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Best cities in Italy for digital nomads: Discover them all!
Discover the 5 best cities in Italy for digital nomads to live and choose your next destination. Buon viaggio!
Italy is a dream destination for culture lovers, where simply strolling through its streets feels like walking through an open-air museum. If you’re a digital nomad with a passion for history, eager to explore the legacy of ancient Rome or immerse yourself in Renaissance art, this is the perfect place for you. But which cities are best for a nomadic lifestyle? At Holafly, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve explored some of the best places in Italy for remote work and digital nomad life, from bustling cities to charming small towns. These destinations offer reliable tech infrastructure, affordable living costs, and convenient transport. Everything you need for a seamless remote work experience. Keep reading to discover more. Benvenuti!
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Top 5 best cities to live as a digital nomad in Italy
Picking the best city to live in Italy isn’t easy—every place looks straight out of a movie. Your choice will depend on whether you thrive in a fast-paced environment or prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. Finding a city that aligns with your way of life can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s explore some of the top options!
Naples
Located in southern Italy, in the Campania region, Naples is the country’s third-largest city, home to over 1 million people. It stands out as one of the best places to live in Italy thanks to its affordable cost of living, rich cultural scene, and numerous attractions. While it may feel more hectic and unstructured compared to other Italian cities, that lively, unfiltered character is precisely what makes Naples so special.
Tourist attractions:
- Vesuvius. An active volcano with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and a unique experience for nature lovers.
- Pompeii. Visiting the ruins of this ancient Roman city will give you a glimpse of what life was like in the past before the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano.
- Spaccanapoli. The most popular street that runs through the heart of the old town of Naples and is filled with stores, restaurants and historic buildings.
| Category | Average expenses (euros) | Average expenses (dollars) |
| Accommodation | 550 | 590 |
| Transport | 50 | 54 |
| Food | 200 | 214 |
| Leisure | 150 | 160 |
| Total | 950 | 1.018 |
Milan
Milan is the fourth city on our list for digital nomads. Located in northern Italy, in the Lombardy region, it is the country’s second-largest city, with a population of over 1.3 million. Known as the fashion capital and the financial center of Italy, Milan offers a vibrant metropolitan atmosphere, featuring a skyline of modern skyscrapers, iconic glass and steel buildings, and large shopping centers.
Milan is likely one of the best places in Italy for digital nomads, thanks to its modern infrastructure, coworking spaces, and a large community of remote workers. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of living here is significantly higher compared to other regions.
Tourist attractions:
- Milan Cathedral (Duomo). This cathedral is a true masterpiece of Gothic art that offers panoramic views of the city from its terrace.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. One of the oldest shopping malls in the world, famous for its architecture and luxury stores.
- Navigli. A picturesque area with canals, restaurants and bars with lots of nightlife.
| Category | Average expenses (euros) | Average expenses (dollars) |
| Accommodation | 1.200 | 1.286 |
| Transport | 70 | 75 |
| Food | 300 | 321 |
| Leisure | 250 | 268 |
| Total | 1.820 | 1.950 |
Turin
Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region in northern Italy, is surrounded by the Alps and has a population of over 800,000, making it the fourth-largest city in the country. It’s a key cultural and business hub in northern Italy. As a digital nomad, it’s an excellent choice if you prefer a quieter environment and a lower cost of living compared to Milan. The city is well-equipped for remote work, with reliable internet and modern coworking spaces.
Tourist attractions:
- Egyptian Museum. This museum is considered one of the best museums of Egyptology outside of Cairo.
- Mole Antonelliana. Architectural icon that houses the National Museum of Cinema.
- Piazza Castello. A well-known town square, full of history and surrounded by palaces and museums.
| Category | Average expenses (euros) | Average expenses (dollars) |
| Accommodation | 600 | 643 |
| Transport | 40 | 43 |
| Food | 250 | 268 |
| Leisure | 150 | 160 |
| Total | 1.040 | 1.114 |
Bologna
Bologna is a fantastic place to live in Italy, especially for its affordable living costs and lively student vibe. Located in the Emilia-Romagna region in the north of the country, it’s home to nearly 400,000 people. If you’re a nomad looking for a youthful, energetic atmosphere with a strong social scene, this city is perfect. Plus, Bologna is famous for its well-preserved medieval town center, one of the best in Europe, thanks to ongoing restoration efforts by the government.
Tourist attractions:
- Torre degli Asinelli. This leaning tower offers spectacular views of the city.
- Piazza Maggiore. Located in the historical district of the city, it is known for its famous porticoes and is surrounded by emblematic buildings.
