Sitting squarely in the Emilia-Romagna region, this gorgeous city, home to just shy of 200,000 people, has a name you’ve probably heard, even if your mind doesn't jump to the city itself If you're pondering living in Parma, you'll soon discover it's a place where life moves at a lovely pace, steeped in history and, let's just say, rather well-known for its amazing local produce. It’s got that quintessential Northern Italian charm, making it an inviting spot to settle down or explore.
Is Parma a good place to live?
The city is often described as one of Italy's most liveable cities, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s got that wonderful balance – big enough to offer plenty to do, but small enough to feel incredibly welcoming and easy to navigate. You won't find the hustle and bustle of Milan or Rome here; instead, life tends to unfold at a more relaxed, gentle pace. It’s a place where tradition meets a modern quality of life, offering beautiful architecture, a rich cultural scene, and a strong sense of community.
What is Parma in Italy famous for?
If you've heard of Parma, chances are it's got something to do with your taste buds. This city is truly a global heavyweight when it comes to food, and it’s the birthplace of a couple of Italy's most celebrated exports: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham. You can't walk far without bumping into a deli or restaurant celebrating these local treasures, and seeing them made is a popular draw for Parma tourism.
Pros and cons of living in Parma
First off, let’s talk about the positives, because there are quite a few.
Some of the pros of life in Parma include:
- A foodie's paradise: if you love good food, you've hit the jackpot. You'll have constant access to incredible local produce, from the aforementioned famous cheese and ham to fantastic Northern Italian pasta dishes, balsamic vinegar, and more.
- High quality of life: it’s clean, well-organised, and safe, with a relaxed pace that contributes to a low-stress environment. The city centre is largely pedestrianised, making it lovely for strolling, and it’s compact enough to get around easily.
- Cultural richness and green spaces: there's a strong appreciation for arts and opera, plus beautiful historic sites to explore. Beyond that, the city boasts lovely parks and is surrounded by the pretty Emilia-Romagna countryside.
However, like anywhere, there are a couple of things that might take a bit of adjustment for newcomers:
- Pace of life: while the laid-back atmosphere is often a pro, for those used to faster-paced environments, it can sometimes feel a little too slow.
- English isn't as widely spoken: unlike bigger, more tourist-heavy cities, you'll find that English isn't as commonly spoken in Parma, especially outside of the main tourist spots.
Is Parma expensive to live?
You’ll find that the cost of living in Parma is noticeably more affordable than, say, Milan, but pricier than some of the smaller towns further south.
As of June 2025, property prices in Parma averaged around €2,329 per m². Now, if you look at the wider Parma province, that average drops quite a bit to about €1,621 per m², which gives you an idea of the variation outside the city centre.
When it comes to renting, prices are pretty reasonable too. In Parma, the average rental cost was about €12.5 per m² in June 2025. If you fancy living in a popular spot like the Oltretorrente area, you might be looking at around €14 per m². This means an 80m² apartment would typically set you back anywhere from €1,000 to €1,120 per month.
The cost of eating out in Parma can vary, of course. You could grab a fairly cheap meal for around €17. If you're heading out for a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay between €50 and €100, depending on how fancy you go. A pint of beer will usually be around €5, but a good old Italian coffee stays low at about €2. A loaf of bread might cost you around €3. As for your monthly bills – things like electricity, heating, water, and internet – you're looking at roughly €200.
Parma: what to do
Once you've settled into Parma, you'll find there’s no shortage of things to keep you entertained. It’s a city that keeps giving, with plenty to explore.
- Wander the historic centre: just strolling through the charming streets and hidden piazzas is a delight in itself.
- Visit the Parma Cathedral and Battistero: these are absolute must-sees for their incredible architecture and frescoes. The pink marble Baptistery is particularly impressive.
- Explore the Palazzo della Pilotta: this grand complex houses the incredible wooden Teatro Farnese and the National Gallery, offering a serious dose of art and history.
- Relax in the Parco Ducale: a gorgeous urban park great for leisurely strolls, picnics, or just unwinding by the lake.
- Discover local markets: head to places like Piazza Ghiaia to browse and buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and cured meats.
- Take a cooking class: if you're keen to get hands-on, learning to make authentic Emilian cuisine is a brilliant way to immerse yourself and impress your mates back home.
- Enjoy aperitivo and dinner: embrace the local custom of enjoying a pre-dinner drink in a lively square, followed by a delicious meal in a traditional trattoria.
