Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
Italy is the most recognizable country on the map of Europe. Shaped like a boot, Italy is a peninsula in Southern Europe, surrounded by calm blue seas: the Adriatic Sea to the East, Ionian Sea to the Southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the West. The Northern part borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
Italy is a medium-sized country, covering around 116,000 square miles, similar in size to the state of Arizona. This includes over 400 islands, the largest of which are Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia, and Elba. The capital city is Rome. The country was blessed with all types of geographies, one more beautiful than the next: imposing mountains in the North, lush rolling hills in the center, stunning coastlines and beaches, fertile plains in the South and everything in between.
Italy is one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, with a rich history and a prominent tradition in arts and culture revered around the world. Its outstanding centuries-old history and culture are very present throughout the country today, and can be admired in all Italian cities, towns and villages. This makes the country a perpetual favorite tourism destination for people from around the globe.
The cost to buy a home in Italy is $378,000, on average, for a 2,000-sq-ft house, according to the latest My Dolce Casa real estate report. By comparison, the median price of a home in the US is $420,800 according to the St. Louis Fed. The national average price of real estate in Italy is … Read more
Whatever the reason for your move to Italy, you’ll want to know where you can afford to live based on your budget. In this article, we’ll cover the best places to live in Italy on a $2,700 monthly budget. In a country as old as Italy, each town, no matter how small or big, has … Read more
Italy has grown to be the destination of dreams to retire, study or lifestyle change for lots of Americans. Fortunately, the country is not just beautiful, with incredible food, captivating history and UNESCO-protected sites, but it is one of the most affordable places to live in Mediterranean Europe. This time, we were on the hunt … Read more
Great news for digital nomads who want to live in Italy! The long-awaited Italy digital nomad visa program has officially started on April 4, 2024. Here’s what you need to know: The digital nomad visa is being managed under Article 27 of Italy’s immigration code, which means it is aimed at attracting highly skilled remote … Read more
Is moving to Italy on your wishlist but you worry that you may not afford it? We set out to prove that even on a small monthly income, there are plenty of nice places to live in Italy. As the monthly budget gets bigger, the location choices open up. This time, we’ll take you through … Read more
It’s the dream of many to explore the unique natural wonders, culture-rich towns, and delicious cuisine Italy offers. Is moving to this country on a budget possible in retirement, after graduating or simply on a low income? What places can I expect to find in Italy where life is nice and affordable? This time, we’ll … Read more
Many people are looking for affordable places to live in Italy. Even if your income is limited or have a monthly retirement allowance, you can still find some amazing places to live in Italy for little money. In general, the country has a much lower cost of living compared to countries in the north of … Read more
So you’re planning to move to Italy just after college or have a strict retirement budget, but what are the best places to live in Italy under $1,600 per month? Housing is the largest expense no matter where you live and it shouldn’t account for more than a third of your total monthly budget or … Read more
If you’ve spent even a fraction of your life in the United States, you’ll notice that tipping has been ingrained in so much of our culture. From grabbing a quick coffee to getting a haircut, we’re used to seeing the prompt, “How much would you like the tip?” But how about tipping in Italy, when … Read more
In the heart of Northern Italy lies the picturesque region of Piedmont, renowned for its stunning and diverse nature, profound historical roots, and unbelievable cuisine. For English-speaking expatriates seeking a slice of Italian life, Piedmont offers a myriad of elegant towns and cities to call home. From vibrant urban centers for job seekers to tranquil … Read more
In 2024, Southern Europe showcases a fantastic list of best cities to live, where life is more than a picturesque postcard; it’s about community, innovation, and tradition. Every year, My Dolce Casa looks at the latest quality of life index from Numbeo, which includes costs, safety, environment, property prices and climate ratings, to see what … Read more
Calabria, known to many foreigners as “Italy’s toe,” is nestled in the southernmost region of mainland Italy. This affordable region is perfect for anyone looking for the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, beautiful seascapes and landscapes, and a rich historical and culinary heritage. If you’re looking to make Calabria your home, you may not know … Read more
Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is one of the best regions to live in Italy and it has become especially popular with English-speaking expats. It often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its famous neighbors to the north and south. But, for anyone looking for an authentic Italian life experience, this region has … Read more
Imola, an EU citizen from Budapest, Hungary recently bought an apartment in the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy. She agreed to share with My Dolce Casa the details of her experience and her advice for other expats aspiring to purchase property in Italy. How did you decide to purchase a home in Italy? I have … Read more
As the smallest of all Italian provinces, Liguria is perhaps not as well-known to expats as many of the more popular regions of Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily. Known as the Italian Riviera, the region stretching over 180 miles along the coast of the Ligurian Sea is one of the most picturesque places to live in … Read more
In the eastern part of central Italy, Abruzzo sits sheltered by the Apennine Mountains, separating it from much of Italian society. The region is truly unique, with untouched landscape of nature, beautiful, spontaneous cities built on hillsides. For anyone looking for a taste of one of the greenest landscapes in Europe, Abruzzo is perfect for … Read more
If you’ve ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the beauty of life in Italy, Tuscany is probably what you are picturing and you’re not alone. Many people fantasize of moving to Tuscany, lured by the image of an idyllic Italy often represented in Instagram stories and cute movies. But where in Tuscany should you choose … Read more
Mostly known for its portrayal in Hollywood films and TV shows, Sicily is an incredibly beautiful, serene area. As the third-most affordable region in Italy, Sicily is quickly becoming a favorite for expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more. Quality of life is the main criterion for our list of the five best towns in Sicily … Read more
Since I’ve moved to Italy, every time I go back to my hometown of New Orleans in the United States to visit family for a few weeks, I’m shocked at just how expensive everything is. How can anyone afford to live here? Comparing the cost of living when traveling back and forth between Italy and … Read more
Besides its beautiful cities and towns, charming lifestyle, and incredible culture, Italy is one of the best places for expats to move because of its low cost of living and affordable real estate prices. When compared to the United States and northern European countries, everyday necessities like food, healthcare, homes and apartments are well within … Read more