Moving to Italy: complete guide for digital Nomads

To many travelers, moving to Italy is the ultimate dream. You get to live the good life in a country full of natural beauty, unparalleled culture, and of course, mouth-watering food.

From the bustling cities of Milan and Rome to the quiet, charming villages of Sorrento and Assisi, Italy is filled with adventure around every corner. but living in Italy is far different than visiting on holiday. There are particular challenges and cultural differences that you need to take into account.

It’s not the cheapest country to travel and it’s not the cheapest country to live either, but there’s still great value to be found here.

That’s why I’ve put together this how-to guide to moving to Italy. I’ll discuss everything from what to expect as a foreigner to where to find the best apartment. You’ll be on your way in no time to living la dolce vita!

Inhoudsopgave
Moving to Italy
Living in Italy: The culture and things To Know
Moving to Italy: Where to Live
Cost of Living in Italy
Things To do in Italy
Moving to Italy: how to choose Accommodation
Pros and Cons of Living in Italy
Final thoughts about moving to Italy
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Moving to Italy

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending the day indulging in gourmet cuisine, visiting world-class museums, and admiring centuries of historic architecture, then moving to Italy might just be for you. but before you hop on the next plane to Rome or Florence, there are a few things to remember to help you prepare for your big move — whether temporary or permanent. 

Why You should move to Italy

There’s more to Italy than homemade pasta and free-flowing wine (although there is plenty of that, too). As one of the biggest cultural influences on the planet, Italy attracts hordes of tourists and expats every year.

History buffs can explore the ruins one of the oldest civilizations on the planet. Art lovers can admire Renaissance masterpieces from Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael, while foodies can enjoy some of the most delicious dishes known to humankind.

Not to mention, you’ll also be living in arguably one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the coastal shores of Sorrento and Amalfi, Italy has no shortage of magnificent landscapes.

Essentially, this laid-back, fun-loving, Mediterranean country has something for everyone.

Preparing to move to Italy

Planning to move abroad can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to help make your transition to life in Italy as smooth as possible.

First, you’ll need to determine if you’re allowed to stay, live, and work in Italy. Without the proper visa, you won’t be allowed into the country. depending on your nationality, you might be required to obtain a visa to live in Italy longer than a few months.

Your next step is to calculate your budget and cost of living in Italy. major cities – like Rome, Florence, and Milan – can be much more expensive than smaller towns. If budget is a big concern, then you’ll need to think about finding accommodation in the countryside, suburbs, or smaller villages around Italy.

After you pick where you want to live in Italy, you’ll want to start planning your move. That means finding the right apartment, looking for a job or co-working space, and finally, making friends! In my opinion, the best way to feel comfortable in Italy is by developing a network of friends and connections.

Want more reasons to move to Italy? It’s on our list of the top countries to visit, and one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe! 

Living in Italy: The culture and things To Know

Although you may have visited Italy for a holiday or during a school trip, living there is an entirely different story. many people move to Italy thinking their time abroad will be an extended vacation. but unlike a holiday, they soon realize that living in a new country brings different challenges.

Italian culture is associated with good food, lively music, amazing arts, and ancient architecture. To locals, the Italian lifestyle is summed up with one phrase – la dolce vita, or the sweet life. being able to relax and enjoy the wonderful things in life is the epitome of Italian culture.

While all of this is true, there are other cultural differences to take into account before you move to Italy.

Communication Style

Italians are known for being direct, blunt, and in many cases, loud and outgoing. They speak with their hands and body and will confront you with whatever feeling or emotion they currently have. To outsiders, the Italian communication style may be considered rude or overwhelming. but by understanding this cultural difference, you’ll realize that there is no malicious intent.

Slow Paced Life

In many western cultures, you’ll see people walking fast, face down in their mobiles, and always on the move. Italy is quite different and much slower paced. To Italians, the destination is the journey itself. If you’re moving to Italy, remember to take the time to soak in the world around you! You just might find that you develop a great appreciation for the country and culture.

Driving to Your own Rules

Take a step outside, and you’ll notice that there aren’t too many rules on the road for drivers. To foreigners, driving in Italy can be an extreme sport. drivers like to stay close, turn without using signals, and use their horn obsessively.

If you do choose to rent a car, then be aware of the speed limits and regulations for drivers. but also keep in mind that you probably won’t see many locals obeying them! 

Winkelen tot je niet meer kan

You don’t have to live in Milan to know that Italians take fashion and style very seriously. In many cities, you’ll see that people dress up just to take the bus or the grocery store. Unlike the us or other countries, Italians tend to favor fashion over comfort — keep this in mind when considering moving to Italy.

This also means that you’ll unlock a world of shopping opportunities while living in Italy. From designer boutiques to large-scale brands, shopping in Italy is in a league of its own. You’re guaranteed to find something stylish and trendy to wear.

English Is Not spoken Everywhere

Unless you can fluently parla italiano, you’ll probably be relying on English to get around Italy. While many hotels, international restaurants, and tourist destinations speak English, it’s important to note that this is not the case in most regions around the country.

For this reason, you would be better off learning a few words in Italian rather than expecting English to be spoken everywhere. Not only will you have an easier time ordering in restaurants and taking taxis, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the country and culture.

Italy Is more affordable Than You Think

If you’ve ever spent a holiday in Italy, you might be aware that food, hotels, and excursions can be quite expensive. For this reason, many tourists believe that Italy is an expensive country.

However, if you venture outside the tourist hotspots, you’ll find that living in Italy can actually be relatively affordable. Of course, this will depend entirely on how you choose to live.

I’ll cover the cost of living in Italy a bit later in this article.

