Introduction
Planning your dream study-abroad adventure in Italy? Understanding the cost of living in Italy is your first step toward a worry-free student experience. In 2025, Italy remains a top choice for Indian students thanks to its world-class universities, rich culture, and vibrant student life. However, balancing tuition, rent, food, transport, insurance, and hidden expenses can feel daunting. This guide breaks down every significant expense for both single travellers and families so you can budget smartly, avoid surprises, and focus on what matters: learning, exploring, and making memories. We’ll also cover standardised tests (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo), top Ivy League opportunities, AI tools to optimise your spending and study, and scholarship options that can lighten your financial load. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the average cost of living in Italy, from monthly groceries to health insurance, plus actionable tips to save money while studying abroad.
Overview of Italy’s Economic Landscape
International students in Italy enjoy a more affordable lifestyle compared with many other European destinations. On average, you’ll spend about €8,400 per year to cover all living expenses. Here’s the typical breakdown of the cost of living in Italy: around €600–€1,200 per year goes toward accommodation, roughly €3,600 covers meals, and another €3,600 is set aside for personal costs like transport, utilities, and leisure. Individual habits and city choice can affect the average cost of living in Italy, but overall, Italy offers a budget-friendly environment that helps you focus on studies and experiences instead of worrying about steep living cost in Italy per month.
If on-campus housing isn’t available and you choose private rental options, your cost of living in Italy can rise by about €660–€700 per month, depending on current rates and the type of shared apartment. The living cost in Italy per month also fluctuates by city: Rome and Milan top the index, while Naples, Turin, and Catania offer more affordable options. Consequently, the average cost of living in Italy for international students will be higher in major metros and lower in smaller cities, so weigh your location choice carefully to manage your budget effectively.
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Average Cost of Living in Italy: A Breakdown for 2025
International students budgeting for the cost of living in Italy should know that expenses vary widely by city and housing choice. Monthly rented accommodation costs in Italy range from €200–€600, while on-campus housing runs about €200–€300 per year. Food expenses average €200–€300 per month, and personal expenses start at €200 per year. Overall, the average cost of living in Italy for students falls between €1,500–€2,400 annually, with a total annual cost of living in Italy around €3,800–€5,500. Rome and Milan are the costliest Italian cities, whereas Naples, Pisa, and Turin offer more affordable living.
| Category | Cost | Notes |
| Cost of Food | €200 – €300 per month | Includes groceries and occasional dining out |
| Rented Accommodation Cost in Italy | €200 – €600 per month | Varies by city and type of shared flat |
| Cost of On-Campus Housing | €200 – €300 per year | University dorm fees |
| Average Cost of Living in Italy for Students | €1,500 – €2,400 annually | Basic student expenses (excluding tuition) |
| Personal Expenses | €200 or above per year | Utilities, leisure, transport top-ups |
| Annual Cost of Living in Italy | €3,800 – €5,500 annually | Comprehensive of all living costs |
| Costliest Italian Cities | Rome & Milan | Highest rent and daily expenses |
| Cheapest Italian Cities | Naples, Pisa, Turin, etc. | Lower rent and market prices |
Explore Average cost of living in Italy: Accommodation, food, transportation, Utility and others
Rome and Milan rank among the most popular study destinations, the cost of living in Italy is highest in these cities. A single international student faces an average cost of living in Milan of about €10,032 per year, compared to €9,925 per year in Rome. This means the living cost in Italy per month in Milan edges out Rome by a small margin.
Several factors contribute to this difference. Rent in Milan tends to be around €450–€500 per month for a shared apartment, while in Rome it averages €430–€480 per month. Dining out and groceries—key components of the average cost of living in Italy for Indian students—are slightly more expensive in Milan’s city centre, where a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost €15–€18, compared to €14–€17 in Rome. Transportation passes also vary: a monthly student pass in Milan is €35, whereas in Rome it is €30.
Utility bills (electricity, heating, internet) add another €80–€100 per month in Milan versus €75–€95 in Rome. Even small personal expenses—coffee, cinema tickets, leisure activities—run about 5% higher in Milan. All these elements combine to make Milan’s overall cost slightly above Rome’s, so when planning your budget, factor in these regional variations in the cost of living in Italy per month and yearly totals.
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| Expense Category | Milan (EUR) | Rome (EUR) | Notes |
| Rented Accommodation Costs | €830 – €1,260/month | €720 – €1,044/month | Major driver of the average cost of living in Italy |
| Transportation Charges (student pass) | €40/month | €35/month | Affects your cost of living in Italy per month |
| Clothing & Accessories | €34 – €153/month | €36 – €110/month | Fashion expenses remain low relative to essentials |
| Food & Dining Costs | €100 – €120/month | €85 – €95/month | Groceries vs. eating out impacts cost of living in Italy |
| Utility Cost | €232/month | €218/month | Includes electricity, heating, water, internet |
| Total Cost of Living | €932/month | €830/month | Summed across all categories—Milan is ~12% costlier |
| Cost of Living Index 2022 | 67.57 | 60.42 | Relative index for cost of living in Italy for international students |
When comparing the cost of living in Italy between Milan and Rome, certain expenses stand out as higher in Milan. Rented accommodation costs in Italy run about 1.4% higher in Milan than in Rome, making housing the biggest price gap. Utility bills—covering electricity, heating, water, and internet—are approximately 0.8% more expensive in Milan, adding to your living cost in Italy per month. Even clothing and fashion accessories carry a 1% premium in Milan, reflecting its status as a global fashion hub and impacting the average cost of living in Italy for students.
