Relocating to Italy: Costs and Info
Here we’ll cover the key topics for your move, from costs, and how to ship your furniture, to moving with your pets. Keep reading!
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Italy?
The average cost to move to Italy from the US can vary between $3,000 to $15,000. The price may vary according to your needs, distance, seasonality, volume of your belongings, etc.
To give you a better understanding of this, we compiled the average costs by shipping container based on the size of your home:
| Bedroom size | Moving Cost |
| 1-Bedroom Home | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Home | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $6,000 – $9,000 |
| +4-Bedroom Home | $8,000 – $15,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
Expect around 4 to 6 weeks for your items to arrive. Shipping your items in a container can take longer, but it will be much more affordable.
Estimate The Volume of Your MoveMoving Household Goods to Italy
Moving your items to Italy needs careful planning. Keep in mind to:
- Choose the most convenient way of transport. If you need to move many belongings, by sea freight will be cheaper, though slower. For just a few things or if you’re in a hurry, you could ship it by plane – but expect higher costs.
- Hire movers specialized in international moves to Italy – find a reliable company offering all the services you may need.
- Check custom regulations – You won’t have to pay any taxes to import your personal effects, however, usually, you’ll need to provide an inventory list and your residency paperwork.
- Pack your belongings – make sure everything is protected and labelled. If you prefer, many movers also offer this extra service.
Related article
Learn about the factors that influence shipping costs.
Moving to Italy with a Dog
You must ensure your pets meet the European Union’s entry requirements. For a smooth transition for your furry friend, you must meet the following criteria:
- Own an animal health certificate or pet passport
- Must have been microchipped
- Up-to-date vaccine against rabies
International Moving Companies from USA to Italy
Check the following list with the top movers for international moves from USA to Italy:
7.1
32
Long Island City
5 ratings as Professional
5 ratings as "Professional"
Sirelo Top Mover
9.5
413
Naperville
33 ratings as Professional
33 ratings as "Professional"
7.4
25
Sunrise
1 ratings as Fast move
1 ratings as "Fast move"
9.1
163
Sherman Oaks
5 ratings as Good Communication
5 ratings as "Good Communication"
Visa Requirements When Migrating to Italy from the US
American citizens who plan to stay long-term in Italy for work or living purposes must apply for a visa:
Italian Visa for American Citizens
There are different options depending on your purpose:
- Tourist visa: For people planning to stay less than 90 days for tourism or business intentions.
- Student visa: For individuals who attend an Italian educational institution.
- Working visa: For those seeking employment or have a job offer from an Italian employer.
- Family visa: For family members of a non-EU citizen living/working in Italy and want to join their relative.
Can you live in Italy without citizenship? Yes, you can live without citizenship but will need to obtain a residency permit by working, studying or having family in Italy.
How to Get a Work Visa in Italy
To apply for a work visa, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Get a job offer from an Italian employer. They will apply for work authorization (Nulla Osta) at the local migration office.
- After the authorization is approved, you can apply for a working visa. Gather your valid passport, passport-sized photo, employment contract, evidence of financial stability, and any other documents they may require.
The process can take from 2 to 8 weeks. Find all the information to apply for the visa on the Directorate General for Italians Abroad and Migration Policies.
Within your first 8 days in Italy, you will need to apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), that will allow you to live and work in Italy for up to 2 years.
American Family Moving to Italy
If you’re relocating to Italy with your family, you must secure a job there and hold a work visa. Once this is in place, the rest of the family members can then apply for a Family Reasons Visa to move simultaneously. If the working member is already residing in Italy, the family can opt for a Family Reunification Visa instead.
Generally, the process involves:
- Valid passports
- Applying for authorization from the Italian Immigration Office called ‘Nulla Osta’
- Financial proof
- Proof of family relationship (marriage and birth certificates)
Read more about it about DoD Family Members on the U.S Embassy & Consulates in Italy official website.
Once the visas are settled, start exploring educational options for your children, particularly researching international schools that offer American curricula. Don’t forget to apply for the Italian public healthcare coverage as well.
Moving to Italy from the USA with EU spouse
As a US citizen with a European spouse, the immigration process is significantly simplified. EU citizens have the right to move and reside freely in any European country. This right is extended to any non-EU family members, including spouses. Therefore, you can move to Italy without needing to apply for a visa. However, you will need to apply for the residence permit and present certain documentation.
