While rankings vary, Trento, Bolzano, and Mantua (Mantova) consistently appear as Italy's cleanest cities due to strong eco-policies, efficient waste management, and excellent air quality, often leading lists based on green initiatives and urban upkeep, with Parma and Udine also ranking highly.
Bolzano: spotless, organised, looks like someone hoovers the pavement. Trento: quiet, tidy, feels like Switzerland on a budget.
What are the safest districts in Italy?
The Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
Top 7 best cities to live in Italy in 2025
Milan: The Financial and Fashion Capital
Once, a land that sheltered the capital of a Celtic tribe known as the Insubres, a central Roman hub, followed to a prominent centre during the Renaissance. Milan effortlessly tops the list when talking about the wealthiest cities in Italy.
The charming town of Presicce Acquarica, in Puglia, is offering an incredible incentive to attract new residents.
Polignano a Mare: The Most Welcoming City in Italy!
Yes, Italy's Tuscany region offered grants up to around $32,000 (€30,000) in 2024 to encourage people to move to and renovate homes in depopulating mountain towns, but it's a grant for property purchase/renovation, not a direct cash payment, requiring you to make the property your permanent residence, ideally in towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, to help revitalize rural areas.
The Job Market & Wages
In many industries, salaries are lower than in Northern Europe or North America. For those focused on career growth, this can be a major downside when weighing the pros and cons of living in Italy.
Yes, $10,000 can be enough for a great trip to Italy, especially for one or two people for 1-2 weeks, but it depends heavily on your travel style, duration, and when you book; it's sufficient for a comfortable mid-range trip with some splurges or a budget-conscious luxury trip, but you'll need to manage flights and accommodation costs carefully.
The 7% tax rate applies to any type of foreign sourced income taxable in Italy, not just pension income. If you meet the requirements above, you can take advantage of a 7% flat tax rate on all your foreign earnings of any nature.
Things (not) to do in Italy
So, it's natural to wonder: which is the happiest city in Italy? According to a recent global study, Milan stands out as the happiest city in the country.
Residency visa. A residency visa may be issued to applicants wishing to settle permanently in Italy and who are able to provide proof of substantial financial means. Applicants cannot undertake any form of employment during their stay. You can click here to download a checklist with documents and requirements.
Yes, Italy is still selling homes for the symbolic price of €1 (about $1) in various small, depopulating towns, but the catch is a significant commitment to renovate the property (often requiring €15,000+ in investment within a few years) and paying a refundable security deposit (around €5,000) to guarantee the work, making the actual cost much higher than the purchase price. These programs aim to revitalize struggling communities by attracting new residents, but buyers must plan for substantial restoration costs, legal fees, and a lengthy renovation process.
Both renting and buying a home in Italy offer unique advantages and challenges. Renting is a great option for those seeking flexibility, lower initial costs, and less responsibility, while buying can provide security, freedom to customize, and the potential for investment returns.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
Italy's "Big Three" refers to its most iconic and popular tourist destinations: Rome, Florence, and Venice, a classic trio for first-time visitors seeking history, art, and unique cultural experiences. These cities offer ancient ruins (Rome), Renaissance masterpieces (Florence), and romantic canals (Venice), often covered in short, classic Italian itineraries.
Many recognize the Parioli district from numerous films as the historically affluent area of “Roma Bene” (Wealthy Rome). Parioli is more than just a neighborhood—it is a brand, just like Tridente, Trastevere, Coppede, and a few other exclusive areas of the Eternal City.
See below the list of cities and reasons why they are the cheapest and best ones to live as an expat.
In fact, many relocation grants stipulate that you either have EU citizenship or are already in possession of a valid visa/permit of stay to remain longer than 90 days in the territory. Obtaining an Italian visa can be a complex and daunting process, but is by no means impossible.