summary
- Italy offers affordable retirement options in beautiful regions such as Florence, Bologna and Turin.
- Although Milan is a bit more expensive, it is a vibrant city with a good quality of life and good healthcare.
- Puglia and Palermo offer a relaxing holiday, enjoying Mediterranean landscapes, beaches and delicious cuisine.
Italy is by far the most coveted retirement location in Europe, and many Americans dream of spending their golden years there. And that’s exactly what it is! Italy’s rolling vineyards, beautiful coastline, and soothing food and wine culture are just a few examples of why it’s a huge draw for tourists as well as retirees looking to live out their best years here. I don’t know. Italy is incredibly expensive to visit, but if you know where to look, it’s actually a surprisingly cheap place to retire.
Italy is the perfect choice for American retirees looking for a slower pace of life with rich scenery, culture, and a peaceful atmosphere. Destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and Venice may not be everyone’s cup of tea (and yes, they’re expensive), but there are plenty of regions within Italy that fit a retiree’s budget. These listed regions are 10 affordable and equally beautiful places to retire in Italy.
10 Best European Countries for US Retirees
In 2024, retiring abroad will become increasingly attractive to U.S. retirees, not to mention more affordable than retiring in the United States.
Ten milan
Monthly living expenses:$2,057
Duomo cathedral square, Milan, Milan metropolis, Italy
For those who aren’t ready to give up its energetic nightlife, vibrant urban lifestyle, and abundance of activities, Milan will feel right at home. This Italian city offers a high quality of life, quality healthcare, and an exciting atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. The cost of living is a little higher on this list, but it’s still worth considering for US citizens.
9 florence
Monthly living expenses:$1,620
View of Florence, Italy
Florence is often referred to as the heart of Tuscany. Its cultural flair, stunning surrounding landscape and luxurious architecture make Florence an attractive place to retire. Like Milan, it is still considered an expensive destination, but the cost of living is surprisingly low.
For retirees in the United States, Florence offers a little bit of everything. Retirees will have no problem finding an active lifestyle and activities around Florence. Florence is full of Tuscan flavor and history, but there are also plenty of places to spend a quiet afternoon in gardens, vineyards, and nearby hiking trails.
8 bologna
Monthly living expenses:$1,581
Bologna, Italy begins to light up in the evening
Bologna, the capital of Northern Italy’s Emilia Romania, is a beautiful and historic city with gorgeous cobblestone streets, must-try cuisine, and preserved city walls. Bologna is also considered the culinary capital of Italy and is definitely a hot spot for Italian food lovers. Retirees can spend their days strolling through the old streets, browsing local wine bars and tasting home-cooked dishes such as friggione and lasagna he bolognese. Retiring in Bologna promises a fulfilling and culturally rich experience for American retirees seeking a vibrant Italian lifestyle.
Travelers recently voted this Italian city the food capital of the world
Of course, you can enjoy your meal anywhere, but Bologna offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
7 Turin
Monthly living expenses:$1,359
Beautiful view of Turin, Italy
With its famous Palatine Gate and stunning Italian Alps, Turin is the perfect retirement getaway. Due to its proximity to the mountains, Turin offers a beautiful blend of exciting city life and outdoor activities. At less than $1,500 per month in Turin, the cost of living, medical care, transportation, and other ancillary activities are generally lower than in other major cities. Additionally, its location in northwestern Italy provides retirees with easy access to neighboring countries such as France and Switzerland.
6 Pisa
Monthly living expenses:$1,295
Pisa, Italy, night landscape with river
When you think of Pisa, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the famous Pisa Learning Tower. It’s certainly a world icon for this city, but there’s more to it than that: beauty, charm, and culture that make this destination the perfect place to retire. Located in Tuscany, retirees have easy access to numerous hilltop towns, vineyards, mountains, and nearby cities such as Lucca, Bologna, and Florence.
Five Pordenone
Monthly living expenses:$1,250
Municipal housing architecture in Pordenone, Italy
In 2020, this beautiful and homely Italian city took first place for the best quality of life, healthcare system, safety and overall environment. Since then, Pordenone has remained one of the best cities in Italy to live and retire. Pordenone is a lively city located in northeastern Italy, well known for its multiple festivals, stunning architecture, and beautiful surrounding landscape. Pordenone is also rated as her third greenest city in all of Italy. Pordenone’s nature and green spaces, combined with its low crime rate, affordable cost of living and proximity to neighboring countries, make it one of Italy’s most attractive retirement locations.
Four Puglia
Monthly living expenses:$1,182
Vieste, a beautiful coastal town perched on a rock in Puglia
Traveling south to Italy’s iconic boot-shaped ‘heel’, Puglia’s Mediterranean landscapes and rich coastline make it the perfect destination for a vibrant yet laid-back retirement getaway. Those looking for Italian sunshine and luxurious beach days without breaking the bank will find the perfect balance in Puglia. Whether it’s a villa by the sea or a country home among olive groves, Puglia offers the best of both worlds: low living costs, cultural attractions and a slower pace of life.
10 ways to travel in Italy on a backpacker budget
Are you on a budget? Experience Italy’s deep cultural heritage, captivating landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine with these easy tips and tricks.
3 Palermo
Monthly living expenses:$1,158
Cityscape of Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Palermo, the capital of the Italian island of Sicily, is the whole package for Americans looking to retire in Italy. Palermo is known for its outdoor activities, cultural facilities, year-round warm climate, safety, and affordable cost of living. Retirees will have access to Palermo’s beautiful beaches, mountain-top hiking trails, and colorful markets in the city center. Retirement life in Palermo is never boring. Plus, the island’s Sicilian cuisine is amazing, allowing retirees to live out their golden years in pure luxury.
2 Abruzzo
Monthly living expenses:$1,157
Abruzzo (Italy) Photos
This region is well known as the best place to retire cheaply in Italy in 2024. Abruzzo is a region east of Rome full of green hills, mountains, lakes and the most beautiful hilltop towns. There are very few tourists in this area, which keeps prices very affordable, especially for permanent residents. Retirees can enjoy a quiet and peaceful lifestyle here in Abruzzo, enjoying both the rich countryside and the emerald coastline.
1 Perugia
Monthly living expenses:$1,060
Todi, a medieval town in Perugia, Umbria, Italy
With an average cost of living of just over $1,000 per month, the most affordable retirement location in Italy is Perugia, located in central Umbria. Perugia is a lively and energetic city, and its lively atmosphere is thanks to the University of Perugia. The city’s numerous galleries, museums and festivals keep the locals busy year-round. But for American retirees looking for a quieter retirement, the region is full of hiking trails, scenic bike trails, and wineries where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery and sip Italy’s great wines. can.