Living in Italy
With a rich culture and gastronomy, sunny weather, and the slow-paced lifestyle that characterizes Italians, the country is an attractive place for many Americans. Even though all sounds amazing, understanding the practical aspects of living there is also important:
Cost of Living in Italy vs the US
The living expenses in Italy are around 30% cheaper than in the US. Combining costs, a single person would need around €1,500 ($1620) to live comfortably.
Let’s break down the typical daily costs of living in Italy and how they compare to those in the United States:
| Item | Cost in Italy | Cost in United States |
| Restaurant Meal | $31 | $35 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.30 | $3.40 |
| Milk (1L) | $1.40 | $1.00 |
| Public Transport Ticket | $1.60 | $2.30 |
| Monthly Utilities | $200 | $190 |
| Rent (1-bedroom) | $750 | $1,630 |
Source: Numbeo
Average Monthly Costs by City
| Item | Average Cost (Single person) | Average Living Cost (Family) |
| Rome | $850 | $2,930 |
| Milan | $1000 | $3,520 |
| Palermo, Sicily | $790 | $2,720 |
| Florence | $930 | $3,270 |
| Calabria | $600 | $2,000 |
Source: Numbeo
Living in Italy as an American
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Adapting to the Italian way of living as an American requires understanding how to live there. While change can feel overwhelming, these insights on life in Italy can help ease the transition:
- Food is a significant part of the culture, where meals often become the centre of social gatherings. Italians typically enjoy long meals with multiple courses.
- Spending quality time with friends and family is important.
- Italians have a slower pace of life than Americans.
- Work-life balance is valued, with ample time given to vacations and time off, allowing individuals to enjoy life beyond work.
To begin with, you can start by embracing the Italian lifestyle, joining local events to start networking, or even getting involved in expat communities to find support from people in the same position as you.
Housing and Living Conditions In Italy
Housing in Italy can notably vary depending on the area. If you plan to rent an apartment in major cities, it can be expensive, ranging from €1,000 to €1,800 for a three-bedroom apartment. In smaller cities or in the countryside they can cost €500 to €900.
Italians embrace an outdoorsy lifestyle, so many homes offer access to terraces or balconies, creating spaces to relax or simply eat.
Can Americans buy a property in Italy?
Yes, there are no restrictions for US citizens to buy a property in Italy. You will need to follow the same process as an Italian citizen would do: find a property, make an offer, sign a preliminary contract and make the final purchase.
Make sure to understand and read all the legal frameworks this requires. We highly recommend consulting with a real estate agent familiar with the local purchasing process.
Pros and Cons of Living in Italy
If you’re still not sure if you should move to Italy, looking into these advantages and disadvantages may help you decide:
Pros
Renowned and delicious cuisine
Universal Health coverage
Work-life balance
Rich culture and history
Cons
Language barrier
High unemployment rates in certain areas
Competitive job market
Bureaucracy can be complex
Best Place to Live in Italy
Whether you’re looking for quietness or a vibrant urban environment, Italy offers a wide range of areas.
- Milan: Italy’s fashion capital, it has a bustling economy. It has many job opportunities, especially in the fashion and design industries. While it has a vibrant atmosphere, living costs can be high and has a fast-paced lifestyle that may not appeal to everyone.
- Florence: Known for its art, architecture and history, is the main culture hub. Many educational opportunities can be found, as well as a big expat community. As a touristy city, it can be more expensive.
- Tuscany: For those looking for a picturesque lifestyle between vineyards and historic towns. The quality of life is excellent, though job opportunities can be more limited here.
- Bologna: With a student community and a rich cuisine, Bologna is one of the most livable cities in Italy. There may be fewer job opportunities, but it is cheaper than other major cities.
What are the safest places to live in Italy? Bologna, Siena, Florence, Parma and Ravenna are known for their low crime rates.
How to Move to Italy from the US
- Apply for the appropriate visa that suits your needs (working, studying or family matters)
- Hire a moving company to help you ship your belongings. You may want to hire additional services such as packing, assembling/disassembling, or temporal storage.
- Register to the healthcare system. As an American living in Italy, you will have access to the country’s public health system.
- Set up an Italian bank account. To manage your salary, daily expenses and other, having a local account will be easier.
- In the case of children, research schools (private or public) and choose the one that aligns the most with your expectations.
Advice on moving to Italy: The process can involve some challenging considerations. Researching visas and legal requirements to relocate will be the first thing. Once that’s checked, start planning and researching on job opportunities, housing, living costs and climate.
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