Find out how much it costs to live in Italy with the Elective Residence Visa: real monthly expenses for the new residents in Tuscany, Puglia, and Lombardy.
Moving to Italy with the Elective Residence Visa is a dream for many retirees and people with passive income.
But what does it actually cost to live comfortably and legally in Italy in 2025?
In this guide, we break down the average monthly expenses and compare three popular regions: Tuscany, Puglia, and Lombardy.
Interested in Elective Residence Visa? Check the full requirements and process.
The Elective Residence Visa is designed for foreign nationals who can support themselves financially without working in Italy.
It’s ideal for retirees, investors, and individuals living off pensions, rentals, or investments.
👉 Main requirements:
Once issued, you can apply for the Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), renewable each year.
Here’s a realistic overview of monthly expenses for a couple living in Italy under the Elective Residence Visa:
In Tuscany:
In Puglia:
In Lombardy:
Tuscany remains one of the most beloved regions among foreign retirees, especially Americans and Northern Europeans.
It offers stunning scenery, excellent healthcare, and a relaxed pace of life.
👉 Best areas: Lucca, Arezzo, Pisa, Siena, and Florence (more expensive).
Pros:
Cons:
Puglia, in Southern Italy, has become one of the top destinations for those applying for the Elective Residence Visa.
It combines affordability with an exceptional lifestyle — turquoise seas, fresh food, and welcoming communities.
👉 Best towns: Lecce, Ostuni, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and the Valle d’Itria.
Pros:
Cons:
💡 A couple can live comfortably on €1,600–1,800 per month, enjoying the full Mediterranean lifestyle.
Lombardy, with Milan as its economic center, is Italy’s most expensive but also most efficient region.
It’s perfect for those who value comfort, private healthcare, and fast international connections.
👉 Alternatives to Milan: Bergamo, Como, Monza, Pavia.
Pros:
Cons:
💡 Expect to spend €2,800–3,200 per month to maintain a comfortable lifestyle here.
Residents under the Elective Residence Visa are not automatically covered by Italy’s public healthcare system (SSN).
You must obtain private health insurance valid for at least one year, covering hospitalizations and specialist visits.
Popular providers include Allianz, Generali, and AXA, with annual premiums ranging from €1,000 to €1,500 per person.
After one year of legal residence, it’s possible to voluntarily register with the SSN by paying an annual contribution based on your income (usually €1,000–€2,000 per year).
To apply for the visa, you must prove you have a stable home in Italy — either:
📌 Typical 2025 property prices:
Elective Residence Visa holders cannot work in Italy, but must declare their foreign income.
Thanks to Italy’s double taxation treaties, many avoid being taxed twice.
👉 Retirees transferring their pensions to Italy may qualify for a 7% flat tax if they move to small towns (under 20,000 residents) in Southern Italy.
This incentive is available for up to 10 years, making Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily particularly attractive.
Living in Italy with the Elective Residence Visa means choosing quality, culture, and peace of mind.
Monthly budgets vary widely by region:
In return, Italy gives you time, health, and authenticity — things no money can buy. 🇮🇹✨
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