USD 199)
Pisa is a small but touristic town, mainly due to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tourists usually stay only for a day in the city. It is, in fact, more of a university town. This means that cheap rent is hard to find, although there are many places to eat and drink at an affordable price. Rentals in the city center are pricy, but accommodation is more affordable in the outer ring of the city or small towns outside of Pisa. The best method of getting around the city is via bus service, which runs between the historic center and all the various neighborhoods of Pisa, the airport and central station included.
6. Rome
Great value for the price with complimentary breakfast and pickup service from the train station.
Spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms with modern amenities including air conditioning and a well-equipped kitchen.
Convenient central location within walking distance to major attractions and public transportation.
Good selection of breakfast items provided in-room and plenty of nearby dining options recommended by the hosts.
With its blend of art, history, and culture, Rome is among the most exciting places to live in Italy. However, the choice of renting an apartment here can be difficult, and the public transport system is not the best either. This means you need to thoroughly investigate the best locations with easy access to other areas of the city. Among the best choices, Trastevere is perfect for convenience, with many grocery stores and restaurants to choose from. The only potential drawback is the fact that many international students live here which makes the area noisy at night. Cassia/Ponte Milvio has access to several international schools, making it a good choice for families with young children. As for public transport, the city is navigable via the metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains.
7. Palermo (from USD 178)
Great value for the location and amenities offered.
Large rooms, self-serve laundry, rooftop terrace, and helpful staff.
Perfectly situated in the heart of the tourist district, with easy access to restaurants and historic sights.
Surprisingly good food at the terrace restaurant, excellent breakfast with stunning views, and helpful staff.
Sicilians are among the most welcoming people in Italy and this definitely applies to Palermo. Residents are easy-going and always willing to help. The city has many neighborhoods to choose from, but Il Capo is one of the best. The neighborhood has colorful, winding streets, surrounding Teatro Massimo, one of Palermo’s biggest attractions and the area has plenty of grocery stores and quaint food shops to choose from. New City is another great option, with its more contemporary architecture and two huge plazas in the neighborhood. This is a great place to window shop and relax with a coffee watching the people go by. Public transport is readily available in Palermo, including a vast bus network that takes you anywhere you need to go.
Tip from Content Creator
Palermo is full of natural beauty and history. But did you know that it was featured in a popular old film? The opera house, Teatro Massimo, was used in The Godfather and was even included in the book. It still gets visitors all year round and is used as a performing arts venue. The architecture of this building is incredible, though it has to be noted that the wooden frames of the doors and windows could do with some TLC. Nevertheless, it's still a beautiful building!
B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 291
8. Lake Como
Reasonable pricing for well-furnished apartments with lake views and convenient parking
Fully equipped apartments, including kitchen essentials and baby cot, with elevator access and nearby laundry facilities
Prime waterfront location with easy access to ferry services, local attractions, and dining options
Convenient access to a variety of local restaurants, with helpful recommendations from the host
Lake Como is a beautiful area but it tends to be pricy - many celebrities have properties here, including actor George Clooney. One of the best towns to choose is Bellagio, on the northern tip of the lake. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, with its flower-lined streets and panoramic views over the water. If you have the money, this is a gorgeous place to live. Across the lake is Tremezzo, another pretty town right on the waters. One of the more affordable towns is Varenna, a fishing village that is easily accessed from the attractions of the lake. There are not many tourist attractions in Varenna itself, meaning rentals are more affordable here. A selection of public transport is available around Lake Como, including regular boat services, a funicular railway, and public buses.
9. Venice (from USD 497)
Venice can be an expensive place to live in, but with some investigation, it is possible to find affordable accommodation. The city has six diverse neighborhoods to choose from, surrounded by the attractions of the city and, of course, the famous canals. For those on a budget, Cannaregio is a good choice in the north of the city. This down-to-earth district still has a number of historic sights but is less traveled by tourists. For those wishing to live among art and near the lively nightlife, Dorsoduro is a good choice. This district is famous for its street art and art galleries. It also offers some of the best nightlife in the city. Most people have seen scenic photos of people enjoying a gondola ride. However, the best method for getting around Venice is in a “vaporetto,” or water bus. The vaporettos are operated by ACTV and are the best way to navigate this watery city.
10. Positano
Nestling on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is one of the most beautiful towns in the area, with colorful homes clinging to the side of the hills. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, the town has maintained its traditional charm. One of the most expensive places to stay is in the center of town and in Lower Positano, near the beach. With the steep roads, staying higher up in Positano is more affordable, while difficult to navigate. Possibly the most affordable place to stay is Montepurtuso, a small village north of the city. Surrounded by pretty rolling hills, the village has homes to choose with lower rents, while remaining within easy access to the city. The only land transportation in Positano is the bus service. However, ferry routes are available in the summer months, stopping at Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Salerno.
La Tavolozza Residence
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 10
Make a move to Italy
This beautiful country has so much to offer - beautiful scenery, historic towns and cities, and beautiful beaches. It can be difficult to choose the perfect place to live in this European country. However, here we list some of the best places to live in Italy to help you make your choice for a new home in a beautiful place.
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