When most people picture Naples, they’re thinking of that iconic city clinging to the Amalfi Coast—yes, we’re talking about Naples in Italy, not Florida or anywhere across the Atlantic. Famed for its sun-soaked piazzas, centuries-old palazzos, and Italy’s best pizza joints, Napoli is somewhere you can really get under the skin of southern Italian life. With its fiery local spirit, lively street scenes, easy access to the Mediterranean, and reasonable living costs, it’s little wonder it’s on the radar for curious expats and digital nomads.
If you’re considering living in Napoli, here’s how life, property, and community all stack up. Dominating the skyline to the east, the iconic Mount Vesuvius serves as both a dramatic backdrop to city life and a reminder of Naples’ unique natural history.
Is Naples a good place to live?
Naples is a city of big character and an even bigger heart. For starters, you get proper Mediterranean weather, the sea on your doorstep, and UNESCO-listed historic sites just about everywhere you look. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into colourful markets, artisan crafts, or sprawling seaside promenades.
Naples nails that vibrant city vibe but doesn’t lose its community feel. Locals are famously welcoming, quick to share a tip or get you involved in neighbourhood life. Families find plenty of international school options and child-friendly parks, and there’s never a dull weekend thanks to constant festivals and city-wide celebrations.
Pros and cons of living in Naples
Naples isn't shy about showing its true colours, and life here comes with plenty of high points as well as a few quirks to be aware of.
Some of the pros of life in Naples include:
- Mediterranean climate: expect sun-filled days for most of the year, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors, the sea, and lazy café mornings.
- Lively street life: there’s always something happening, and locals are quick to welcome newcomers into the fold.
- Fantastic food culture: Naples is the original home of pizza, and you'll find world-class eateries on just about every corner, all at decent prices.
- Affordability: compared to bigger Italian cities like Milan or Rome, the cost of living, property, and eating out is much more reasonable.
However, like all cities there are drawbacks:
- Bureaucracy: paperwork and processes can feel slow, especially for things like residency and permits—patience is a genuine virtue.
- Traffic and public services: The local driving style is chaotic, and things like rubbish collection and public transport can sometimes lag behind expectations.
- Noise and ‘organised chaos’: Naples is vibrant, but that energy can tip over into noise, crowds, and city grit, which isn’t for everyone.
- Safety perceptions: While many areas are perfectly safe, some neighbourhoods feel rough around the edges, and petty crime like pickpocketing can catch newcomers off guard.
Is Naples expensive to live?
In terms of the cost of living, Naples is leaps and bounds cheaper than places like Rome and Milan. Eating out is great value, with a proper pizza rarely setting you back more than €6–8. Groceries, local transport, and utilities are reasonable, and public transport covers much of the city for less than €1.50 a trip. Day-to-day living feels manageable for most people, though imported goods and international schools can be pricier.
As of April 2025, property prices in Naples average around €2,712 per m², which is significantly lower than in Milan or Rome, making home ownership more accessible for newcomers. Rent prices in Naples average around €15.7 per m², so an 80 m² flat would typically go for about €1,256 per month.
Affordable living costs in Naples free up more of your budget for enjoying local restaurants, cultural activities, and exploring neighbouring sights.
Average income in Naples
Wages in Naples generally trail slightly behind the northern Italian cities. The average monthly salary is estimated at €1,200–€1,300, depending on your field and experience. Many international residents work remotely, in teaching, or have jobs with global companies.
Accommodation in Naples
Houses for sale in Naples
For those after more space or a bit of garden elbow-room, houses and villas are available, especially in the hilly districts or further from the old town. Posillipo is known for its stylish hillside homes with spectacular views over the Gulf of Naples, while Bagnoli and Fuorigrotta offer larger properties with good access to beaches and the seaside.
Apartments in Naples
The apartment scene in Naples runs the full spectrum: from high-ceilinged, frescoed flats in centuries-old buildings to modern studios tucked above leafy piazzas. Most renters opt for areas like Vomero and Chiaia, which offer a mix of peace and proximity to nightlife, shops, and parks.
Best neighbourhoods to live in Naples
Naples is a city of vibrant quarters, each with its own character. The most expensive areas to buy property in Naples are typically found in the prestigious hillside and waterfront districts. Posillipo stands out as the priciest, while on the other end of the scale, areas such as Ponticelli, Secondigliano, and parts of the eastern outskirts tend to offer the most affordable property prices. Neighbourhoods like Vomero, Chiaia, and Posillipo are popular with families and have a relaxed, residential atmosphere. Here’s a snapshot of the areas expats most often gravitate toward:
Chiaia
Posh but lively, Chiaia offers boutique shopping, calm streets, and a prime spot along the seafront. It’s a hit with professionals and young families, and properties here are well-kept with balconies overlooking city gardens.
Vomero
A little higher up, Vomero has leafy boulevards, good schools, plenty of parks, and a slightly more relaxed lifestyle. Cafés, markets, and cinemas make it feel like a village in the city.
Posillipo
Known for jaw-dropping views, luxury villas, and a sense of quiet despite being near the city, Posillipo is where you’ll find diplomats, executives, and families looking for a slice of exclusivity.
Centro Storico (historic centre)
This is where the action is. The narrow streets are buzzing, full of historic surprises, and perfect for culture vultures keen on museums and local eateries. The vibe is energetic but can be intense day or night.
Life in Naples
Food in Naples
Napoli arguably invented Italian comfort food. Dive into trattorias for spaghetti alle vongole, grab a cuoppo (fried seafood cone) from a street vendor, or feast on a traditional Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. You’ll also find modern bistros, vegan options, and spots serving up global flavours. However, nothing beats watching the sunset from a sea-facing terrace with a glass of local wine.
Live music in Naples
Music pulses through the city, from jazz bars tucked into ancient wine cellars to summer festivals staged in dramatic squares. The San Carlo Theatre attracts classical music aficionados, while underground clubs host everything from electronic beats to live indie bands. Music fans find themselves spoilt for choice, whatever their style.
Sport in Naples
Football reigns supreme, with Napoli’s home matches at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona drawing passionate crowds, especially since the team’s Scudetto win. Locals also enjoy running along the Lungomare, cycling in the parks, and water sports around Pozzuoli and Bacoli.
Is Naples safe?
Naples often raises eyebrows for safety, but most expats report feeling as secure as in any big city if they keep their wits about them. Like every urban spot, you’ll find pickpockets around some main squares and transport hubs—classic travel sense will sort you out. Areas close to the central station or deep into the historic centre can look a bit more chaotic, but are usually fine, especially if you avoid late-night strolls down quiet lanes you don’t know.
Living in Naples as an expat
Naples has a growing expat community, making living in Naples a foreigner an appealing prospect for many. Teachers, remote workers, students, and even young families are drawn to the city’s affordability and character. Integration often happens through language exchanges, sports clubs, international school networks, and social media groups.
For foreigners, “la dolce vita” here feels layered—you can spend your mornings at historic museums and your evenings down by the port. While the dialect and rapid-fire local Italian take some getting used to, English is understood in tourist hotspots and among university students, making the transition smoother. Plus, English is spoken in many businesses, especially by the younger crowd, but locals love it when you have a go at Italian—even a few words go a long way. You’ll find international groceries, support services, and a lively mix of cultures, all helping newcomers feel right at home.
However, living in Naples as an American or any other foreign citizen does present a few extra hoops due to visas and practicalities. Bureaucracy can feel slow, public services aren't always slick, and the local driving style is infamous even by Italian standards. All things considered, there’s a lot more charm than trouble.
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