Looking for the best places to live in Italy? Here you will find your perfect place based on job opportunities and your lifestyle.

It has to be said that choosing where to live in Italy list is not as easy as you may think. Not because there is a lack of places to choose from, but instead, that there are far too many to be able to pick from.

There are relaxed and slow-paced spots that are perfect if you want to retire and enjoy a slower pace in your life. There are also parts of the country that are busy and packed full of amazing career and job opportunities.

PSS, a leading international removal company in the UK, recently conducted research to identify the most favoured location among UK residents relocating to Italy, utlising insights from their database. You may encounter some surprising outcomes as you delve into this research.

If you require assistance for moving your household belongings to Italy, contact us to start the process. Now, read below for the top 15 best places to live in Italy.

1. Rome – The most popular destination from those who have used PSS International Removals

For fans of a vibrant and busy city, Rome is the obvious choice. Rome is the capital of Italy and the largest city, it is not only a place that blends culture and history, but that also gives you plenty to see and do. Aside from the incredible sights, including the Colosseum and the Vatican, one of the best parts of living in Rome is the excellent food that are waiting for you to sample.

Whilst Rome is known for its history, it is also a modern city. It has a excellent healthcare system and there are all the resources and facilities that you may need in your everyday life. It is also a social city and you will not only find plenty of ways to spend your time, but you will also have plenty of friends to do this with.

Key information about living in Rome:

Population:	2,873,000
Average house price	€3,314 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Rome Ciampino (CIA)
Notable restaurants:	Tonnarello, Nerone, Cantina e Cucina
Local authority:	Roma Capitale
Nearest UK consulate:	United Kingdom Embassy in Rome
Tourist office:	Turismo Roma
Expat community:	InterNations Rome, Expats in Rome
Key attractions:	Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain

2. Milan – Perfect if you love your shopping

Fashion fans will often choose Milan as their go-to when they are moving to Italy. Twice a year during February and September, you will find their famous Milan Fashion Week in the heart of the city.

Not only is this the place to go if you consider yourself in style, but it is also a hive of business. Away from the high-end designer and boutique stores, you will also find plenty of career and business opportunities.

This means that Milan is a good place to move to if you currently work in finance, tech or even design and want to move up the career ladder.

Milan is also a huge draw for a wide range of celebrities, which, whilst is not a reason to move to a place alone, can be a wonderful addition to your time.

Key information about living in Milan:

Population:	1,352,000
Average house price:	€5,377 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Notable restaurants:	Ristorante Galleria, Salumaio di Montenapoleone, Ristorante Savini
Local authority:	Comune di Milano
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General Milan
Tourist office:	Yesmilano
Expat community:	Expats in Milano
Key attractions:	Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforzesco Castle

3. Florence – Rich artistic heritage

Artists may find that they can locate their kindred spirits by choosing Florence as their new Italian home. The city is well known for having a rich artistic heritage, perhaps inspired by just how beautiful it is as a location. Interestingly, from 1865 to 1871, the city was the capital of the Italy.

This ability to produce beautiful art is reflected in the many art galleries and museums that are spread all around the streets, allowing you to see some incredible masterpieces. Some of the famous activities include opera houses such as Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Theatre, or if you are looking to visit a museum, Uffizi Gallery is an excellent choice.

The vibe of Florence itself is relaxed, and many people who call it their home are going to enjoy a slightly slower pace to their everyday life, something that many of us could benefit from. It is worth nothing that Florence’s economy is based on tourism, manufacturing, education and financial services.

Key information about living in Florence:

Population:	382,258
Region	Tuscany
Average house price	€4,194 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Florence Airport, Peretola
Notable restaurants:	Lo Scudo Ristorante Firenze, Casa del Vin Santo, Osteria Nuvoli
Local authority:	City of Florence
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate in Rome
Tourist office:	Florence Tourism
Expat community:	Expats in Florence
Key attractions:	Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Boboli gardens

4. Turin – Great museums and entertainment

Turin is a great city to live in as a lot is going on, and most of it is accessible by walking, or by using a bike. It is big enough to have everything you need, without it being too crowded. It has fewer tourists, which means that things are more reasonably priced for what you get compared to other Italian cities.

If you decide to live in Turin, it’s worth visiting the famous Juventus FC or Torino FC, both based in the city. There are also great museums in the area including the Egyptian Museum, Palazzo Madam, and Mole Antonelliana. The Shroud of Turin is also worth visiting as it is purported as the burial garment of Jesus Christ.

