There are several cities in Italy that offer all services and amenities at an affordable cost. As well as offering a low cost of living, these places boast natural beauty, centuries-old culture and excellent cuisine. Not forgetting the proximity to the clean sea or quiet places in the hinterland. If you are looking for your next home, then discover the 6 cheapest cities in Italy to live in.
Bari, a lively capital by the sea
You could start in Bari, the capital and pearl of Puglia. This well-connected city offers a perfect balance of amenities, quality of life and affordability, making it an ideal option for those wishing to live close to the sea at an affordable price. Bari is known for its well-preserved historic centre, charming seafront promenade and for hosting internationally renowned institutions and universities.
The average price of houses for sale in Bari tends to be lower than in larger Italian cities. The same argument can also be extended to the average cost of rents. These circumstances make the centre on the Adriatic an excellent choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality of life. Here you will find a vibrant cultural scene, numerous events throughout the year and beautiful surroundings.
Teramo, an economic university town
Going further north on the Adriatic is Teramo. This city, despite being the second largest in Abruzzo, is characterised by a rather low average price of houses for sale. Equally cheap are rents in the province of Teramo. The beauty of Teramo lies in its being a city on a human scale, where everything is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle.
Teramo offers a high quality of life, thanks to the presence of numerous green areas and its cultural offerings. But also thanks to the simultaneous proximity of sea and mountains. Finally, the capital is also a university town, a circumstance that attracts many university students to the city every year.
Caltanissetta, rents less than 5 euro per m2
Moving towards the sunny Sicilian land, Caltanissetta could be the right city to live in Italy on a budget. Located in the heart of the region, it offers a lower cost of living than many other Italian cities of the same size.
The city is rich in historical monuments and ancient churches, while the surroundings offer breathtaking landscapes and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Moreover, thanks to the first-class products from the surrounding area, the cuisine in Caltanissetta is a plus. The Sicilian capital could also be one of the places to live on €600 per month. In fact, here, the average price of houses for sale is €724/m2, while the average price for rent is €4.9/m2.
Ancona, the centre of the Adriatic
Ancona, the capital of the Marche region just a stone's throw from the Conero Park, is known for its natural beauty, enchanting beaches and places with ancient history. But it is not only nature that makes Ancona attractive. The city also offers a wide range of services, including high-quality schools, hospitals, restaurants and shops. And all this at a much lower cost than in large Italian cities. Suffice it to say that the average price of both houses for sale and houses for rent is very feasible.
Another point in Ancona's favour is its geographical location. Located in the centre of the Adriatic coast, it is well connected to both the north and south of Italy. This makes it an ideal location for those who need to travel frequently by train or plane.
Potenza, the city with the lowest inflation
Among the cheapest places in Italy is the city of Potenza. The capital of Basilicata, it is known for its tranquillity and beautiful, authentic surroundings. Lucania has been inhabited for thousands of years and Potenza has always played a central role.
The average cost of rent is quite reasonable, so that if you are looking for a city to live in with 700 euros per month, you might find some offers that suit you. Also very affordable is the average price of houses for sale. Another advantage of living in Potenza is its location. By car, it will be very easy to reach almost all surrounding towns and cities, and trains depart for the main Italian locations.
Palermo, the heart of Sicily
Palermo does not need much introduction: among the largest capital cities in southern Italy, it has often played a leading role over the centuries. Despite being one of the best known and most popular cities in Italy, Palermo offers a relatively low average price of houses for sale and rent, especially when compared to cities of similar size.
Here the culture is vibrant and the cuisine delicious. The city offers a unique mix of Arab, Norman and Italian influences that are reflected in its architecture, art and way of life. Moreover, its location offers easy access to the beautiful Sicilian locations, but also to the rest of Italy, thanks to a busy international airport.
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