Cost of Living in Italy with the Elective Residence Visa: 2026 Guide

Introduction

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 2026?

In this guide, we break down the average monthly expenses and compare three popular regions: Tuscany, Puglia, and Lombardy.

What Is the Elective Residence Visa?

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:

• Minimum annual income: around €31,000 for one person (more if applying with a spouse or dependents).
• Proof of long-term accommodation (rental contract or property ownership).
• Private health insurance valid in Italy.

Once issued, you can apply for the Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), renewable each year.

If you want a full overview of requirements, timelines, and professional support, you can see our Elective Residence Visa service here.

Average Monthly Expenses in Italy (2026)

Here’s a realistic overview of monthly expenses for a couple living in Italy under the Elective Residence Visa:

In Tuscany:

• Rent: between €900 and €1,200.
• Utilities: around €200.
• Groceries: about €450.
• Dining out and leisure: around €300.
• Private healthcare: €120.
• Transportation and taxes: about €250.
  👉 Total: approximately €2,000–2,500 per month.

In Puglia:

• Rent: between €600 and €800.
• Utilities: €150–180.
• Groceries: €400.
• Social life and restaurants: €250.
• Private healthcare: €120.
• Transportation and taxes: €200.
  👉 Total: around €1,400–1,900 per month.

In Lombardy:

• Rent: €1,200–1,800.
• Utilities: €200–250.
• Groceries: €500.
• Dining out and entertainment: €450.
• Private healthcare: €150.
• Transportation and taxes: €300.
  👉 Total: about €2,500–3,400 per month.

Tuscany: Balanced Lifestyle and Timeless Charm

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:

• High quality of life
• Excellent balance between city and countryside
• Reliable healthcare system

Cons:

• Higher cost of living in tourist areas
• Competitive housing market

Puglia: Best Value for Money

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:

• Very low cost of living
• Mild climate all year
• Affordable housing and rentals

Cons:

• Public healthcare can be slower in some areas
• Limited public transport in rural zones

💡 A couple can live comfortably on €1,600–1,800 per month, enjoying the full Mediterranean lifestyle.

Lombardy: Premium Comfort and Top Services

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:

• One of Italy’s best healthcare systems
• Excellent transport and infrastructure
• Vibrant cultural life

Cons:

• High rents and utility bills
• Faster, more business-oriented pace of life

💡 Expect to spend €2,800–3,200 per month to maintain a comfortable lifestyle here.

Healthcare and Insurance

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).

Renting or Buying Property

To apply for the visa, you must prove that you have a stable home in Italy. This can be either a registered long-term or transitional rental contract, or a property purchase deed in your name.

Typical property prices by region:

• Puglia: from around €100,000 for inland properties, and approximately €200,000–300,000 along the coast.
• Tuscany: renovated countryside homes typically range between €250,000 and €400,000.
• Lombardy: even mid-range apartments generally start from €300,000 and increase quickly in major cities.

Many Elective Residence Visa applications are rejected due to incorrect housing documentation or informal rental arrangements.
We cover the most frequent Elective Residence Visa rejection reasons in this detailed guide.

Taxes and Fiscal Advantages

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.

Final Thoughts

Living in Italy with the Elective Residence Visa means choosing quality, culture, and peace of mind.
Monthly budgets vary widely by region:

• In Puglia, you can live well on less than €2,000/month.
• In Tuscany, plan around €2,500/month.
• In Lombardy, expect at least €3,000/month for similar comfort.

In return, Italy gives you time, health, and authenticity — things no money can buy. 🇮🇹✨