Key information about living in Turin:

Population:	886,837
Average house price / rent:	€1,930 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Turin Airport (TRN)
Notable restaurants:	Bistrot Turin, La Taverna Dei Mercanti, Brün – Buona Pasta Fresca
Local authority:	City of Turin
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General Milan
Tourist office:	Turismo Torino e Provincia
Expat community:	Expatsinturin
Key attractions:	Museo Egizio, Mole Antonelliana, Juventus Stadium;

5. Naples – A city brimming with raw energy

Naples is a major city in Southern Italy brimming with raw energy, and unmistakable character that sets it apart from any other Italian destination. As you walk across the streets, you will find unique street art and graffiti across the city. You will almost certainly find an image of the iconic Diego Maradona dotted around the city at some point.

The food scene in Naples is legendary, known as the capital of Pizza, where you will find classic Neapolitan pizza as well as gelatos. Naples has a high unemployment rate, which means that unless you have a job lined up or you can learn Italian, it may be difficult to find a job in the area. The most popular job industries in Naples include tourism and agriculture.

Key information about living in Naples:

Population:	3,085,000
Average house price / rent:	€2,822 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Naples International Airport
Notable restaurants:	Osteria Tulia, Sails Restaurant, Alberto’s on Fifth
Local authority:	City of Naples
Nearest UK consulate:	United Kingdom Embassy in Rome
Tourist office:	Comune di Napoli
Expat community:	Naples Expats
Key attractions:	Pompeii, Herculaneum, Lungomare Caracciolo

6. Palermo – Hot subtropical climate

Palermo, a popular destination in Sicily, has a thriving expat community. The city has a very hot subtropical climate with very long, warm weather in the summer. Palermo is known to be one of the warmest cities in Europe with 2,530 hours of sunshine per year, perfect if you are looking to escape the cold weather.

Property price in Palermo varies, you can find very affordable properties or luxury depending on where you decide to live. Palermo is a great city to live in if you love culture, nature, and outdoor activities.

Key information about living in Palermo:

Population:	673,735
Region	Sicily
Average house price / rent:	€1,419 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Falcone–Borsellino Airport
Notable restaurants:	Giardini Del Massimo, MEC Restaurant, A’Cuncuma Restaurant
Local authority:	Palermo City Council
Nearest UK consulate:	United Kingdom Embassy in Rome
Tourist office:	Regional Tourism Agency Sicilia
Expat community:	ExpatsLivingInPalermo
Key attractions:	Cattedrale di Palermo, Norman Palace, Teatro Massimo

7. Tuscany – Beautiful landscape and vineyards

Fans of natural beauty, with picture-perfect countryside, always fall in love with Tuscany. This is a beautiful part of central Italy and it is famous not only for the beautiful landscape but also the vineyards that call it their home.

Many people fall in love with the strong sense of community that is found within Tuscany. People here are incredibly friendly and welcoming, even to those who are not from the country and are looking to make it their home.

Another thing that is a pro to choosing Tuscany, is that as a region, it has several famous cities, this includes Florence and Pisa. Allowing you to soak up some of the more touristy elements of Italian life.

Key information about living in Tuscany:

Population:	3,730,000
Average house price / rent:	€3,073 per square metre
Nearest international airport:	Pisa International Airport
Notable restaurants:	Ristorante La Torre, I’Tuscani 2, Ristorante Arnolfo
Local authority:	Regional Council of Tuscany
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General Milan
Tourist office:	Florence Tourism
Expat community:	Expats in Florence (and rest of Tuscany)
Key attractions:	Gallerie Degli Uffizi, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Michelangelo’s David

8. Abruzzo – Affordable place to live in

One of the only drawbacks that some people find about moving to Italy is that some of the cities and bigger surrounding towns are going to also draw in the tourists. Of course, this isn’t true for everyone and there are plenty of people who love the hustle and bustle that living in a city can bring.

However, for those who want to be able to enjoy a more authentic approach to Italian life, Abruzzo may be a much better choice.

Abruzzo is, above everything else, steeped in lots of history. Here you will find an assortment of ruins and castles, which means that you can soak up some of the past of the country. Not only this, but it is also an area that has lots of historic charm and beauty too.

Another key consideration in favour of Abruzzo is that it is a place that is reasonably affordable to live in. This is something that may be a big factor when it comes to choosing somewhere you want to live.

