Northern vs Southern Italy: choosing where to live

When you start dreaming about moving to Italy, it’s easy to imagine sun-drenched piazzas, fragrant morning coffee, and those long, chatty dinners that stretch late into the night. But once the fantasy starts meeting reality, the choice between northern and southern Italy can feel surprisingly tough. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when deciding where to live in Italy. You’ll hear plenty of lively debate among locals themselves about what really makes each corner of the country tick. Each half of the boot has its own pull—whether it’s the way people spend time together, the rhythm of daily life, or even little things like how early the shops open. Deciding if life in Northern or Southern Italy matches your style is a bit like choosing the right wine for dinner—there’s no wrong answer, but the right one will make life that much sweeter.

Is it better to live in the north or south of Italy?

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Ask a dozen Italians where the north ends and the south begins, and you’ll likely get a dozen different answers. However, one thing’s for sure: this age-old divide goes beyond pasta preferences or the way folks greet you at the corner bar. 

Up in the north, you’ll notice an Alpine crispness to both the air and, some might say, the pace of life. The south of Italy feels warmer, not just in climate, but in the way families spill onto the street for evening chats or the local baker remembers your order. Over the centuries, borders, rulers, and economic fortunes have all left their mark, so moving from Milan to Naples or Turin to Palermo isn’t just a change of address—it’s a genuine shift in atmosphere, habits, and the little rituals of daily life.

Key differences between living in Northern and Southern Italy

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From the moment you settle in, the differences between northern and southern Italy start cropping up in the smallest details—whether it’s the job market, the architecture, or how folks queue at the bakery. 

Italy economy: north vs south

It’s no secret that when it comes to wages and work, northern Italy takes the lead, offering higher median incomes, more jobs, and a generally higher cost of living. However, salaries usually keep up with the bills. 

Cities like Milan, Bologna and Turin are built on industry and technology, not just iconic fashion, and newcomers often find professional opportunities in finance or services. Down south, the story shifts. Jobs can be scarcer, many are in tourism or agriculture, and while life is usually cheaper, average salaries are much lower, sometimes half those in the north. 

Climate and geography

Italy reads like a climate textbook split down the middle. In the north, you’ve got snowy winters in the Alps and the foggy, humid flats of the Po Valley. Venture to the south, and it’s a world of sun, olive groves, and dramatic coastlines where even winter feels like spring back home. This difference shapes everything. Northerners might spend their weekends hiking or skiing down the slopes, while southerners live outdoors, flocking to the beaches or lingering in shady piazzas. Scenery shifts as you travel—the orderly lakes and mountains of Lombardy give way to the wild, volcanic landscapes of Sicily.

Lifestyle and daily life – north vs south Italy

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Food traditions

In the north, meals often feature rich butter- or cream-based dishes, risottos, and cured meats—Veneto’s risotto al nero, Lombardy’s ossobuco, and plenty of Alpine cheeses. Bread plays a big part, but pasta shapes tend to be broader or stuffed. Down south, things get vibrant and rustic. Think tomatoes, olives, aubergines, fresh seafood, and the iconic Neapolitan pizza. 

Eating habits reflect this too. Southerners may linger over lengthy family feasts well into the afternoon, while in the north, lunch is sometimes more of a practical pitstop. Still, wherever you are in Italy, food is never just fuel. 

Pace of life and social culture

In the north, commuters dart to work, shops keep tight schedules, and an almost Swiss-like respect for punctuality. The south is happy to let things unfold on their own time, with streets buzzing late into the night and opening hours that flex around social life. 

Family is at the core everywhere, but down south, it often means an open-door policy and a community that knows everyone’s business, with warmth and hospitality that can take newcomers by surprise. In the north, people may come across as initially reserved, but bonds run deep and trust is built over time. Even greetings, dialects, and gestures shift subtly as you travel, so learning to read the local mood is all part of finding your feet wherever you land.

Housing and cost of living

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When it comes to finding a place to live, Italy’s regional price gaps are hard to ignore. idealista's price reports in May 2025 highlight a clear trend. Life in the north might mean faster commutes and brisker business, but it comes with a steeper price tag, while the south offers generally lower costs, leaving more room in the budget for aperitivo and impromptu travel.

