Cost of Living in Italy 2026: Complete Student Budget Guide

Living Expenses in Italy| Overview

Living in Italy as a student can be highly exciting, given it offers a perfect blend of quality education, a high standard of living and affordability. From the highly urban and fast-paced living of Milan to the unique cultural and historical setting of Padua and Palermo, Italy has something for every individual. While the cost of living in Italy is generally considered affordable, it is location and lifestyle habits that play a major role in influencing the overall cost of living. 

The average cost of living in Italy is generally between €800 and €1,400 (INR 85.8K – INR 1.50L) per month, and it can go lower to €750–€1,100 (INR 80.5K – INR 1.18L) smaller cities. For a student, primary expenses in a student budget include:

• Housing & Rent Costs
• Food & Grocery Costs
• Transportation Costs
• Utilities & Internet Cost
• Healthcare & Insurance Costs 
• Personal & Other Expenses

Housing & Rent Costs in Italy

Housing rent is the largest monthly expense that students have to incur, which generally accounts for 40 to 50% of the monthly budget. Choosing to live in major cities can significantly influence the cost of living in Italy per month, given the high rents and maintenance costs.

Here is the clear picture of the average rent for different types of housing in Italy.

Food & Grocery Costs

The second largest contributor to the average cost of living in Italy is food and groceries, accounting for almost 25% of the budget. For students, the smartest choice to save on food expenses is to cook meals at home and go for occasional dining. Students can easily access superstores like Eurospin, Lidl, Aldi, and MD, which regularly offer the lowest prices across a range of daily essential products.

The average costs that students spend on food & groceries are:

Transportation Costs

The expenses for travelling and moving around Italy vary by city, with the majority of urban areas offering dependable public transport. With the help of student discounts on travel passes, students can travel for various purposes with ease.

The transportation expenses account for almost 10% for monthly budget of students.

Utilities & Internet Cost

Utilities and internet expenses are yet another crucial part of a student's monthly budget, accounting for almost 10 to 15% of overall expenses. These costs generally spike with seasonal shifts in Winter because of heating charges.

The estimated costs that students have to incur every month for Utilities & Internet are:

Healthcare & Insurance Costs

With a universal and largely free public National Health Service (SSN) with optional private insurance, students in Italy can access healthcare facilities with ease.

The cost of living in Italy for Indian students takes into account mandatory health coverage, and this can be subsidised by securing university sponsorships. 

Personal & Other Expenses

Italy is not only about college life and academics, but it also offers a vibrant life filled with cultural experiences, social activities and everyday comfort. This makes it essential for students to plan accordingly to avoid overspending. Moreover, with the help of student discounts and sponsored events, students can live their lives to the fullest.

A few of the personal & other expenses include:

City-Wise Cost of Living in Italy for Students 

The overall cost of living in Italy with rent varies greatly by city, with major towns being more expensive and smaller towns offering affordable living. Students can choose a living space that suits their monthly budget. Here is a table comparing various living costs in the top cities.

Money-Saving Tips for Students in Italy

Considering the various monthly expenses, it is evident that the cost of living in Italy is easily manageable. Here are a few expert tips to help you plan monthly expenses within budget.

• Cooking meals at home with occasional dining out and shopping for groceries from affordable superstores allows students to avoid overspending on food and manage the cost of living in Italy per month.
• In Italy, international students are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours a week, which can help them earn around €400–€800 (INR 42.9K – 85.8K), which is helpful in managing basic expenses.
• Leveraging student discounts on public transport monthly passes, cinema tickets, cultural attractions and sometimes on shopping markets will help lower living expenses in Italy for Indian students.
• Living in shared housing or dormitories is one of the smartest choices to manage the cost of living in Italy for students.

Final Thoughts

Summing up, Italy provides a perfect blend of world-class education, rich culture, and an affordable cost of living in Italy for Indian students compared to other major study abroad destinations. Although Italy’s big cities can be quite costly, students can cut down expenses by opting for smaller towns, shared accommodations, and a carefully planned budget. With world-class universities and an unparalleled lifestyle, the opportunity to study in Italy can prove to be both fruitful and budget-friendly with proper planning.

Are you planning to study in Italy? Get in touch with our study abroad consultants today and potentially save up to INR 5 lakhs on your overall study abroad expenses.

FAQs

1. Can international students work part-time in Italy, and how much can they earn?

In Italy, international students are allowed to work part-time 20 hours a week and full-time during the university's official break. Typical pay ranges from €7–€12 per hour, which allows students to earn roughly around €400–€800 monthly.

2. How much does it cost to live in Italy as a student per month?

For students, the average cost of living in Italy ranges from €800 to €1,400, including rent, food, transport and other personal expenses.  However, the important thing to consider is that smaller cities are cheaper and top hubs like Milan and Rome are costly.

3. Is Italy affordable compared to other European countries for students?

Yes, Italy is generally considered more affordable than countries like the UK or Switzerland because of its lower tuition fees, funded student services and comparatively moderate living costs that make it an attractive choice among international students.

4. Is student accommodation expensive in Italy?

The cost of housing varies widely, as dormitories typically cost €300–€600, while private rooms can cost €400–€800. However, the housing prices go even higher in top cities like Milan.

5. What are the cheapest cities in Italy for international students?

A few of the cheapest options for international students in Italy are Bari, Perugia, Padua and Palermo, offering lower expenses for rent, food and transport when compared to major hubs like Milan.