The pandemic in Italy led to an increase in smart working, resulting in more people choosing digital nomad lifestyle. But in which city is it most comfortable to live like this? Casino Italiani analysed internet access, housing costs, security, weather conditions and airport accessibility in each Italian city, trying to discover the best Italian cities for digital nomads looking for a new home. With unexpected results.
The best cities for digital nomads
Cremona
Cremona is officially the best Italian city for digital nomads. This city, located to the left of the Po River in the middle of the Po Valley, scored 7.91/10 in our ranking, almost two points higher than the next Lombardy city, Lodi (5.98). In Cremona, the average speed of internet connection is 152.85 megabytes per second (mbps), the 19th highest in the country. Renting a property costs around €7.49 per square metre, 65% cheaper than in Milan. In addition, Cremona has one of the lowest crime rates in Italy, with 2,671 reported crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, whereas the capital, Milan, has the highest crime rates in the country. The city of Cremona is particularly well known for its musical history: it is one of Europe's most important centres for the production of stringed instruments, renowned for the violins of the Amati and Rugeri families and the products of the Guarneri and Stradivari workshops.
Campobasso
Campobasso, the capital of Molise, ranks second among the best Italian cities for digital nomads, with an overall score of 7.39/10, only 0.52 points lower than Cremona. Campobasso, which is located in the upper valley of the Biferno river, surrounded by the Sannio and Matese mountains, ranks 22 places higher than the only city in Molise, Isernia, registering a better average internet speed (153.47 mbps) and lower crime rates (2.497 per 100,000 inhabitants). Three airports can be found in the vicinity of Campobasso and you can rent a house for an average of €6.56 per square metre. The city is famous for its production of scamorza cheese, pears and handcrafted knives.
Caltanissetta
Caltanissetta has secured a place on the podium as Italy's third best city for digital nomads. With an overall score of 7.00/10, this Sicilian city has the lowest rents in the country, at €4.21 per square metre - a dream for anyone looking for an affordable location to work remotely. Rental prices are 48% lower than in the regional capital, Palermo (€8.09 per square metre). Here, Internet speed is higher than in both Cremona and Campobasso (156.22 mbps), and the city has 2,988 reported crimes per 100.000 inhabitants, which is 13% less than in Palermo. Caltanissetta, one of the three Sicilian cities that made it into the top 10, was once the world capital of the sulphur mining industry; today it is famous for its agricultural industry.
Ranking of the best cities for digital nomads
Ranking | City | Internet speed (mbps) | Cost of rent ( € per square metre) | Average number of crimes reported per 100,000 people (2012-2021) | Average annual rainfall (mm) | Score (/10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cremona | 152.85 | 7.48 | 2,672 | 562,7 | 7.91 |
| 2. | Campobasso | 153.47 | 6.56 | 2,497 | 722.4 | 7.39 |
| 3. | Caltanissetta | 156.22 | 4.21 | 2,988 | 328.0 | 7.00 |
| 4. | Messina | 161.69 | 7.4 | 2,733 | 429.9 | 6.91 |
| 5. | Rovigo | 104.19 | 7.59 | 2,726 | 454.5 | 6.89 |
| 6. | Reggio Calabria | 140.52 | 5.27 | 2,833 | 615.3 | 6.58 |
| 7. | Ragusa | 155.12 | 8.62 | 2,949 | 397.8 | 6.43 |
| 8. | Terni | 129.53 | 6.15 | 2,968 | 675.0 | 6.36 |
| 9. | Biella | 128.52 | 6.17 | 2,826 | 764.0 | 6.32 |
| 10. | Chieti | 152.34 | 5.79 | 2,660 | 707.6 | 6.28 |
The tallest building in Italy & other modern skyscrapers
For centuries, the Italian skyline was defined by terracotta rooftops and cathedral domes rather than modern skyscrapers. This historic character is so protected that high-rises are a rare sight, mostly concentrated in the business districts of cities like Milan and Naples. Before the age of glass and steel, the title for the tallest building in Italy belonged to the Mole Antonelliana in Turin. Completed in 1889, its 167.5-metre spire was an architectural wonder of its time.
Living in Pisa: life behind the Leaning Tower
When you think of Pisa, one thing springs to mind, but there's so much more to this Tuscan city than its famous architectural mishap. Sitting on the banks of the River Arno, Pisa is a proud, historic university town with a character all of its own. For those considering living in Pisa, the reality is a city buzzing with student life, where the locals, known as the Pisani, enjoy a relaxed pace of life amongst stunning Romanesque buildings and Gothic churches.
Best gelato in Florence: where to find the good stuff
Florence is where it all began back in the Renaissance, supposedly first whipped up for the Medici court. Forgetting the bright green pistachio and fluffy mounds piled high in shop windows is the first step, and understanding the real difference between gelato and ice cream is key to the hunt. For people living in Florence, it’s a proper daily ritual, and knowing where to go for an authentic scoop is a true point of local pride.
Finding the best gelato in Italy: a lick-by-lick guide
Hunting down the best gelato in Italy is one of those essential things you have to do when you're here, but it's good to know that gelato is so much more than just ice cream. It's a proper daily ritual, a treat that's taken very seriously and is seen as a true art form. The story of gelato is said to have started in Renaissance Florence, and ever since, Italians have been perfecting the craft of creating this dense, intensely flavoured dessert that's become a symbol of the country's cuisine.
Italy transport strikes: September dates set for travel disruption
Travellers across Italy face the prospect of widespread transport disruption in September, as a series of planned strikes are set to take place across the country's aviation, rail, and local public transport networks.
Gelato vs ice cream: the inside scoop on Italy's fave treat
Strolling through a sunny Italian piazza, it’s easy to think that gelato is just the local word for ice cream. The debate of gelato vs ice cream, however, goes far beyond a simple translation. The real distinction between a scoop of traditional ice cream and a silky paddle of authentic Italian gelato comes down to the ingredients, the unique way it’s made, and even the temperature it’s served at.
Basilica vs Cathedral in Italy: what’s the difference?
If you’re looking to buy property in Italy, chances are you’ll come across stunning churches and historic buildings in towns and cities nearby. Italy’s rich religious architecture is a big part of its charm, but terms like basilica, cathedral, and duomo can be confusing. What do they mean? And why does it matter?