Italy at a Glance

Country Overview

Italy is a popular destination for Americans planning a move abroad. Many choose to live here for a slower pace and affordable lifestyle.

• Main Draw. Historic cities, modern amenities, and European living.
• Geography. Italy stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean. Its varied landscape includes mountains, lakes, rolling countryside, long coastlines, and islands.
• Climate. Much of Italy has hot, dry summers an dmild winters in the south. Northern and inland areas have colder winters. The Alps receive significant snowfall.

Italy offers a European lifestyle with modern amenities.

Good to Know

Italy’s €1 homes can be a good deal, but come with renovation deadlines and repair costs. And property ownership does not provide residency.

Snapshot

No country is perfect for everyone. The snapshot below highlights key factors such as cost of living, climate, safety, and healthcare to help you determine whether the destination deserves a place on your shortlist.

Why consider moving to Italy

• 7% tax regime for retirees in certain locations
• Rich history and cultural heritage
• Excellent food and regional cuisine
• Good healthcare and public services
• Beautiful cities, countryside, and coastline

Potential Challenges

• Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating
• Language barrier outside major tourist areas
• High taxes outside special programs
• Cost of living varies by region
• Rising costs in popular areas

Where to Live

Where you choose to live can have a major impact on your experience in Italy. Rome has the country’s strongest mix of services, history, and international connections. Smaller cities and regional hubs offer a slower pace of life and lower costs.

Rome. Italy’s capital and largest city . Rome has the best mix of modern amenities and international connections. It is a practical choice for Americans seeking urban conveniences and services.

Florence. Located in the heart of Tuscany. Florence has Renaissance architecture, museums, and a walkable historic center. It attracts expats who want classic Italian beauty.

Bologna. A lively university city in northern Italy. Bologna is known for its food, porticoed streets, and central location. It appeals to expats seeking a well-connected, livable city with fewer crowds.

Turin. Located near the Alps in northern Italy. Turin offers elegant architecture, strong infrastructure, and a lower cost of living. It is a good fit for those who want access to mountains, culture, and modern services.

Lucca. A charming Tuscan city. Lucca has a slower pace of life, a walkable historic center, and easy access to both Florence and the coast. It appeals to those seeking classic Italian living in a smaller setting.

Best Residency Pathways

Italy offers several options for Americans who want to live in Europe. Requirements and bureaucracy can be more complex than in some other European destinations.

Discover Your New Home

Want to move abroad and don’t know where to go? This post is part of our Country at a Glance series, which provides snapshots of top expat destinations to help you narrow down your search and create a shortlist of countries to explore further.

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Hi, I’m Leigh. In 2021, I moved abroad for a temporary work assignment and discovered that living overseas didn’t have to wait until retirement. Now I’m building a plan to leave my career behind and create a long-term life outside the United States. Through Next Act Abroad, I’m documenting the journey and sharing what I learn along the way.