Life in Venice can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to be well-prepared. It’s one of the most unique cities in the world, built as a maze of canals, narrow streets, and small islands. Living along the Grand Canal means becoming part of a centuries-old history and being constantly surrounded by art and beauty. Whether you’re planning to move for work, study, or simply for a change of lifestyle, living in Venice will undoubtedly enrich you. This is everything you need to know, including pros and cons, costs and where to live.
How much does it cost to live in Venice?
The cost of living in Venice can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and needs. Generally, expenses are higher compared to other Italian cities due to its tourist popularity and unique geography. Accommodation, transport, food, and entertainment are the main areas of expenditure to consider.
Accommodation
Housing prices can fluctuate significantly. Living in Venice’s historic centre can be expensive, with rents for a studio apartment easily exceeding €1,000 per month. If you’re a student, renting a room might be a more affordable option, with an estimated monthly budget of around €700. However, there are more budget-friendly areas, such as Mestre or the smaller islands in the lagoon, where rents are more manageable.
Transport
Venice is a pedestrian city, and the only form of public transport is the vaporetto (water bus). A monthly pass costs around €37, or €25 for students. If you live outside the main island, you might also need to factor in ferry costs.
Food
Food costs depend on where you shop. Local markets like Rialto offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, while dining out in restaurants, especially in tourist areas, can be quite pricey.
Entertainment
Venice provides a wealth of cultural activities, many of which, such as museum visits or events, may involve an entry fee.
In summary, living in Venice can require a considerable budget, but with careful planning and a good understanding of the city, it’s possible to manage costs effectively and enjoy everything this remarkable city has to offer.
Price comparison: Venice, Verona, Florence
The price of each home varies depending on the neighbourhood and type of property chosen. In October 2024, the average sale price in Venice was €4,553 per square metre. As for rentals, the average price in the same period stood at €19.9 per square metre. To get a clearer idea of how much it costs to live in Venice, you can check the following links:
Given the proximity to Verona and the road connections between the two cities, you might wonder about the differences in the property market between the two capitals. You can explore the numbers and trends by clicking here:
As a point of reference, it might be helpful to compare property prices in Venice with those in Florence. You can explore the numbers and trends below:
Pros and cons of living in Venice
Deciding to settle in Venice involves weighing up a number of pros and cons. Among the advantages, Venice offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, with its rich history and captivating culture. The city is renowned for its canals, gondolas, and stunning palaces and churches. Additionally, the local cuisine is both delicious and varied, featuring a wide range of seafood dishes. Venice is also home to some of Italy’s most prestigious universities, making it a highly appealing place to study.
On the other hand, living in Venice can come with its challenges and disadvantages. The cost of living can be quite high, particularly in the historic centre. Furthermore, the city can become extremely crowded during the tourist season, making it difficult to get around.
Where to live in Venice
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood to live in Venice, much will depend on your needs and budget. Generally speaking, life in Venice is very peaceful, and there aren’t any particularly dangerous areas. You might start by considering properties in the historic centre, which is divided into sestieri, or on the mainland in Mestre.
Mestre
Outside the historic centre, many Venetians reside on the mainland, particularly in Mestre. These areas are more residential and generally offer a lower cost of living compared to the historic centre. Living in Mestre means benefiting from a well-connected train station and a range of shops and services. It’s an ideal location for those who want to live and work in Venice.
Sestriere Santa Croce
This area is at the heart of everything: it’s very easy to access public transport and other parts of the city. It’s likely one of the least touristy neighbourhoods, but no less beautiful for it.
Dorsoduro Sestriere
This neighbourhood is particularly popular among those studying in Venice, as it’s home to the city’s main universities. It also features stunning museums, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Lido di Venezia
You might also consider looking for a home on the Lido di Venezia, a strip of land separating the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. This area offers a mix of natural and architectural beauty, with sandy beaches, elegant villas, and the iconic Palazzo del Cinema, host of the Venice International Film Festival.
Surrounding Areas
For convenience and better connections with the Venetian mainland, you might also consider living in the Venice province. Popular towns include Jesolo and San Donà di Piave.
If you’re in need of short-term or holiday accommodation in Venice, here are some suggestions that might suit you:
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