Key information about living in Abruzzo:

Population:	1.312,000
Average house price	€1312 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Abruzzo Airport
Notable restaurants:	Trattoria Antichi Sapori, Ristorante L’Angolo D’Abruzzo, Trattoria L’Angolo d’Abruzzo
Local authority:	Regional Council of Abruzzo
Nearest UK consulate:	British Embassy in Rome
Tourist office:	Abruzzo Tourist Information Center
Expat community:	Expats Living In Abruzzo AND MOLISE
Key attractions:	Grotte di Stiffe,Il Lago di Scanno, Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci

9. Bolzano – Bridge between Northern Europe and Southern Europe

If you like the idea of being able to embrace two different cultures and approaches to life, then you may want to think about Bolzano. Found in the Northern Italy, Bolzano is recognised as bringing together Italian and German culture, creating a unique combination.

Those who live in the town will tell you that the backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains is one of their favourite parts of living in the town, particularly if they are someone who loves to get outdoors and explore all of the amazing things that mother nature can bring them. It is also worth noting the city’s economy and thriving job market too.

Key information about living in Bolzano:

Population:	106,951
Average house price	€4,707 per square meter
Nearest international airport	Bolzano Airport
Notable restaurants	Batzen Hausl, Wirtshaus Vogele, Paulaner Stuben
Local authority:	Municipal Council of Bolzano
Nearest UK consulate:	British Embassy in Rome
Tourist office	Bolzano Bozen Tourist
Expat community:	Bolzano Expats
Key attractions:	South Tyrol, Museums of Archaeology, Mercantile Museum, Runkelstein Castle

10. Olbia – Charming area of natural beauty

Olbia is a charming area of natural beauty but is one that is well known for being an affordable place to live. This is particularly true when you compare it to other parts of the country.

As well as being able to save money, those who live in Olbia can enjoy ancient ruins and medieval castles. They can also explore rolling hills, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The most popular beaches in the city include Mare Roccee and Porto Istana.

Key information about living in Olbia:

Population:	59,035
Region	Sardinia
Average house price / rent:	€3,302 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Notable restaurants:	Ristorante La Lanterna Olbia Italy, Il Bistro’, Terranostra Trattoria Creativa Pizzeria
Local authority:	Olbia Municipal Council
Nearest UK consulate:	British Embassy in Rome
Tourist office:	Olbia Turismo
Expat community:	Sardinia Expats
Key attractions:	Porto Istana Beach, Spiaggia Pittulongu – La Playa, Museo Archeologico di Olbia

11. Padua – Great place to raise a family

Those that who want to raise a family in Italy will want to consider towns and cities that are well-known for being able to provide top-quality education. Something that Padua can boast.

Away from the lush green spaces, which are wonderful in their own right, Padua is also well-known for a wealth of academic achievements too. The University of Padua is not only able to draw in students from all around the world but it is also recognised as being one of the oldest Universities in the world too.

Key information about living in Padua:

Population:	209,829
Average house price / rent:	€2,097 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Venice Marco Polo Airport
Notable restaurants:	Nerodiseppia Bistro’ d’Autore, Gourmetteria, Ca’ Pelletti Inn of Romagna
Local authority:	Comune di Padova
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General Milan
Tourist office:	Padova Tourist Information Office
Expat community:	Padova Exapts
Key attractions:	Basilica of St. Anthony, Scrovegni Chapel, Prato della Valle

12. Sardinia – Stunning beaches

Sardinia is an island that is found on the Mediterranean Sea. Whilst many of the people on the island are on holiday, it is also a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy a relaxed pace and approach to life.  Away from the beaches that it is so well known for, Sardinia is also a natural beauty hotspot.

It has plenty of amazing places to explore and you won’t ever grow tired of seeing so many of these fantastic sights, even when they become part of your everyday routine. This includes the rugged cliffs, crystal clear waters, and a variety of natural parks too.

Those who live in Sardinia can expect not only access to a great quality healthcare system but also a low cost of living. This all comes together to make it one of the great places to live, work, and raise a family too.

Key information about living in Sardinia:

Population:	1,640,000
Average house price / rent:	€4,672 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG)
Notable restaurants:	S’ena Frisca, Andycoc e il Moro, Rifugio Gorropu
Local authority:	Regional Council of Sardinia
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General Milan
Tourist office:	Agenzia Regionale del Turismo
Expat community:	Sardinia Expats
Key attractions:	Su Nuraxi di Barumini, Poetto, Cala Goloritzé

13. Lake Como – Perfect combination of slow pace of life and luxury

If budget and cost of living are not too much of a concern to you, then you may want to think about adding Lake Como to your possible list of Italian places to live.