However, Rome overtakes Milan in other categories: transportation charges (student travel pass), groceries & food items, and recreation costs are slightly higher in the capital. For example, a monthly student metro pass costs €35 in Rome versus €40 in Milan, but everyday grocery bills skew upward in Rome’s central markets.
Given these nuances, international students should weigh their university choice carefully. If minimizing rent and utilities is your priority, you might lean toward Rome. If you value Milan’s fashion scene and don’t mind a small markup on clothing and housing, Milan could be worth the extra cost. In either case, having detailed cost of living in Italy data at hand will help you plan a realistic budget and avoid unwelcome surprises.
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Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students
Accommodation choices heavily influence the cost of living in Italy for Indian students. Opting for on-campus housing at your Italian university typically costs €200–€300 per academic year, keeping your average cost of living in Italy lower. In contrast, rented accommodation cost in Italy can be 20–30% higher, reaching up to €600–€700 per month for shared flats. Monthly living cost in Italy per month for dining out hovers around €200, whether at budget cafés or mid-range restaurants. Personal expenses, such as mobile bills and leisure, average €300 per year. Choosing the right housing option is key to managing your budget effectively.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Notes |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (outside city centre) | €513 | Cheaper suburbs reduce overall cost of living in Italy |
| Groceries | €50–€70 | Shopping at local markets helps lower your living cost in Italy per month |
| Monthly Travel Pass | €35 | Student discount passes available |
| Basic Utilities (mobile, Wi-Fi, electricity, gas) | €175–€180 | Essential for both private and shared apartments |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (city centre) | €1,287 | Highest cost of living in Italy for larger flats in prime locations |
| Dining Out | €80–€90 | Includes cafés and mid-range restaurants—impacts average cost of living in Italy |
| Clothing | €31–€75 | Seasonal purchases and occasional shopping |
| Sports & Leisure | €65 | Gym, cinema, cultural events |
| Entertainment | €9 | Budget for streaming, local events |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (outside city centre) | €906 | Balances space with a lower cost of living in Italy per month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (city centre) | €664 | Central location premium increases rent |
Choosing suburbs or shared flats can significantly reduce your cost of living in Italy, letting you allocate more budget to experiences and study tools. Costs listed above can fluctuate for international students arriving in Italy, so always verify current rates before committing to accommodation, dining out, or other monthly expenses. Checking the latest cost of living in Italy figures—such as updated living cost in Italy per month for rent, utilities, and food—helps you plan an accurate budget. Compare university dorm fees versus private rental quotes to understand your true average cost of living in Italy. By researching and confirming each expense—whether it’s a student travel pass, groceries, or personal spending—you’ll make informed choices and keep unexpected costs from derailing your study-abroad plans.
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Cost of Living in Italy for International Students
| Expense | % of Total | Notes |
| Groceries & Food | 40% | Cooking at home vs. dining out impacts budget |
| Monthly Rent | 35% | Varies by city—higher in Rome/Milan |
| Utilities | 10% | Includes mobile, internet, electricity, gas |
| Transportation | 5% | Student travel pass reduces costs |
| Leisure & Personal | 10% | Entertainment, clothing, miscellaneous spending |
In the breakdown above, groceries claim the largest share of living cost in Italy per month, at 30.7% of total expenses. Housing rent follows closely, reflecting that accommodation is the next biggest financial commitment. Spending on shoes, clothing, and accessories remains minimal—just 3%—highlighting that international students prioritize essentials over fashion. Because groceries form such a significant portion of the average cost of living in Italy, the table below converts common food-item prices into Indian rupees, helping you plan your monthly cost of living in Italy for Indian students.
