Cost of Living in Italy: Tips for International Students
Cost of Living in Italy: The cost of living in Italy is much cheaper Than other European countries like Germany and the UK. International students typically spend around 800 Euros per month without rent and tuition fees. However, These costs may vary depending on the location and how you maintain your lifestyle. Universities in Italy provide on-campus housing for international students, but students can go for rented accommodation as well. If you live off-campus, your costs might go up by 500 to 800 euros, depending on how far you are from the city center. Rent for an apartment in the city center is about 700 EUR, but outside the city center, it is cheaper at 550 EUR. The cost of living in Italy also varies by city, with Rome and Milan being more expensive than Turin, Pisa and Catania.
Cost of living in Italy Highlights
Annual cost of living |
€4,000 - € 7000 |
Rent |
€200 - €600 per month |
Costliest Italian City |
Rome, Milan |
On-Campus housing |
€200 - €400 per month |
Food Cost |
€200 - €400 per month |
Other expenses |
€300 or above |
Low-cost Cities |
Turin, Pisa |
The table below shows the various expenses an international student can expect during their stay in Italy:
Living Expenditure |
Cost (Month) |
Monthly Travel Cost |
€40 |
Basic Utilities |
€180 - €200 |
Internet |
€25 |
Accommodation |
€600 - €1300 |
Clothing |
€100 |
Laundry |
€5 |
Cleaning (Hourly rate) |
€11 |
Entertainment |
€20 |
In Italy, groceries cost around 300 EUR per month for one person. Prices for bread, pasta, fruits, vegetables, and meat are usually reasonable. Shopping at local markets can be cheaper than supermarkets, and buying fruits and vegetables that are in season can save money. Overall, groceries in Italy are affordable.
Here are the lists of grocery items and their prices
Grocery Items |
Cost (EUR) |
Cost (INR) |
1 kg rice |
2 |
180 |
Lunchtime meal |
17 |
1,500 |
1 loaf of Bread |
1.30 |
115 |
1 dozen eggs |
3.75 |
330 |
1 kg cheese |
12.55 |
1,100 |
1-liter milk |
1.30 |
115 |
1 kg apple |
2.47 |
217 |
1 kg tomatoes |
2.45 |
216 |
1 kg potatoes |
1.58 |
140 |
1 kg meat |
15 |
1344 |
International students in Italy should plan to spend between 400 and 1,800 EUR every month for living expenses. This includes things like housing, food, and transportation. Living in Italy is great, but remember that Rome and Milan are more expensive than other places.
Here are the typical monthly living costs for students in different cities of Italy
City |
Accommodation |
Transport |
Food |
Rome |
700 - 1200 |
40 |
300 |
Milan |
750 - 1400 |
35 |
340 |
Bologna |
500 - 900 |
35 |
300 |
Florence |
600 - 1100 |
40 |
330 |
Genoa |
400 - 800 |
50 |
330 |
Italy has a good transportation system with buses, metros, and trains connecting different places. Here are some prices you might need to pay when using the transport system.
Expense Type |
Cost (EUR) |
Cost (INR) |
Bus Ticket (Day Pass) |
3-5 euros |
270 - 450 INR |
Monthly Bus Pass |
35 euros |
3,154 INR |
Taxi Booking |
5 euros |
450 INR |
Taxi Journey (1 K.m) |
1.50 euros |
135 INR |
Metro Daily passes |
7 euros |
630 INR |
Living costs in Italy can vary depending on the city and how you live. Here are some tips that can reduce your cost of living.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees at public universities in Italy are much lower compared to private ones. Students can choose universities wisely and explore available scholarships for international students offered by Italian universities.
Accommodation: The cost of housing varies based on location and whether students choose on-campus or off-campus living. Off-campus living is more expensive than on-campus. If you are living outside, go for shared accommodation or a dormitory instead of renting an apartment, which reduces your cost significantly.
Transportation Costs: To save on transportation costs, Students can utilize public transport like bus, train, or metro. Purchase monthly passes if available and consider walking or cycling for a short distance.
Food and Groceries: Cook your meal at home instead of eating outside. For groceries, you can shop at the local market and buy items in bulk, so that you will get more discounts.
Part-Time Work: Explore part-time jobs to supplement income while studying. By doing this, you can acquire practical experience, gain knowledge, and develop professional skills. The money you earn can help pay for school and living costs. Overall, part-time jobs help students learn and grow while they study.
Budgeting and Financial Planning: Create a monthly budget to plan how you spend your money. This helps you find where you can spend less. It's also a good idea to save some money for future emergencies.
By following these tips, students can significantly reduce their living costs while studying in Italy. In summary, studying abroad in Italy can be both enriching and budget-friendly.
In conclusion, the cost of living in Italy for international students ranges from 700 to 1,500 EUR per month, depending on the city. Rome and Milan are more expensive, while Bologna and Turin are cheaper. Students can save money by using public transportation, shopping at local markets, and getting student discounts. With good budgeting, students can enjoy living in Italy without spending too much.
1. Is Italy expensive to live in?
No, Italy is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe. The cost of living here is 35% lower as compared to other countries like the USA, the UK, Germany, and Australia.
2. How much is rent in Italy per month?
The rental price in Italy per month is between 800 to 1500 euros.
3. How much an Indian can earn in Italy?
An Indian can earn up to 15,000 to 50,000 euros per year depending upon the job role and the company where the applicant is working.
4. What is the average salary in Italy?
The average annual salary in Italy is about 43,900 euros per year.
5. Which job is highly paid in Italy?
Finance, engineering, technology, and medicine jobs are getting highly paid in Italy.