Cost of Living in Italy for Indian & International Students

Home to the Vatican, Italy is a historically and culturally rich country. Located in Southern Europe, it is known for its 3,000 years of history, food, coffee, art, and style. 

Students dreaming of study abroad opportunities in Italy will be interested to know that it is the 8th most affordable country to live in Europe. Moreover, there is an abundance of things to do culturally, historically, and activity-wise. 

Students might question what the minimum cost of living in Italy is. The approximate cost of living in Italy for a family is 2,709.18 EUR per month, excluding rent. The cost of living in Italy for Indians or international students staying alone is around 768.63 EUR per month, not including rent and tuition fees. However, these costs will vary depending on the city you choose to study in Italy. 

This article helps students understand more about the cost of living in Italy for international students.

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Cost of Living in Italy for International Students (in 2024)

Here is a quick rundown of the expenses that international students can expect. 

Student Cities in Italy	Average Cost of Living in Italy Per Month (EUR)
Rome	€1450
Bologna	€750-1100
Milano	€850
Florence	€850-1300

Types of Cities

Italy is close to the Mediterranean Sea and has rural and metropolitan populations. It has approximately 71.35% urban population and 28.65% rural population. Automatically, this means that the country has metropolitan cities and small towns. It also has two islands, Sicily in the south and Sardinia in the west. 

This culturally and historically rich country is perfect for students to start their study abroad journey. Italy has small-town charms, modernity, sea breeze, and ancient architecture with rural, urban, and coastal cities. 

Some of the top rural and urban cities to live in Italy are as follows: 

Bologna 

Bologna is a small town and is famous for Bologna meat. It is the Ham capital of Italy. This small town is perfect for students who love food, as their universities have programs that offer cooking classes. One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Bologna, founded in 1808, is located here.

The approximate cost of living in Bologna is 600-700 EUR per month, excluding rent and tuition fees. 

Turin 

Turin is perfect for students wanting to explore economics, International Business, Political Science, Diplomacy, and communications programs. With several churches and ecclesiastical architecture, it is a culturally and historically rich place. Additionally, it is centrally located, making it easy for students to travel across Italy and Europe. 

The Average cost of living in Turin for a single student is 747.36 EUR per month without rent and tuition fees. It is one of the cities in Italy with a low cost of living.

Milan 

Milan is the financial capital of Italy and is the epitome of modernity. It is the second most populated city in Italy and is a student-friendly city. Being an urban center in Europe and home to the International Center for Finance and Business, Milan provides students with many opportunities. 

One of the fashion capitals of the modern world, Milan has been the pioneer in art, fashion, architecture, and industrial design for decades. 

The cost of living in Milan is approximately 950 EUR per month, not including the rent and tuition fees.

Rome 

Rome is the capital of Italy. The Vatican, Colosseum, and ancient Roman ruins are located here. Students can rest assured that they will get the whole historical experience while they study in Rome. They will have access to high-level universities and an excellent public transportation system. 

To live in Rome, students will pay approximately 813.66 EUR per month, excluding rent and tuition fees. 

Study in Italy: Study in Italy | Universities in Italy 

Popular Universities in Italy 

Italy houses over 90 universities offering more than 476 study programs. Italian universities are some of the oldest and have a formal teaching style. 

Of these universities, 58 are state universities, 17 are non-state universities, 4 are polytechnical schools, 6 are postgraduate university study schools, 6 are distance learning universities, and 2 are universities for foreigners to learn Italian. 

Some of the top universities, according to the QS Top Universities World Ranking 2024, are as follows:

1. Politecnico di Milano
2. Alma Mater Studiorum- University of Bologna 
3. Sapienza University of Rome 
4. Università Di Padova 
5. University of Milan 
6. Politecnico Di Torino 
7. University of Pisa 
8. University of Naples 
9. Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele 
10. University of Trento 

Cost of Attending Universities in Itlay – Program-Wise 

The tuition and cost of studying in Italy are much lower than in other European countries. Additionally, they offer the highest quality education and are academically reputed. 

The average tuition fees for undergraduate courses, according to the QS Top Universities article, by the type of university, are below:

Public Universities – 

They cost between 900-4000- EUR per year 

Private Universities – 

They cost between 6000- 20000 EUR per year

Some universities, like the University of Bologna, allow students who apply to calculate their tuition fees based on their household incomes. The minimum required fee is 158 EUR per year, and the maximum tuition ranges from 2200- 6100 EUR per year, depending on the degree or program.