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| Grocery Item | Price in Italy (EUR) | Price in INR | Notes |
| 1 kg red meat | €15.00 | ₹1,344 | Major contributor to cost of living in Italy |
| 1.5-litre water bottle | €0.42 | ₹38 | Essential for daily hydration |
| 1 kg potatoes | €1.28 | ₹115 | Staple for home-cooked meals |
| 1 kg onions | €1.32 | ₹118 | Adds flavor—affects average cost of living in Italy |
| White bread loaf (500 g) | €1.62 | ₹145 | Breakfast staple |
| 1 kg apples | €1.90 | ₹170 | Healthy snack option |
| 1 kg bananas | €1.65 | ₹148 | Budget-friendly fruit choice |
| 1 kg tomatoes | €2.40 | ₹215 | Key for sauces and salads |
| A dozen eggs | €2.90 | ₹268 | Protein source |
| 1 litre of milk | €1.20 | ₹107 | Daily calcium |
| 1 kg white rice | €2.00 | ₹179 | Staple grain |
| 1 kg local cheese | €12.50 | ₹1,120 | Adds to living cost in Italy per month |
| Dining in an inexpensive restaurant | €15.00 | ₹1,338 | Occasional treat—impacts average cost of living in Italy |
| 1 kg oranges | €1.86 | ₹167 | Vitamin C boost |
Ivy League universities
Though Italy has no Ivy League, top U.S. Ivies remain popular for remote summer programs and exchange:
- Harvard Summer School (cost≈$3,000–$5,000 for 6 weeks)
- Yale Study Abroad partnerships—tuition waiver options
- Indian students often leverage Italian university credits to transfer into U.S. Ivies
IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo
- IELTS: 6.0–6.5 overall required; exam fee ≈₹14,000
- TOEFL iBT: 80–90 score; fee ≈₹13,000
- Duolingo English Test: 105+; fee ≈₹4,500; accepted by many Italian institutions for 2025 intake
Use AI-powered practice tools (e.g., Duolingo’s AI tutor) to boost scores cost-effectively.
Artificial Intelligence in Budgeting & Study
- AI budgeting apps: Tools like Mint.ai can categorize expenses automatically and alert overspending.
- AI study assistants: ChatGPT plugins help summarize lectures and generate study plans—saving time and money on paid tutors.
- AI translation: Google Lens + AI OCR for instant translation of Italian signs, menus, and official documents.
Read More: TOEFL Exam Dates 2025: Know the Complete Information
Scholarships for Indian Students, 2025
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility |
| Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships | Full tuition + stipend | GPA ≥ 7.0; age < 35 |
| University of Bologna Study Grants | €1,000–€3,000/year | Enrolled in full-time Master’s program |
| Erasmus+ Mobility | €400–€500/month for 6–12 months | EU exchange agreements |
| Politecnico di Milano Merit Awards | Up to €5,000 tuition waiver | Top 10% of applicants |
Read More: Advantages of Moving Abroad for Studies in 2025
Common Challenges faced by the students
| Common Challenges | Quick Tip (Solution) |
| Balancing a tight budget when the living cost in Italy per month is high | Track daily expenses with an AI budgeting app to avoid overspending. |
| Facing steep rent costs in major cities like Milan and Rome | Consider shared flats or suburbs to cut your accommodation bills by 20–30%. |
| Navigating hidden fees (utilities, waste tax) that inflate average cost of living in Italy | Ask landlords for full fee breakdowns and negotiate inclusion in rent. |
| Managing grocery bills when food prices vary across markets and supermarkets | Shop early at local markets for up to 30% discount on fresh produce. |
| Covering healthcare and insurance without blowing the cost of living in Italy for Indian students | Opt for a student health plan that bundles basic care and emergency coverage. |
| Comparing cost of living in Italy for single person vs. shared living options | Run side-by-side cost sheets for solo vs. shared housing to see real savings. |
| Saving money while studying abroad without missing out on cultural experiences | Use student discounts for museums, transport passes, and “aperitivo” deals. |
Conclusion
In summary, planning around the cost of living in Italy empowers you to make the most of your study-abroad adventure. By understanding that the average cost of living in Italy ranges from €725–€1,295 per month, you can choose accommodation, dining, and transport options that fit your style and budget. Remember that living cost in Italy per month varies by city—Milan and Rome command higher rents, while places like Naples or Turin offer savings. As an Indian student, you can further reduce your expenses through on-campus housing, student-discounted transport passes, and smart grocery shopping at local markets. Factor in scholarships, AI budgeting tools, and part-time work to keep your cost of living in Italy for Indian students manageable and stress-free. Armed with these insights, you’re ready to focus on what truly matters: immersing yourself in Italy’s culture, excelling in your studies, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, study abroad consultancy, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in USA, study in UK, study in Singapore , study in Switzerland , study in Australia, study in New-Zealand and many other countries.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of living in Italy for Indian students in 2025?
On average, Indian students spend between €725 and €1,295 per month (₹65,000–₹1,16,000) covering rent, utilities, food, transport, and personal expenses.
2. How much is the living cost in Italy per month in major cities like Milan and Rome?
In Milan, expect €800–€1,300/month, while Rome averages €750–€1,200/month—rent and dining out drive these figures.
3. What is the cost of living in Italy for single person versus shared accommodation?
A single private studio can cost €500–€900/month, whereas a shared flat brings your living cost in Italy per month down to €300–€600.
4. Which Italian cities have the lowest average cost of living in Italy?
Cities like Naples, Turin, and Catania offer savings of 15–25% compared to Milan and Rome, with monthly budgets around €600–€900.
5. Are there hidden expenses in the cost of living in Italy for Indian students I should watch for?
Yes—municipal waste taxes (€100/year), bank maintenance fees (€2–€5/month), and health insurance top-ups can add to your overall costs.