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Cost of living in Italy: Food, transport, and more
Find out how much it costs to live in Italy with our post. Discover the most affordable accommodation, where to eat and the cost of leisure activities.
Living in Rome, strolling through Venice, shopping in Milan: Sounds like a dream, right? In this article we’ll explain the cost of living in Italy so you can decide confidently. We’ll show rental prices, supermarket shopping costs, transport fares and expenses for activities you’ll enjoy in this country.
Stay with us to discover whether Italy is the destination you’ve been searching for and let’s calculate together the living expenses in the country with the world’s most stunning monuments. Ready to make your dream come true?
Average cost of accommodation in Italy
Compared with other countries, Italy’s rental costs have stayed stable and remain below the European average. Since 2015, they’ve risen only 2.5%, while in Spain or France prices increased over 10%. For this reason, Italy’s an excellent option for affordable renting. Let’s check your choices:
- 3-star hotels: Establishments like Hotel Italia in Rome offer double rooms at an average price of €114 ($120) per night.
- Furnished apartments: A one-bedroom flat in central Milan costs about €1,436 ($1,500) monthly.
- Colivings: Shared spaces for remote workers, digital nomads, entrepreneurs or students, like Milano Coliving. You can rent a private room from €861 ($900) monthly including services and shared areas. Italian colivings save money compared with traditional apartments.
- Airbnb: On this platform you’ll find complete apartments in Florence for €95 ($100) per night.
Food costs in Italy
Food plays a big role in Italy’s cost of living since Italian cuisine is exquisite. You’ll find countless restaurants to indulge and taste unique dishes. But watch out! Eating out often brings a high monthly expense you must control.
That’s why we show you prices from one of the country’s most popular supermarkets: Esselunga. Here’s an example shopping list to organise your week and prepare favourite meals at home:
- Pasta: 500 grams for $1.20 (€1.15).
- Eggs: a dozen for $3.50 (€3.35)
- Milk: One litre for $1.20 (€1.15)
- Beef: one kilo for $18.00 (€17.25)
- Chicken breasts: One kilo tray for $11.50 (€11)
- Bread: 500-gram loaf for €2.01 ($2.10)
- Tomatoes: One kilo $3.00 (€2.87)
- Apples: One kilo for $2.30 (€2.20)
If you feel like eating out, you’ll enjoy stone-baked pizza, fresh pasta with endless sauces and tasty arancini filled with rice, meat or vegetables. These are average breakfast, lunch and dinner prices. Buon appetito!
| Food | Dish | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | A cappuccino and a cornetto (Italian croissant) in a café | $5.50 (€5.27) |
| Food | Pasta al pomodoro (tomato sauce) with wine or water | $15.00 (€14.36) |
| Dinner | Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine beef steak) with salad | $25.00 (€23.94) |
Example menus in an Italian restaurant.
Transport prices in Italy
It’s true that most Italian cities are designed for walking and admiring each monument. Yet, if you need transport for work or daily errands, here’s Italy’s cost of living in this area.
Public transport
A bus or tram ride in Rome costs €1.50 ($1.57) and includes 100 minutes of free transfers. In Milan, the fare is €1.92 ($2.00) with multiple connections allowed within 90 minutes. The Italian government also offers several passes:
- 24-hour pass: €7 ($7.31), unlimited use during 24 hours from first validation.
- 48-hour pass: €12.50 ($13.05), valid for 48 hours.
- 72-hour pass: €18 ($17.24), valid for 72 hours.
Bike rentals
Bikes dominate Italian streets as many use them for commuting to work or university. You can rent an electric bike for a whole day with San Vito lo Capo for €41.17 ($20.00) or a conventional bike with Bici Baci from €4 ($4.18) per hour or €15 ($15.67) daily. The Uber app also offers bike rental in several Italian cities.
Taxi and Uber services
Another way to travel in Italy is by taxi: A 15-minute ride in Rome costs between €6.70 ($7.00) and €9.58 ($10.00), with slightly higher fares in Milan. Government regulation keeps this option affordable.
