While it’s eventually up to you to decide what the best places to live in Italy are based on your preferences, we’ll list some options below and include the main reasons as to why.
The top places in this list are not only for expats but also for digital nomads and families.
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
This includes if you are looking for alternatives or a second opinion about living in Italy as a foreigner.
Investing may be made more risk-free and profitable by matching investments to lifestyle choices and market opportunities when one is aware of the most desirable locations.
Best Places in Italy to Live
Florence
Rich in culture and equipped with all the conveniences of contemporary life, Florence is known for its Renaissance artwork and buildings. Art lovers and others who like a beautiful environment will find it particularly intriguing.
The city has coworking spaces and cafes with fast internet.
However, during the busiest times of year, Florence may become extremely touristy, which could affect the local experience.
Milan
Professionals and creatives alike are drawn to Milan, the energetic and dynamic city of Italy for fashion and finance.
It provides a fast internet speed, many coworking spaces, a thriving nightlife, a good standard of living, and various career prospects.
Although the cost of living is higher than in other Italian cities, less central districts provide more reasonable alternatives.
Tuscany
A more laid-back lifestyle is offered in Tuscany, which is known for its breathtaking scenery and quaint towns. Significantly less expensive than Florence are towns like Lucca and Pistoia.
Liguria
For those who prefer outdoor sports and a seaside lifestyle, Liguria, which includes the well-known Cinque Terre, provides gorgeous coastline vistas and a temperate climate. Fresh seafood, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed vibe are some of Liguria’s best features.
Rome
The capital city of Rome is a fascinating place to live since it provides an extensive mix of culture, history, and art. It offers a good expat community, lots of coworking spaces, and strong internet that support its being among the best places to live in Italy as a digital nomad.
The suburbs provide more reasonably priced options despite the often high cost of living, especially in the city core. Rome is known for its famous monuments, vibrant neighborhoods, and effective public transit system.
Sicily
Sicily has a pleasant weather, a rich history, and a variety of scenery. It’s one of the best places to live in Italy for expats looking for a distinctive cultural encounter.
Sicily is home to several historical landmarks, stunning beaches, and a flourishing local economy.
There are expanding foreign national populations in cities like Palermo and Catania. The food is superb and living expenses are reasonable, albeit there are differences in the infrastructure and internet availability in different places.
Puglia
Puglia is celebrated for its distinctive traditional stone houses called trulli homes. It provides a more leisurely pace of life and a cheaper cost of living. The breathtaking coastlines, outstanding food, and deep traditions of the area are its attractions.
Bologna
Bologna is an active city known for its wealthy culinary heritage and youthful student community. It features a family-friendly culture and good educational opportunities, including foreign schools. It is also well-connected to other regions of Italy.
The Northern Italian city is among the most reasonably priced. But during academic times, it might get packed.
Turin
Turin, also north of Italy, is noted for its elegant dining and building styles. With a lower cost of living than Milan and Rome, this city is family- and budget-friendly. Parks, museums, and being close to the Alps are among Turin’s greatest attractions.
Trieste
Various cultures are uniquely blended in Trieste, which is close to the Slovenian border. Its striking seaboard and lively coffee culture are well-known. The old architecture, dazzling cultural scene, and easy access to the mountains and sea are some of the city’s best features.
Amalfi Coast
For those who want a picturesque lifestyle, the Amalfi Coast is perfect because of its gorgeous coastal views and little settlements. It provides an incredible backdrop, a laid-back vibe, and plenty of outdoor activities.
But in well-known locations like Positano, housing expenses might be greater, and summertime traffic can be an issue.
Genoa
With its rich nautical past, Genoa is a port city with gorgeous architecture and plenty of recreational opportunities for kids, making it among the best places to live in Italy for families.
In comparison to other large cities, it is less commercial and offers accessible beach activities, reasonable housing, and a thriving local culture. However, some residents may find it difficult due to the city’s rugged landscape.
Cagliari
For those who prefer being outside, Cagliari is the perfect combination of beachfront living and urban life. Compared to cities on the mainland, the Sardinian capital city provides cheaper cost of living, an easygoing culture, and high-speed internet.
Despite its breathtaking natural beauty, the island location may make it feel a little remote from the rest of Italy.
Pained by financial indecision? Want to invest with Adam?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.