Everyone knows Verona as the stage for Shakespeare's most famous love story, but there's so much more to the city than balconies. You’ll find its real heart in the gorgeous medieval streets and the incredible Roman Arena. That unique mix of ancient charm and lively modern life is what makes living in Verona so special, and having Lake Garda and the Valpolicella vineyards right on your doorstep is a massive plus.
Is Verona a good place to live?
The city manages to hold onto a relaxed, small-town feel despite being a significant commercial hub. It offers a high quality of life, combining a rich cultural scene with the practicalities of a city that works well.
Its location is a real draw. The main station, Verona Porta Nuova, connects you quickly to Milan, Venice and Bologna. The local economy is also solid, supported by major trade fairs like the famous Vinitaly and a strong logistics sector, which means there are real work opportunities.
Pros and cons of living in Verona
Life in Verona comes with plenty of high points, but it's also worth being aware of a couple of the city's quirks.
Some of the upsides of life in Verona include:
- A rich cultural life: the city is a living museum, with the magnificent Roman Arena hosting a world-famous summer opera festival. There is always a concert, market, or exhibition to explore.
- Superb location: you can be on the shores of Lake Garda in half an hour or exploring the Valpolicella vineyards just as quickly. The main station also provides fast connections to Milan, Venice, and Bologna.
- Exceptional food and wine: the region is famous for dishes like risotto all'Amarone and tortelli di zucca, and the local aperitivo culture is a beloved social ritual that’s easy to get used to.
A couple of things to consider:
- Summer tourist crowds: from June to August, the historic centre can feel completely overwhelmed with tourists, especially around hotspots like Juliet's Balcony and the Arena.
- The climate extremes: summers in Verona are typically hot and humid. On the other hand, the winters are known for a thick, damp fog, known locally as la nebbia, which can settle over the city for days at a time.
Best neighbourhoods in Verona
The Adige river gracefully curves through Verona, dividing the city into distinct districts. Exploring the neighbourhoods in Verona is key to finding the right fit, as they offer very different living experiences.
Centro Storico
Living in the historic centre means being surrounded by beauty, from ancient Roman gates to Renaissance squares. It’s incredibly convenient for enjoying the city's culture and social life, with endless cafés and shops on your doorstep. The trade-off is the high cost of property, the summer tourist crowds, and traffic restrictions that can make owning a car a bit of a headache.
Veronetta
Just across the river from the centre, Veronetta is the city’s university district and has a younger, more bohemian feel. It’s a lively area with independent shops, great value trattorie, and a relaxed nightlife, making it popular with students and creatives. It is more affordable than the centre, though some streets can be a bit noisy in the evenings.
Borgo Roma
Located south of the main train station, Borgo Roma is a large and practical part of the city. It’s home to the main city hospital and several university faculties, so it’s always busy with students and hospital staff. While it lacks the historical appeal of the centre, it offers more affordable housing, excellent amenities, and good transport links, making it a functional choice for budget-conscious residents.
Borgo Trento
North of the centre, Borgo Trento is one of the city's most sought-after residential areas, particularly for professionals and families. It’s an elegant and orderly neighbourhood with wide, tree-lined avenues, good local services, and a sense of calm that feels a world away from the tourist hubbub. It's well-connected and safe, but property prices here are among the highest in Verona.
Valdonega
Tucked away in the hills just behind Borgo Trento, Valdonega is a peaceful and prestigious residential area. It’s known for its green spaces, elegant villas, and quiet atmosphere, offering a more suburban feel while still being within walking distance of the city centre. This is a top choice for those seeking tranquillity and a bit more space, with a price tag to match its exclusivity.
Living in Verona as a student: a university town
Verona has been a university town for centuries, so it really knows how to welcome students. Its modern university has a huge range of degree courses, covering everything from science to the humanities, and there are lots of options for postgraduate study and other academic opportunities.
As an international student in Italy, in Verona, you'll find yourself surrounded by people from all over Italy and Europe, as the university is a big part of the Erasmus network. Settling in a neighbourhood close to the university faculties is a great way to meet other students and get to know the locals.
How much does it cost to live in Verona?
The cost of living in Verona is more manageable than in major hubs like Milan or Rome, but it sits a little higher than in many southern Italian cities. It strikes a good balance, offering a high quality of life without the eye-watering price tag.
When it comes to housing, the figures give a clear picture. As of August 2025, property prices in Verona averaged around €2,554 per m², while rent prices averaged about €12.5 per m². Therefore, you could expect to pay around €1,000 per month for a typical 80m² flat.
For daily expenses, eating out is quite reasonable. According to Numbeo, a main course at an inexpensive spot will set you back about €16, while a nice meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around €70. A glass of beer is typically €4. Getting around is also straightforward; a monthly pass for the local urban transport costs €43. When budgeting for bills, utility costs for a standard flat usually fall between €120 and €200 a month, depending on your habits and how much you use the air conditioning in summer.
The international community in Verona
One of the first things you will notice is that the international community in Verona is smaller and more spread out than you might find in Florence or Milan. While that might sound a bit daunting, it is actually one of its biggest strengths as it encourages you to dive into local life and
You will find expats in Verona from all walks of life, but many are drawn to the area for work in the wine industry, at one of the multinational companies nearby, or at the university. When you are looking to connect with other internationals, online groups are your best bet. Websites like InterNations and a few dedicated Facebook groups are active and great for asking for advice or just meeting up for an aperitivo.
Especially for anyone living in Verona as an American, making an effort with the language is the key to unlocking the city. While you can get by with English in the tourist spots, learning Italian will make everything from a trip to the market to making local friends so much more rewarding.
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