Nestled right down in the heel of Italy’s boot, Lecce is called the “Florence of the South”, known for its extravagant Baroque architecture and winding old town. With a population hovering around 95,000, Lecce is big enough to offer a bit of buzz, but small enough that you’ll quickly recognise familiar faces at your favourite pasticceria. The town is just a breezy drive from some of Puglia’s best beaches, so you’re never far from the sea.
If you’re after a slice of Italian life that’s as sunny as it is unpretentious, living in Lecce may be the place.
Is Lecce a nice place to live?
Arguably one of Italy's most underrated cities, Lecce is best described as laid-back but lively, a place where community and local ties mean a lot. The city centre has a lived-in feel—pavement cafés, independent bookshops, and little groceries tucked down nearly every alley.
For green spaces, the compact size of Lecce means you can reach the city’s main parks, like Villa Comunale, on foot or by bike. Many locals use the surrounding countryside for cycling or weekend walks among olive groves. Lecce’s historic sights are hard to miss: ornate facades like the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Roman amphitheatre anchor a town that’s proud of its heritage.
As for the social and food scene, Lecce impresses without any fuss. Evenings centre around the piazzas, where everyone from students to retirees gathers for aperitivi and conversation spills over onto café terraces. Festival season is a real highlight, from religious processions to open-air concerts in the balmy piazzas. The local cuisine is hearty and satisfying—think rustico leccese (a hot, filled pastry), fresh orecchiette pasta, and the best gelato south of Rome.
Pros and cons of living in Lecce
Life in Lecce is full of charm, but as with anywhere, there are a few aspects that might take some adjusting. If you’re thinking about settling in, these are some of the main advantages and challenges to expect.
Some of the pros of living in Lecce include:
- The cost of living is noticeably lower than in bigger Italian cities, so your money tends to go a bit further.
- You’re surrounded by remarkable Baroque architecture and just a short drive from some of Puglia’s most stunning beaches.
- There’s a strong sense of community and local hospitality—people genuinely make time for each other.
A couple of the cons to weigh up:
- Job prospects can be fairly limited, especially if you don’t speak Italian or work remotely.
- Life here moves at a slower pace, which can feel a bit too quiet for anyone used to a bustling city or lively nightlife.
Is Lecce expensive?
If you’re weighing up the cost of living in Lecce, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised, especially if you’re coming from one of Italy’s major cities. As of May 2025, property prices in Lecce were averaging around €1,414 per m². Rental costs were about €8.8 per m²—so you’re looking at roughly €704 a month for a typical 80m² flat. These are almost half the housing prices in Naples.
Day-to-day expenses also feel reasonable here. A meal out at an inexpensive restaurant tends to be around €15, while a beer in a bar costs around €4.50 and a coffee a mere €1.60. Utilities for an average flat hover around €150 per month, although this can vary widely depending on your lifestyle and property.
Local salaries, for context, are about €1,300 per month, which means many live pretty modestly, but you can get by comfortably if you’re earning remotely or bringing in income from elsewhere.
Best neighbourhoods in Lecce
When it comes to choosing where to settle in Lecce, a handful of neighbourhoods tend to stand out among expats for their character, convenience, and approachability.
Centro Storico (Historic Centre)
The beating heart of Lecce, the Centro Storico puts you right among the city’s famous Baroque facades, winding lanes, and buzzing piazzas. If you enjoy having everything on your doorstep—cafés, historic sights and a steady flow of festivals—this is the place. Apartments here are often in renovated period buildings, full of character, if sometimes a bit quirky in layout. The area can get busy with visitors, but locals say you’ll never feel isolated, and there’s a steady mix of students, professionals, and international newcomers.
San Pio
Often favoured by young people and academics thanks to its proximity to the university, San Pio strikes a good balance between local neighbourhood life and international energy. You’ll find affordable flats, lively bars, and plenty of cheap eats, along with access to green spaces like Parco di Belloluogo. The area’s got a relaxed, everyday vibe, with local bakeries, newsagents, and markets within easy reach. It’s a short stroll from the old town, so you’re close to the action but just far enough to avoid the crowds.
Mazzini
This modern neighbourhood is where Lecce feels at its most cosmopolitan. Centred around Piazza Mazzini, it’s the city’s shopping and business district, with wide boulevards, well-kept apartment blocks, and plenty of boutiques and coffee bars. Mazzini appeals to expats who want a slightly more urban vibe while still being within walking distance of the historic sites. It’s well-connected for public transport, quiet in the evenings, and home to many professionals and families.
Rudiae
Rudiae sits just west of the city centre. It is best known for offering a more laid-back, residential atmosphere while still keeping you within easy reach of Lecce’s main attractions. The area is steeped in history, named after the ancient Messapian city, whose archaeological park lies nearby. You’ll find a mix of older houses, modern flats, and family-run shops, with plenty of locals and a growing number of expats appreciating the quieter vibe. Green spaces are easy to come by, and local bakeries and produce markets give the neighbourhood a homely, neighbourly feeling.
Expats living in Lecce
Lecce might not have the sheer numbers of expats you’ll find in places like Rome or Florence, but that’s part of its appeal. The community here is small but welcoming, with a steady flow of newcomers drawn by the town’s easy pace, affordability, and sunshine. You’ll quickly notice that while tourism picks up in summer, the expat crowd tends to stick around year-round.
Integration is very much about embracing local life. Take Italian lessons or join informal language exchanges. Mastering the art of shopping at the weekly markets and getting familiar with daily rituals like the evening stroll (passeggiata) will also help you blend in.
You won’t find many international schools or big-name expat services, but there is a strong informal support network. Expats swap tips and share advice through forums like Expat.com’s Lecce board, local Facebook groups, and WhatsApp chats. Enrolling in cooking classes or even taking up a sport at one of Lecce’s local clubs are all great ways to get involved.
Working remotely from Lecce is increasingly popular, with plenty of cafés and some well-rated coworking spaces dotted around Mazzini and the historic centre. Volunteering at community events or cultural festivals is another route into local life.