This part of the country is centred around the Lake, which is one of the deepest in the whole of Europe.  One of the most popular things about Lake Como is that it is picture-perfect, which means that it is appealing to tourists and those who are moving to Italy alike.

Another reason that Lake Como is chosen, is because it offers the ideal combination of a slower pace of life, along with the feeling of high-end luxury too. This is a partnership that is hard to beat. If you do decide to move to Lake Como, then you shouldn’t be surprised if you come across a celebrity neighbour, as many decide to relocate here.

Key information about living in Lake Como:

Population:	84,250
Region	Lombardo
Average house price / rent:	€2,717 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Notable restaurants:	L’antica Riva, Ristorante e Pizzeria Fontana D’Oro, The Fassushi Comoq
Local authority:	Como Province
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General Milan
Tourist office:	Visit Como
Expat community:	Lake Como Expats
Key attractions:	Villa del Balbianello, Villa Olmo, Centro Storico

14. Chianti – Stunning scenery and wine

You may recognise the name Chianti due to the very famous wine. Whilst this is a reason that many people choose to visit the area, you may not find this enough to live there.

That said, if you really enjoy a slower pace of life (often something that is seen in the wine-producing regions) then you may value life in Chianti.

Considering that you have plenty of time to yourself, you will be able to take in the stunning scenery that surrounds you. This, of course, includes the vineyards and rolling hills that so often surround them, but also the olive groves and forests that can also be found too.

History is another part of the area, with famous landmarks to enjoy as well as culture and heritage too.

Key information about living in Chianti:

Population:	13,222
Region	Tuscany
Average house price / rent:	€2,572 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Peretola Airport (FLR)
Notable restaurants:	Ristorante La Castellana, il ristoro di lamole, Ristorante Borgo Antico
Local authority:	Greve in Chianti
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General in Florence
Tourist office:	Visit Chianti
Expat community:	Expats living in Tuscany & Maremma
Key attractions:	Montalcino, Brolio Castle (Castello di Brolio), Castle of Meleto

15. Pisa – Popular for students

You may be foreign for thinking that the only reason to be in Pisa, is to see the leaning tower. Of course, this tourist attraction is a must-see if you are in the area, but it is not the only reason that you should consider moving to this hidden gem.

Pisa has lots of incredible reasons to call it your home, however, much like Padua, it is often most appealing to students. This is because it is a university town, home to the famous University of Pisa.

Here you will find a wealth of students who call it their home, which in turn, makes for a rich mix of cultures and plenty of social opportunities too.

It is worth noting, that despite being popular with students, Pisa is a city that is busy and packed with tourists, which can mean that it is more expensive to live here than other parts of Italy.

Key information about living in Pisa:

Population:	90,488
Region	Tuscany
Average house price	€2,538 per square meter
Nearest international airport:	Pisa (PSA) Airport
Notable restaurants:	Il Ristoro della Pe’, Ristorante La Buca, Il Peperoncino
Local authority:	Municipality of Pisa
Nearest UK consulate:	British Consulate General in Florence
Tourist office:	Pisa Tourist Information Office
Expat community:	Expats in Florence (and rest of Tuscany)
Key attractions:	Leaning Tower of Pisa, National Museum of San Matteo, Botanical Garden and Museum

Are you looking to move your household belongings to Italy from the UK?

Italy is a fantastic combination of of landscapes, cultures and of course, speed of life that will suit various lifestyles. If you are looking for other great reasons to move to Italy, it’s worth reading our previous article.

If you are looking for a busy and vibrant city in Italy, there are many great options. Rome is the most popular destinations from those who have used PSS Removals to move overseas, and for good reason. There are so many amazing sights and things to do in Rome including the Colosseum and Vatican, plus wonderful facilities to use in your everyday life.

Alternatively, if you are looking to be near the beaches, Sardinia and Olbia are great options. It is highly affordable and you will experience a relaxed pace to life. It may be worth exploring numerous parts of Italy to decide which region of this European gem will be your perfect home. Who knows, you may feel like a true Italian in no time at all!

If you need to ship your household belongings to Italy, PSS International Removals can assist you. With over 40 years experience in the industry, and an expert team, you will receive all the support and guidance you need to have a seamless moving experience.