Uber operates in major Italian cities like Milan and Rome, but only offers premium rides. Therefore, costs are higher than taxis. The same 15-minute journey in Rome with Uberblack costs about €17.24 ($18.00).
New vehicles and insurance
If you’re considering buying a new vehicle, the Fiat Panda is Italy’s most common model thanks to practicality, economy and efficiency. Prices start from €4,000 ($14,624) for the basic version.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Italy and costs around €383–957 ($400–1,000). Pricing depends on driver age, car model, mileage and region.
Healthcare costs in Italy
What about Italy’s cost of living regarding healthcare? The National Health Service (SSN) provides full free coverage for Italian citizens and legal foreign residents. Foreigners can also access it by paying a €162.78 ($170) fee for six months.
If you decide to purchase health insurance to ensure complete medical care during emergencies, providers like Intermundial offer comprehensive policies starting from €155 ($156.66) annually. Here are private medical service costs without insurance or SSN:
| Medical service | Private sector rates |
|---|---|
| General medical consultation | €102–109 ($107–214) |
| Appendicitis surgery: | €4,787–9,575 ($5,000–10,000) |
| X-ray | $30–$100 (€28.73–€95.75) |
| Home doctor visit | $120–$150 (€114.90–€143.63) |
| Antihistamines | $10.00 (€9.58) |
| Paracetamol 500 grams | $4.00 (€3.70) |
Sample prices for healthcare in Italy.
Internet and call plan prices
Here’s Italy’s cost of living if you want a reliable connection at home or on your mobile. The following providers operate nationwide, offering fixed internet at home and data plus calls on mobile devices:
- SkyDSL: Satellite internet from €20.59 ($21.50) monthly. This service is an alternative to traditional DSL without binding contracts.
- ConectaBalear: Fibre optic internet at 300 Mbps for €30.07 ($31.40) per month, with free installation and activation, no binding period.
- DIGI Mobil: 15 GB data and 100 call minutes for €5.17 ($5.40) monthly.
- BOSS Revolution: International calls with a €10 ($10) top-up providing up to 500 minutes.
If you want the most complete mobile internet option, Holafly plans give you fast, stable coverage across the country. For instance, with the Unlimited Plan you can use your card in over 160 destinations without swapping SIMs. It also lets you connect multiple devices simultaneously with unlimited data for only €61.44 ($64.90) monthly. Options include:
- 25 GB Light Plan: Make video calls, use collaboration platforms and download files on any device for €47.26 ($49.90) monthly.
- Unlimited plan: Perfect for remote workers needing constant multi-device connection, $64.90 with no hidden charges.
- Holafly also offers unlimited data with an Italy eSIM. Select your days, activate instantly and avoid roaming fees without changing SIM cards.
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 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Leisure activity costs in Italy
Living in Italy’s main cities means enjoying countless activities and plans every day. Therefore, leisure spending significantly affects your budget. Let’s see what this country offers:
- Cinema: The average ticket price in Italy is about €9.58 ($10.00).
- Theatre: Tickets for plays range between €19.15 and €67 ($20.00–70.00).
- Streaming platforms: Italy has Itsart, a streaming service for film, theatre, dance, music and art exhibitions. It offers free and paid options from €4.00 ($4.18).
- TV subscription services: Mediaset Premium is a paid channel broadcasting films, series and live football.
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: Skip-the-line entry costs €56.49 ($59.00).
- Roman Colosseum: Entry with audioguide for €18.19 ($19.00).
- Rome museums: The MIC card offers discounted entry for 12 months to several museums for €4.79 ($5.00).
- Gondola ride: A 40-minute daytime ride costs €41.17 ($43.00).
What do you think about our overview of Italy’s main expenses? As you’ve seen, Italy’s cost of living in 2025 remains mid-range and accessible compared with countries like France or the UK.
Accommodation is cheaper than Paris or London, groceries cost less than in Germany, and leisure is similar to other European destinations. Moreover, if you live in a smaller Italian city or village, your expenses drop considerably. There are plenty of options to choose from and start a nuova vita!