The average cost of studying in Italy for a postgraduate degree is as follows: 

• Public Universities – 

Studying for a postgraduate in public universities costs 800-1000 EUR per year 

• Private Universities – 

Studying for postgraduate studies at private universities costs 6000-20000 EUR per year. 

Rent Incurred while Living in Italy 

Students can generally find affordable accommodations at their university’s international offices. Additionally, students outside the EU have access to housing guarantees from their institutions. 

Typically, student housing options in Italian cities range from 300-600 EUR per month, depending on the location and size. Following are some of the approximate rents per month:

One-bedroom apartment in the city center – 

Approximately 671.78 EUR per month 

One-bedroom apartment outside the city center –

 Approximately 518.30 per month 

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Cost of Food in Italy

Apart from knowing the rent expenses, it is paramount to know the food expenses that will be incurred. 

Item	Average Cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	€1.46
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	€2.00
Rice (white), (1kg)	€2.60
Eggs (regular) (12)	€3.44
Local Cheese (1kg)	€13.10
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	€10.64
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	€17.09
Onion (1kg)	€1.45

Source: Numbeo

Cost of Utilities 

The utilities in Italy include electricity, gas, water, TV, building fees, waste tax, and internet. Suppose you rent from a private landlord. Some utilities may not be included in the rent, and one must pay them separately. 

Typically, for an 85-square meter apartment, the following are the costs one might incur: 

• Electricity, gas, water, garbage, heating, and cooling would cost approximately 100-150 EUR per month.
• The Internet would cost approximately 20-30 EUR per month. 

Cost of Books 

Italian universities offer affordable tuition fees. However, students must spend extra to ensure they have their course materials and textbooks. On average, students can expect to pay 70-80 EUR per month for books and other study materials. 

Cost of Transportation

Most Italian cities have a solid public transportation network with buses and metros. The cities lacking public transportation are small, and students can walk or bike to their desired destinations. 

Besides, students can apply for a public transport pass in Italian cities. This pass generally costs 25-45 EUR per month. 

Italy is a mecca for food lovers. Hence, students will likely spend an average of 60 EUR per week on grocery shopping and approximately 17.5 EUR when they dine out. Students might also pay about 8 EUR for a cinema ticket. 

Students might also incur costs on visiting various museums and monuments. However, they can use the International Student Identity Card to get discounts. 

Tips to Reduce Overall Living Cost in Italy for International Students

Living costs in Italy can vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but here are some general tips to help international students reduce their expenses:

• Accommodation:
  • Opt for shared accommodation or student dormitories instead of renting a private apartment.
  • Look for housing options in less expensive neighborhoods or suburbs rather than city centers.
  • Consider becoming a resident assistant in student housing for reduced or free accommodation.
• Transportation:
  • Utilize public transportation such as buses, trams, and trains, often offering students discounted fares.
  • Purchase monthly or yearly transportation passes for additional savings.
  • Consider walking or cycling for short distances to save on transportation costs.
• Food and Groceries:
  • Cook meals at home instead of eating out frequently.
  • Shop at local markets or discount supermarkets for affordable groceries.
  • Take advantage of student discounts at grocery stores and restaurants.
  • Plan meals and buy items in bulk to save money.
• Utilities:
  • Choose accommodation with utilities included in the rent to avoid extra expenses.
  • Conserve energy by turning off lights, unplugging electronics, and using energy-efficient appliances.
• Entertainment and Leisure:
  • Take advantage of student discounts for cultural events, museums, and entertainment venues.
  • Explore free or low-cost recreational activities such as hiking, picnics, and visiting public parks.
  • Join student clubs or organizations that offer affordable social events and activities.
• Textbooks and Study Materials:
  • Purchase second-hand textbooks or look for digital versions to save on costs.
  • Borrow textbooks from the university library whenever possible.
  • Share textbooks with classmates or form study groups to split the costs.
• Healthcare:
  • Enroll in the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), which provides healthcare coverage at reduced costs, if eligible.
  • Consider purchasing private health insurance with coverage tailored to students' needs and budgets.
• Part-Time Work:
  • Explore part-time job opportunities on or off-campus to supplement income.
  • Check with the university's career services or student employment office for job listings and resources.
• Budgeting and Financial Planning:
  • Create a monthly budget to track expenses and identify areas where costs can be reduced.
  • Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to manage finances effectively.
  • Set aside savings for emergencies and unexpected expenses.

By implementing these tips, international students can effectively reduce their overall living costs while studying in Italy. In a nutshell, a study abroad program in Italy can be an enriching and affordable experience. 

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