- Archiginnasio. An ancient university building where you can appreciate the city’s rich academic history.
| Category | Average expenses (euros) | Average expenses (dollars) |
| Accommodation | 700 | 750 |
| Transport | 50 | 54 |
| Food | 250 | 268 |
| Leisure | 200 | 214 |
| Total | 1.200 | 1.286 |
Rome
At the top of the list of the best places to live in Italy is Rome, the capital. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with rich architectural history at every corner, making it a joy to explore and appreciate. Located in central Italy, Rome is the country’s largest city, with over 2.8 million residents, and the third-largest in Europe. The cost of living here is relatively moderate compared to other cities we’ve mentioned, and it’s one of the most well-equipped locations in Italy for digital nomads.
Tourist attractions:
- Colosseum. The world’s most famous Roman amphitheater, a symbol of ancient history and one of the most visited monuments in Italy.
- Trevi Fountain. One of the most iconic fountains in the country, where tradition says that you have to throw a coin backwards and make a wish.
- Trastevere. A charming neighborhood full of cobblestone streets, restaurants and a lively nightlife.
| Category | Average expenses (euros) | Average expenses (dollars) |
| Accommodation | 1.000 | 1.072 |
| Transport | 60 | 64 |
| Food | 300 | 321 |
| Leisure | 250 | 268 |
| Total | 1.610 | 1.725 |
Best towns in Italy to live as a digital nomad
In addition to the five best cities in Italy we’ve discussed earlier, you also have the option to move to one of its charming towns. This offers a deeper immersion into Italian culture, as you’ll live among the local residents. If you’re looking for a peaceful environment to work in, with fantastic food, surrounded by nature, and with reliable internet, we’ve gathered the best towns in Italy to live in.
San Gimignano (Tuscany)
San Gimignano, often called “the town of towers,” is a picturesque walled village in Tuscany, located just 35 minutes from Florence. While it gets crowded with tourists in the summer, it’s a place you can explore in half a day. This town is ideal for nomads who appreciate good food and wine, as it’s surrounded by vineyards. Rent here is much more affordable than in the big cities—around 400 euros ($430) for an apartment. There are also coworking spaces in nearby areas.
Alberobello (Puglia)
Alberobello, a small town with around 10,930 residents in southern Italy, is famous for its distinctive trulli houses—stone buildings with iconic conical roofs. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the calm atmosphere, work remotely in a scenic setting, and keep your living costs low. You can find rentals here for as little as 300 euros ($320).
Cefalù (Sicily)
If you’re thinking about moving to a coastal town, Cefalù in Sicily could be the perfect spot. Located in southern Italy, it offers both stunning beaches and rich history. The town has reliable internet, great Sicilian food, and a lively atmosphere, despite being a small town. It strikes a balance between the peace of a town and the amenities of a city. Rent is quite reasonable, typically around 400 euros ($430).
Why live as a digital nomad in Italy?
After taking a look at the best cities and towns in Italy for digital nomads, we’d like to share why this country is an excellent choice for those seeking a fresh start.
Italy stands out in Europe for offering a visa specifically for digital nomads. This visa is initially valid for one year, with the option to extend it if the requirements are met. On top of that, Italy provides tax benefits, allowing you to reduce your taxable income by up to 70% during the first five years of residency.
To sum up, living and working remotely in Italy is a great decision for a variety of reasons. From the visa options and tax benefits to the rich culture, delicious food, Mediterranean climate, welcoming locals, and reasonable cost of living. Plus, with Holafly’s eSIM, you’ll enjoy unlimited and reliable data throughout the country. So, do you already know which Italian city is your favorite?
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Frequently asked questions on choosing the best city to live as a digital nomad in Italy
Each city has its own unique features, and the best one for you will depend on your lifestyle. Milan is a modern city, Rome is rich in culture, Turin offers a more relaxed atmosphere, Bologna is vibrant with social life, and Naples is the most affordable city to live in.
Cefalù, in Sicily, offers a peaceful coastal setting with plenty of outdoor activities. It also offers reliable infrastructure, making it a great spot for remote work.
Major cities like Milan and Rome have a higher cost of living, with rents around $1,200. However, there are more affordable options like Naples, Turin, and Bologna, where you can find accommodation for half the price.
Italy has a growing number of modern, well-equipped coworking spaces designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Some great options include Impact Hub in Rome, COWO in Bologna, and Talent Garden in Milan.
Learning Italian will definitely make it easier for you to settle in and connect with locals. That said, in bigger cities like Rome or Milan, you’ll also find that many people speak English, so getting by won’t be a problem.
