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The cost of living in Italy

25.04.2021
Author: Dinara Gracheva
4680
The interest of foreigners in life in Italy has not dwindled for many centuries; and today many people move here for permanent residence from different countries of the world in order to learn by personal example what dolce vita really is.

Italy is a country that is traditionally divided into «north » and «south » with all the ensuing consequences. In the north, life is usually more expensive, but the opportunities for earning there are much higher than in the southern part of the country. The center of Italy is also considered relatively inexpensive. But, as elsewhere in the world, prices are also affected by the size and demand for a settlement, as well as the level of development of the region where it is located. First of all, this is noticeable in the local real estate market. For example, there is Calabria, where near the sea coast with very beautiful landscapes from the window you can buy a small apartment for 50 000 euros, while on Lake Como the minimum price with similar characteristics will start from 200 000-250 000 euros.

Buy property in Italy

The most expensive real estate in Italynow - these are the islands of Capri and Sardinia, the Ligurian coast (Portofino), as well as objects on Lakes Como and Garda, on the Amalfi coast. And of course, housing is appreciated in Rome, Milan, Venice, where demand remains consistently high at all times. This applies not only to the purchase of real estate, but also to its rental – living in the central part of the mentioned cities will cost 1000-1500 euros per month for a small apartment. In the case when it comes to small towns, especially in the south of the country, there you can find many excellent options for 500 euros and even cheaper.

 

 

 

 

Italy and other countries

The high level of prices in "expensive" regions is explained by their high general standard of living, management at the regional level, the presence of a large number of jobs, stable infrastructure, high level of security, etc. The closer to the south (except for exceptions), the prices of real estate, food and other household goods will be lower, but the salary level will be appropriate.If we compare the average living expenses in Italy with Moscow, then in this country in many regions they will be less for a number of services and goods, including food.

If we compare this country with neighboring ones, then prices in Italy will be much lower than in France and Germany, although the quality of service here will depend on the specific location. In general, this country is an average cost of living state of the European Union. At the same time, it is cheaper here than in the Nordic countries and prices are much lower than in neighboring Switzerland (although it is not part of the EU, but directly borders Italy). The quality absolutely corresponds to the cost, and with regard to some food products that are at a height in Italy, it exceeds expectations (bread, vegetables, fruits, seafood, cheeses, wines, etc.). And in principle, the Italian lifestyle - especially in the central and southern regions, where there are many centenarians - testifies to a very high quality and a healthy environment, accessible even for people with small incomes.

Buy property in Italy

Housing costs

As for utility costs, a lot depends on the area of the property, but on average you will have to pay about 1,000 euros a year for lighting in public areas, maintenance of the area around the house and repair of elevators. Separately, you will have to pay extra for garbage collection and sewage work - the price will vary depending on the number of residents, on average it is about 120 euros per year. It will take about 200 euros annually to pay for the use of water. But that's not all: about 1,000 euros per year will need to be paid for gas, which is consumed during heating and hot water supply. Electricity for a small family will cost about 400 euros a year. A lot will depend on the type of housing – spending increases significantly in the case of a swimming pool and a large park, since they require regular special care.

Internet and telephone expenses

Every year, about 250 euros will be spent on paying for cellular communications per person. For the Internet and the possibility of using a landline phone, it is worth laying down an amount of 350-400 euros per year.

Taxes

Among the unpleasant surprises for buyers from the CIS countries are local taxes, which take more than half of the income of the local population to pay. Italy is one of the European leaders in their number.

Buy property in Italy

Power supply

Almost half of Italian families spend over 2,000 euros a month for three people, so it makes sense to put about this amount. It takes 100-150 euros for a small family to buy food weekly in a supermarket or at the market. A visit to a restaurant with wine will cost an average of 20-50 euros per person.

Clothing and shoes

Every year, the average family of three spends about 1,500 euros to buy clothes and shoes.

Medicine

Italian citizens and foreigners with a residence permit have the right to free medical care, although it is worth considering that the patient will have to pay extra for diagnostics and tests on their own, as well as for dental services. Usually, about 1,000 euros are spent on medical expenses per person per year.

Transport

The cost of one trip by public transport is usually 1 euro. You can also purchase a day pass (3-4 euros in Rome and Milan, 12 euros in Florence, 18 euros in Venice).

Marina Rizzotto, CEO of the companyPalazzo Estate S.R.L

Yulia Sharenko, Customer Service Manager of the companyGreat Estate Immobiliare

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