Housing in Northern Italy

City	Inexpensive meal (€)	Beer (€)	Coffee (€)	Utility bills (85m², €/month)	Avg. net salary (€)	Monthly transport pass (€)
Naples	15	4	1.90	190	1,270	42
Lecce	15	4.25	1.60	150	1,360	35
Palermo	12	3.50	1.70	200	1,430	32

Where should you live in Italy?

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Settling on the best place to live in Italy when locating often comes down to what you value most. Warmer or cooler weather, job prospects, the pace of daily life, or just personal taste for city buzz versus countryside calm. 

The north offers more professional opportunities and a faster rhythm, with cities like Milan and Turin attracting people after bright careers, modern art, or reliable public transport. Down south, the draw is often all about community, hands-on traditions and easy, sun-filled days. 

If you’re new to Italian life or considering relocating with children, looking at everything from school options to neighbourhood feel can make a difference. Students might love vibrant university cities like Bologna. Young families or remote workers often go for some of Italy's most underrated cities, like Udine or Cagliari.

Cities to live in Northern Italy

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• Milan - Stylish, energetic, and Italy’s business capital, with a rich cultural scene, buzzing nightlife, and top international schools.
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• Florence – No place rivals Florence for Renaissance grandeur, walkable lanes, and a thriving expat community—brilliant for artsy types or families.
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• Bologna – Italy’s finest food scene, paired with a lively student energy and historic porticoes. Popular among young professionals and those seeking an eclectic city with less bustle than Milan.
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• Turin – Sleek architecture mixes with Alpine backdrops and a reputation for industry, football, and chocolate. Great for those after city living with nature on the doorstep.
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Cities to live in Southern Italy

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• Naples – Plenty of history, energy, and pizza, Naples is ideal if you want authentic city life with the sea close by.
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• Bari – On the Adriatic coast, Bari offers a historic old town, lively waterfront, and affordable living. Especially appealing to students and digital nomads.
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• Palermo – Sicily’s spirited capital brings together colourful street life, diverse architecture, and easy access to stunning beaches.
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• Lecce – Baroque beauty, slower days, affordable property, and a tight-knit local feel—Lecce is a favourite for those who value quality of life over big-city pace.
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Popular rural areas to live in Italy

Italy’s countryside delivers as much character as its cities—if not more. For many expats, the real charm lies off the main tourist trail. Cobbled lanes that wind through vineyards, bursts of wildflowers in spring, and neighbours who quickly know you by name.

Chianti, Tuscany (North)

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Chianti is the Tuscany of so many postcards and daydreams. Terracotta-roofed hamlets, olive groves, and a landscape sculpted by generations of winemakers. It’s a haven for those after a relaxed pace, with daily life set by the rhythm of the vines. Florence and Siena are within easy reach for city getaways, but most expats here settle in for the community spirit, country markets, and endless walking routes. It’s a strong choice for families and anyone drawn to the slower side of Italian living.

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Langhe, Piedmont (North)

Rolling hills carpeted with vineyards, stone villages perched above foggy valleys, and unbeatable food and wine make the Langhe region a magnet for those keen on rural tranquillity. Life here centres on local food—truffles, Barolo wine, and home-cooked meals—plus small festivals all year round. It’s popular with retirees looking for a scenic base and remote workers after creative inspiration. The scenery is straight out of a painting, and you’re still well linked to Turin and Milan by train or car.

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Valle d’Itria, Puglia (South)

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If you’re after whitewashed trulli houses, endless olive trees, and sunshine to spare, Valle d’Itria is a hit with a growing expat scene. Towns like Martina Franca, Cisternino, and Locorotondo offer fairytale looks and plenty of affordable properties. Proximity to coasts and some of Italy’s best food. Think burrata, orecchiette, and fresh produce—make it perfect for anyone hoping to sink into a truly local lifestyle, but with beaches always close by.

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Sicilian countryside near Noto (South)

Sicily’s inland hills are dotted with Baroque gems and tumbling fields, but the area around Noto stands out for its honey-coloured towns, citrus groves, and feeling of discovery. Life here is slower still, with lively markets, easy access to nature reserves, and a cost of living that’s kind on the wallet. It’s a favourite for creatives, semi-retirees, and families after a more hands-on, traditional Italian experience in easy reach of the Sicilian coastline.

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