Best neighbourhoods and nice towns near Parma
Deciding exactly where to hang your hat in and around Parma is a big decision, and thankfully, you've got some lovely options. The city itself has various neighbourhoods, each with its own thing going on, and beyond that, the surrounding province offers pretty towns that might be the ideal fit.
Parma Centro Storico (historic centre)
Parma city centre is packed with awe-inspiring architecture, buzzing piazzas, and charming cobbled streets. Living here means soaking up the city's charm day and night, but do bear in mind that properties can be pricier, and parking might be a bit of a challenge due to the pedestrianised areas. It's great if you like urban living and don't mind a smaller living space in exchange for unbeatable convenience and beauty.
Oltretorrente
Just across the Parma River, this area has a more traditional, almost bohemian feel. You'll discover plenty of authentic trattorias and local shops, giving it a slightly more 'real' Italian vibe compared to the polished city centre.
Oltretorrente is quite popular with students, given its closeness to the university, and it provides a vibrant atmosphere, mixing old-school charm with more student-friendly spots. This part of the city is well-suited for anyone looking for a lively, less touristy experience with a strong local flavour.
Pablo
Moving a bit further out from the very centre, neighbourhoods like Pablo offer a more modern and residential feel. These areas tend to be quieter, with more green spaces and a greater sense of calm, which often appeals to families. You'll come across a good mix of apartments and houses, frequently offering more space than properties closer to the old town.
Pablo is well-serviced with supermarkets, local parks, and schools, providing all the necessities for comfortable daily life. While you might need to use public transport or a bike to reach the centre of Parma, it remains very well-connected.
Colorno
If you fancy escaping the city buzz entirely but still want easy access to Parma, then towns like Colorno are certainly worth a look. Situated about 15 kilometres north of Parma, Colorno is home to the magnificent Ducal Palace of Colorno, a historical landmark that brings many visitors to the area. The town itself offers a peaceful, small-town lifestyle.
You'll find local shops and traditional eateries, alongside a quieter environment. This place is great if you value natural beauty and a relaxed way of life, and don't mind a short commute into the city for work or amenities.
Langhirano
For anyone who really wants to dive into the region's culinary heritage, Langhirano is a name that will certainly resonate. Located roughly 20 kilometres south of Parma, this town is widely recognised as a key area for Prosciutto di Parma production. You’ll find numerous ham factories and a museum dedicated to the famous cured meat right here. It's also home to the impressive Torrechiara Castle.
Langhirano provides a very authentic, rural Italian lifestyle, surrounded by rolling hills that are great for cycling or walking. It’s a close-knit community with a strong focus on local traditions and, of course, incredible food. If you're looking for a picturesque town where delicious local produce is a part of everyday life, and a short drive to the city is fine, Langhirano could be a wonderful fit.
Which is nicer, Bologna or Parma?
Bologna is the region's capital, and you can certainly feel that. It's a much larger, more bustling city with a younger, more energetic feel, largely thanks to its ancient and renowned university, the oldest in Italy. If you're someone who thrives on a bit more hustle and bustle and prefers a city with a stronger international student presence, Bologna might just be your speed. From a financial perspective, Bologna does tend to be significantly pricier. In the city centre, rent was around €20.4 per m² in June 2025, and property prices averaged €4,485 per m².
Parma, on the other hand, is a more refined, elegant city with a lower price tag. It’s smaller, calmer, and arguably feels more 'boutique'. While it still boasts incredible food, its pace is noticeably slower. It feels very much like a well-kept secret, with beautiful parks, opera houses, and a strong emphasis on tradition and a high quality of daily life.
Moving to Parma as a foreigner
While Parma is not one of Italy's biggest expat hubs like Milan or Rome, you'll still find a welcoming community. Parma tends to attract those looking for a high quality of life, often related to work in its famous food industries, or simply those who appreciate a more authentic Italian experience away from the tourist hordes.
One of the biggest keys to settling in and truly integrating in Parma is, without a doubt, learning Italian. Having a grasp of Italian will make your daily life much smoother and help you connect with locals. Luckily, you'll find options for an Italian language school in Parma, including Central Language Institute and
Interlinguae, which are brilliant not just for learning the lingo but also for meeting other newcomers.
You'll discover a decent network through language schools, local cultural associations, and online groups where people share tips and organise meet-ups. Getting involved in local activities, whether it's a cooking class, a cycling group, or volunteering, is a brilliant way to meet people and embrace life in Parma. Locals are generally very friendly and appreciative of anyone making an effort to speak their language and understand their culture.