A new report from InternationalLiving.com highlights seven regions in Italy where expats can enjoy an authentic lifestyle, strong communities, and surprisingly affordable living costs.
“Italy delivers a variety of lifestyles at a cost that may surprise you,” says Jennifer Stevens, IL Executive Editor. “From vineyard-draped hills to relaxed coastal towns and mountain villages steeped in tradition, this is a country where you can live well on a modest budget, enjoy an excellent healthcare system, experience deep-rooted culture and history, and be part of a vibrant and welcoming community.”
The new report identifies seven regions—Puglia, Tuscany, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily, Umbria, and Liguria—as standout choices for retirees who want Italy’s culture and beauty without the high price tags often associated with the country.
Puglia
Puglia offers the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of more famous regions.
Known for its dry climate, whitewashed towns, and endless coastline, Puglia has become one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Cities like Lecce, dubbed the “Florence of the South,” and Ostuni offer charm and history.
Rental prices remain incredibly affordable, with options under $800 a month. Daily life is vibrant but not overwhelming—morning markets, piazzas filled with locals, rustic food, and deep red wines poured generously. Healthcare access in Brindisi and Bari, along with strong rail and highway links, makes Puglia both authentic and practical.
Tuscany
Tuscany still offers affordable pockets, especially if you move beyond Florence.
While Florence and Siena may be costly, areas like the inland province of Arezzo deliver Tuscany’s golden light, vineyards, and Renaissance heritage at far lower prices. Expats can find apartments for under $600 a month, or buy stone homes in the countryside for well under six figures.
Arezzo blends history and modern convenience with hospitals, rail connections, and a strong cultural life. The surrounding Casentino Valley is rich with forests, castles, and tight-knit communities. Food culture thrives with truffles, pecorino cheese, and olive oil, while village festivals and artisan traditions keep daily life colorful and authentic.
Le Marche
Often described as “Tuscany without the crowds,” Le Marche offers many of the same charms, winding hilltop villages, vineyards, and Renaissance towns at a more modest price point.
Towns like Urbino and Ascoli Piceno combine art, architecture, and serene community living.
The Adriatic coast adds sandy beaches and affordable seaside living. Places like Senigallia and San Benedetto del Tronto offer wide beaches, fresh seafood, and coastal homes within reach of modest budgets.
Public healthcare is reliable, and transport links between inland towns and the coast make life convenient.
Abruzzo
Abruzzo is one of Italy’s most visually striking regions, offering both snowy peaks and sandy beaches within a couple of hours’ drive.
Entire countryside homes can be found for under $50,000. A couple can live well on $1,800–$2,000 a month, and enjoy four true seasons without harsh extremes.
Sulmona and Lanciano provide cultural amenities and modern living, while hilltop towns like Rocca San Giovanni deliver tranquility and breathtaking views. National parks and mountains make Abruzzo a paradise for nature lovers, and infrastructure—from regional airports to hospitals—supports comfortable, year-round living.
Sicily
The cost of living here is among the lowest in Italy. Sicily combines stunning landscapes with affordability. Apartments in many towns rent for $500 or less, and produce, seafood, and wine are inexpensive and abundant. Cities like Catania, Siracusa, and Ragusa host thriving expat scenes.
Sicily has also gained attention for its “1-euro homes” programs. Even outside these programs, real estate is incredibly reasonable.
Healthcare in larger cities is accessible and often excellent. Sicilian culture is welcoming, and expats frequently report making fast friendships while enjoying the island’s mix of history, authenticity, and Mediterranean indulgence.
Umbria
Known as Italy’s “Green Heart,” the region is dotted with vineyards, lakes, and medieval villages.
Often overshadowed by Tuscany, Umbria delivers similar charm without the tourist crowds.
Towns such as Todi, Spoleto, and Orvieto offer history and art festivals alongside active expat communities. The region is also conveniently connected to Rome and Florence by train and highway.
Many retirees choose Umbria for its spiritual atmosphere and slower lifestyle. Farmhouses with land can still be found under €150,000. Seasonal festivals, open-air markets, and outdoor living are central to life here, making it an appealing option for those seeking authenticity and affordability.
Liguria
For retirees who dream of sea views and sun-drenched promenades, Liguria is a strong contender.
Stretching from the French border to Tuscany, Liguria includes towns like Imperia, Chiavari, and Lerici, affordable alternatives to the crowded Cinque Terre. Two-bedroom apartments can still be rented for under $1,000 a month, offering access to coastal promenades and Mediterranean dining.
What sets Liguria apart is its microclimate—winters are among the mildest in northern Italy, and summers rarely feel oppressively hot.
Healthcare is excellent in larger towns, public transport is strong, and food culture is celebrated with pesto, focaccia, and fresh anchovies.
Read the full article here: Best Places to Retire in Italy: 5 Top Regions for Affordable Dolce Vita
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