Moving to Italy: Where to Live

From the snow-capped Italian Alps in the north to the warm, sun-soaked waters of Sicily in the south, Italy is an incredibly diverse region. With half a dozen major cities and hundreds of quaint, charming villages to choose from, finding the ideal place to live can be difficult.

Many expats choose to live in a big city such as Rome, Florence, or Milan. However, there are plenty of other places that offer unique experiences and one-in-a-lifetime opportunities for foreigners. depending on your lifestyle, budget, and favorite activities, you’ll surely find a place in Italy to call home.

Rome

Italy’s cultural and political capital sits in the middle of the country and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. between the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum, Rome is overflowing with 28 centuries of history. who wouldn’t want to live in one of the oldest and most influential cities in Europe?

Almost 10% of Rome’s residents are expats, which means it’s an ideal city to introduce you to the Italian lifestyle. most people within the city center speak some English, and the public transportation system is better connected than other parts of the country.

Besides the big attractions, Rome is also dotted with dozens of picturesque neighborhoods. You can choose to live in the bustling, ivy-lined quarters of Trastevere or the ancient Centro Storico. If bar hopping and trendy boutiques are more your style, then you can stay in the Monti or Testaccio neighborhoods. 

Learn more in my guide to living in Rome as a digital nomad.

Florence

Located in the heart of Tuscany is the vibrant, creative city of Florence. known for housing some of the most extensive and influential art collections in the world, Florence is an ideal destination for culture lovers.

Unlike otherGrote steden op deze lijst, Florence heeft meer een kleine dorpsfeer. De verborgen steegjes zijn bekleed met schattige cafés, onafhankelijke boetiekwinkels en honderden eetgelegenheden in familiestijl.

Natuurlijk zou geen enkele beschrijving van Florence compleet zijn zonder te praten over de indrukwekkende Renaissance -architectuur van de stad. Terwijl je door de stad loopt, heb je het gevoel dat je terug bent getransporteerd naar de middeleeuwse eeuwen, met uitgestrekte vierkanten, marmeren beelden en torenhoge kolommen om je heen. En in het midden van dit alles is de sierlijke kathedraal van Duomo, het grootste koepelgebouw ter wereld.

De afgelopen jaren is Florence een grotere bestemming geworden voor expats en buitenlanders. Dankzij de beste universiteiten van de stad is het ook een uitstekende plek voor studenten in het buitenland.

Milaan

Als de economische krachtpatser van Italië heeft Milaan een duidelijk andere persoonlijkheid dan andere steden in Italië. Milaan is niet alleen het ontwerp en de modehoofdstad van de wereld, maar het is ook de rijkste stad van Italië.

Het historische stadscentrum van Milaan wordt afgewisseld tegen torenhoge wolkenkrabbers en moderne hoogbouw. Om deze reden vindt u veel internationale bedrijven en bedrijven die bijdragen aan de geavanceerde stedelijke levensstijl van Milaan. In sommige delen van de stad kan je het gevoel hebben dat je door Manhattan loopt in plaats van Milaan!

Ondanks de reputatie van de financiën zware reputatie, stroomt Milaan nog steeds over van charme. Je zult hier enkele van de beroemdste musea van Italië vinden, waar je meesterwerken van het laatste avondmaal en Piero Della Francesca’s Brera Madonna van Da Vinci zijn, waaronder Da Vinci. Je zult ook prachtige architectuurwerken zien, waaronder de indrukwekkende, torenhoge Milan Duomo.

Milaan heeft de neiging om hogere kosten van levensonderhoud te hebben in vergelijking met andere plaatsen in Italië. Aan de andere kant ontvangt u in ruil daarvoor veel hoogwaardige luxe en comfort.

Kosten van levensonderhoud in Italië

Ondanks wat je misschien denkt, hoeft leven in Italië de bank niet te breken. Afhankelijk van waar je woont, hoe je je tijd doorbrengt en waar je eet, kun je veel minder van het leven in Italië genieten dan wat je in andere westerse landen zou uitgeven.

Kosten van levensonderhoud in Italië: accommodatie

Wanneer u naar Italië verhuist, zullen uw grootste kosten waarschijnlijk betalen voor accommodatie. Als u van plan bent om in het stadscentrum te wonen, kunt u verwachten hogere prijzen te betalen in vergelijking met het leven in de rand of buitenwijken. Het is ook vermeldenswaard dat particuliere appartementen ook duurder zullen zijn. Als het budget een probleem is, moet u overwegen een appartement of huis te delen met huisgenoten om de huurkosten te verlichten.

Hier is een voorbeeld van wat u kunt verwachten te betalen in Rome, Florence en Milaan:

Private 50sq Meter Flat in Rome Center: 1100 € ($ 1.225USD)

Private 50sq Meter Flat in Florence Center: 700 € ($ 780)

Private 50sq Meter Flat in Milan Center: 1000 € ($ 1.115)

Room in Shared Flat in Rome: 650 € ($ 725)

Room in Shared Flat in Florence: 500 € ($ 560)

Room in Shared Flat in Milaan: 550 € ($ 615)

Cost of Living in Italy: Food and Drink 

Food in Italy is more than just a meal. To many, it’s an art form, and one of the most important factors in Italian culture. To put it simply, Italians take their food very seriously!

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot in order to eat like a King (or Queen) in Italy. Although a meal in a touristy restaurant can be expensive (and in my opinion, not as delicious), you can still find many restaurants and food stalls that whip up cheap and filling dishes.

Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: 8€ ($9)

Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant: 60€ ($67)

Bottle of beer in a restaurant: 3€ ($3.35)

Glass of wine in a restaurant: