Cost of living in Italy: 2025 Guide

Introduction

For those who want to plan a dream study-abroad experience in Italy understanding costs must be the starting point. The initial step for stress-free student life in Italy requires knowing the expenses of living there. The combination of first-rate universities and fascinating culture and active student activities make Italy a favored destination for Indian students in 2025. Jaywalking through the expenses of tuition fees together with rent payments and food costs and transportation costs and insurance and unseen expenses can trigger feelings of being overwhelmed. You will find complete information about major expenses in this guide which helps you plan effectively and reduces surprises while letting you enjoy learning and discovery. The guide provides information about standardised tests such as IELTS and TOEFL and Duolingo and then details Ivy League possibilities and AI tools for managing costs effectively and presenting scholarship possibilities for financial relief. By the end you will understand all expected costs for Italy alongside practical advice for reducing expenses as an international student.

Overview of Italy’s Economic Landscape

The expenses for international students attending school in Italy turn out to be less expensive than they would be at other European destinations. All living expenses in Italy will cost approximately €8,400 annually. According to normal estimates the average annual expenses for Italy include €600–€1,200 for lodging and €3,600 for dining and €3,600 for personal costs which cover transportation and utility bills and leisure activities. Although personal lifestyle decisions and residential choices modify individual Italian cost of living levels residents usually find a reasonably affordable environment to focus on experiences instead of worrying about monthly expenses. Students absent from campus housing typically pay €660 to €700 per month for private rentals since the price depends on current residential rates along with the style of shared flats. Italy’s living expenses vary between cities to the extent that Milan along with Rome maintain the highest positions on the index but Naples and Turin and Catania present less expensive possibilities. International students should select their Italian living location according to their budget because costs in major urban areas exceed smaller cities thus requiring proper financial planning.

Read More: Live La Dolce Vita: Guide to Study in Italy for Indian Students

Average Cost of Living in Italy: A Breakdown for 2025

International students need to recognize that the living expenses in Italy depend heavily on which city they choose and their housing selection. Students can expect Italian rental prices to fall between €200–€600 each month and university residential fees to remain at €200–€300 annually. The average amounts students need for both food and personal expenses in Italian cities are €200–€300 per month and €200 per year. The average yearly expenses for Italian student living expenses amount to €1,500–€2,400 whereas the total cost of living in Italy covers €3,800–€5,500. The city of Rome and Milan hold the highest price tags among Italian municipalities although Naples together with Pisa and Turin provide lower cost living opportunities to residents.

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.

Read More: List of Scholarships in Italy: Comprehensive Guide

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.

Read More: Exploring Italian Culture: 5 Enchanting Insights

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.

Read More : Trending Online Courses in 2025: Top Benefits and How to Pick One!

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.

Read More: Ratan Tata Scholarship for Engineering Students in 2025

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.