If you’re planning a move to Italy but don’t fancy blowing your budget on big-city living in places like Rome or Milan, you’re not alone. More and more foreigners are on the lookout for the cheapest cities in Italy to live in—places that offer all the amenities, culture, and beauty you’d expect, but at a price that won’t break the bank.
Property prices in central Rome now stand at €7,641 per m², and it’s hard to find a two-bedroom flat for less than €1,300 a month. Milan’s historic centre is even pricier, with property at €10,565 per m² and rents starting at €35.5 per m²—meaning you won’t find anything decent for under a grand.
It’s no surprise, then, that so many people are eyeing up alternatives as a way to live comfortably in Italy. These affordable Italian cities balance a low cost of living with excellent local cuisine, colourful history, and the choice of either sea views or peaceful countryside just around the corner.
Bari, a lively capital by the sea
If you want to be by the sea without paying big city prices, living in Bari is a brilliant idea. This bustling capital of Puglia has the lot: easy connections, a relaxed pace, and all the essentials for daily life. You get the bonus of a picture-postcard historic centre, a true local food scene, and a lively seafront for evening strolls. Bari is also known for its busy universities and a calendar packed with festivals and events.
Best of all, living here is surprisingly affordable. A monthly public transport pass costs about €30, and you’ll usually pay no more than €4 for a beer in town. As of May 2025, property prices in Bari are around €1,972 per m². Rent averaged €12.2 per m², making an 80m² flat less than €1,000 a month.
Teramo, a budget-friendly university town
Head further north along the Adriatic and you’ll find Teramo, the second largest city in Abruzzo, but you’d hardly know it from the prices. Here, you’ll spot decent flats starting from around €35,000. As of May 2025, property prices in Teramo averaged just €1,004 per m², making it one of the cheapest cities to buy in central Italy. Expect to pay around €12 for an affordable meal, with utility bills for a typical flat rarely topping €200 per month.
You can walk or cycle pretty much everywhere, the streets are lined with green spaces, and there’s always something cultural going on. Being tucked between the sea and mountains means day-trips and weekends can be as laid-back or adventurous as you like. Teramo is also a favourite for students and anyone looking for an affordable slice of the Italian good life.
Caltanissetta, rents less than €5 per m2
If you’re keen to enjoy Sicily on a budget, Caltanissetta should be high on your list. Right in the island’s centre, this relaxed city offers one of the lowest costs of living in Italy. As of May 2025, property prices in Caltanissetta average just €684 per m². Rent is almost unbelievably low at €4.7 per m², meaning you can easily find a spacious two- or three-bedroom apartment for under €600 per month.
But there’s more to Caltanissetta than just a bargain price tag. The city is dotted with historic churches and small piazzas. And if you love your food, you’re in the right place. Markets are stacked with local produce, and there’s no shortage of proper Sicilian treats on the menu.
- Property for sale in Caltanissetta
- Long-term rentals in Caltanissetta
- Holiday rentals in Caltanissetta
Potenza, the city with the lowest inflation
The relaxed capital of Basilicata is surrounded by the hills and scenery of Lucania, a region with roots going back thousands of years. Life here is straightforward and affordable—property prices in Potenza averaged €1,181 per m² in May 2025, actually dropping slightly compared to last year. Renting is just as easy on your wallet, with rates around €6.1 per m². That means you can find a decent flat for roughly €500 a month, and even bigger four-bedroom places are up for grabs from just €650 per month.
Potenza’s cost of living is low enough that getting by on a €800 monthly budget is entirely possible, especially if you shop local and keep things simple. One of the city’s quieter perks is how easy it is to reach the rest of southern Italy. Whether you’re driving or hopping on a train, you’re well connected to towns, the countryside, and bigger cities.
Palermo, house auctions from €5K
This lively capital of southern Italy is famous for its mix of Arab, Norman, and Italian influences that shape everything from its architecture to its legendary street food. You get all the buzz and colour of big city life without the price tag you’d expect in such a well-known city. You can grab a cheap meal for about €10, a beer sets you back roughly €3.50, and a one-way bus ticket is just €1.40.
As of May 2025, the average price property in central Palermo is €1,871 per m², and rent averages €12.1 per m². There are also plenty of interesting finds on auction, with starting prices as low as €5,000 if you’re feeling adventurous. The excellent airport links you to the rest of Italy and beyond, while the rest of Sicily’s beaches and countryside are never more than a day out.
Pescara, Adriatic living made easy
It’s the largest city in Abruzzo, with a lively atmosphere, long sandy beaches, and a true seaside promenade where everyone comes out to stroll in the evenings. For anyone who loves the outdoors, you’ve got the sea for summer and the nearby Apennine mountains for hiking or skiing as soon as the weather changes.
Living here is refreshingly affordable for a place by the sea. As of May 2025, the average property price in Pescara is €1,885 per m². The best deals are found near the airport, and prices are a little higher in the city centre. Renting is easy on the wallet too, averaging €9.5 per m², so you’ll spot apartments from around €450 a month.
Catanzaro, Calabria’s affordable capital
Right in the heart of Calabria and just a short drive to both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts, Catanzaro offers a laid-back lifestyle with access to beaches, mountains, and a genuinely local Italian vibe.
When it comes to costs, Catanzaro is hard to beat. Property prices averaged just €967 per m², and you can even find flats starting from as little as €25,000. Renting is just as reasonable, with rates around €7.1 per m²—so a decent 80m² apartment will only set you back about €568 per month. Eating out is a treat for your wallet too: a good meal often comes in under €20, a beer costs roughly €5, and you can get your morning coffee for less than €1.50.
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