Top 5 Cities in Italy for American Expats

From sprawling metropolises like Naples to the rural areas of Abruzzo and Umbria or the colorful seaside villages of Liguria’s Cinque Terre, Italy has something for everyone. If big cities aren’t your thing, there are plenty of smaller cities like Turin, Verona, Lucca, Palermo, Siena and Pisa.

Relocating to Europe is a big step, and Remitly is here to help with your transition; here’s our list of the top five cities in Italy, based on their expat-friendly communities, job markets, cost of living, lifestyle and climate. 

Table of contents

Rome: historical, energetic, ever-changing

The Eternal City, Rome is Italy’s political and cultural capital and the epicenter of Italian society.

Pros

  • City center: Rome’s historic charm is everywhere, with highlights like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican. You can enjoy afternoon strolls through ancient historical sites while grabbing a gelato, then relax at a local cafe for aperitivo.
  • Expat community: Rome is home to many international companies and organizations, creating a vibrant community of expatriates. It’s easy to make connections and explore the city with others.
  • Day and night: With its abundance of green spaces, Rome has plenty of parks to walk your pets or enjoy the outdoors. When the sun goes down, the city comes alive with a bustling nightlife scene, including clubs, restaurants, concerts and theater.

Cons

  • Public transport: Metro and bus services are often interrupted due to strikes or maintenance, and the nighttime service is inconsistent.
  • Litter: Rome has struggled in recent years with trash collection. It’s not uncommon to see litter in some areas. 

Rome has all the amenities of a major city with the history of an ancient capital, and it’s full of surprises to discover. 

Milan: modern, stylish, savvy

If you’re looking for a lively city with professional opportunities and a lively culture, Milan is the place to be. As the economic hub of Italy, it has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Pros

  • International: Like Rome, Milan hosts multinational companies and co-working spaces for digital nomads. You’ll find communities from all over the world, including American and German expats, as well as people from Asia and North Africa. 
  • Fashion capital: Milan is renowned for its fashion scene, home to both high-end designers and up-and-coming brands. If you love fashion, you’ll find plenty of sample sales and pop-up shops to explore.
  • Public transport: Getting around Milan is easy with its well-developed public transportation system. You’ll have access to buses, an extensive metro network, and frequent trains that take you across Lombardy and the rest of Northern Italy.

Cons

  • Climate: Milan tends to have foggy winters and high humidity, so it’s not the sunniest spot in Italy. 
  • Cost of living: As the country’s economic powerhouse, Milan can be more expensive than other Italian cities. Expect higher rent, food prices and daily expenses.

Milan offers a modern and well-organized lifestyle, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained and easy access to nearby destinations like Genoa, Lake Como and Venice. 

Florence: artistic, cultural, vibrant

In the heart of Tuscany, Florence is one of Europe’s most important art cities, known for its rich cultural heritage and as the birthplace of the Renaissance. 

Pros

  • Beauty: Florence is bursting with gorgeous architecture and museums with centuries worth of masterpieces. 
  • Walkable: As a relatively small city, Florence is easy to explore on foot. Many of the city’s key sites, like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio, are within walking distance of each other.
  • Accessible: As a popular tourist destination, you’ll find plenty of people who speak English, and the city’s infrastructure is designed to help you enjoy its vibrant culture. 

Cons

  • Tourist-focused: Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, meaning many of the restaurants and activities in the city center are geared towards tourists rather than locals.
  • Sweltering summers: Florence is known for its hot summers, with high humidity that can feel difficult to escape at times.

Living in Florence ultimately means being surrounded by good food, breathtaking scenery and world-class art.

Catania: warm, tasty, inviting

Located on the southern coast of Sicily, Catania is a sun-soaked gem. With many theaters, local festivals, and a long history as a melting pot of cultures, Catania is a slightly more off-the-beaten-track option for expats.

Pros

  • Cuisine: Sicily is famed for its decadent culinary heritage, and Catania has a number of local specialties. If you are a street food aficionado, dishes like arancini and fried calamari are must-tries.
  • Weather: Expect plenty of sunshine and mild winters, ideal for outdoor dining and after-work drinks while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. 
  • Beaches: Catania is right along the Mediterranean Sea, so you can bury your feet in the sand whenever you want. For more variety, venture out of the city for more beach options with calm, crystalline waters. 

Cons

  • Slower pace of life: Southern Italy has a more relaxed feel to it, which can sometimes mean that matters like bureaucracy move at a slower pace. 
  • Less access to mainland Italy: Sicily, like Sardinia, is an island, so traveling to other parts of Italy requires either a flight or a long ferry or train ride.

Embrace the unique cultural and gastronomic heritage of Sicily in sunny Catania—start with a gelato in a brioche bun and enjoy.

Bologna: central, active, curious

Ranked consistently among the top cities in Italy for quality of life, Bologna offers a mix of rich history, cultural events, and high-quality healthcare, with a reputation as a great home base for everyone from students to retirees. 

Pros

  • Well connected: Bologna has fast and frequent rail links to the rest of Italy (the high-speed train to Milan takes just one hour!) and has an airport with flights to cities around Europe.
  • Lively: Despite its smaller size compared to cities like Rome or Milan, Bologna hosts numerous events, concerts (it’s a UNESCO-recognized City of Music), movie theaters and more. These activities provide plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
  • Youthful: As a major university city, Bologna has a youthful energy fueled by the large student population. The city is home to numerous bookshops and over 250 libraries if you’re looking for somewhere tranquil to work or study.

Cons

  • Traffic: As the capital of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna experiences significant commuter traffic, especially during rush hours, which can affect the air quality.
  • Housing costs: Due to its popularity and the large student population, rental costs are higher than in other cities of a similar size.

Bologna packs a huge punch in terms of cultural life, with events and activities to appeal to all interests.

Key tips for Americans moving to Italy

Must-Know Facts

  • Visa requirements: If you’re not an EU citizen, you will need a visa to stay in Italy long-term. Securing employment with an Italian company that can sponsor your visa will help smooth the process.
  • Italian bureaucracy: Navigating Italy’s bureaucratic system can take time and patience. One of your first steps will be applying for a codice fiscale (Italian tax number), which is essential to access other opportunities, like purchasing property.

Cultural tips

  • Learn Italian: While English is taught in schools, many locals may not be fluent. Learning Italian will help you with daily tasks and make it easier to make new friends.
  • Embrace the rhythm of life: The pace of life in Italy is slower than in the USA. Locals take rituals like morning and after-lunch coffee seriously. Participating in these activities can help to integrate you into your local neighborhood.

Cost-saving tips

  • Consider living outside the city center for more affordable rental options. 
  • If you enjoy the arts, many cultural organizations (cinemas, theaters, etc.) offer memberships, giving you access to discounted tickets and events.
  • For more budget-friendly meals, choose an osteria or trattoria, where you can enjoy local dishes at lower prices. Fine-dining restaurants and those offering international cuisines tend to be pricier.

Quick wins for settling in

  • Search for expat networks online or on social media. Many cities have active communities with helpful advice and meet-up opportunities.
  • If you enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking, look for local clubs such as Club Alpino Italiano to connect with fellow enthusiasts and explore the region’s natural beauty. Look for local clubs dedicated to activities you’re interested in.

City life in Italy has something for everyone. If you’re thinking of moving to Italy, you’re spoiled when it comes to beautiful cities to choose from. Once you’re there, dive straight into the architecture, food, and la dolce vita.

Contemplating other European destinations? We’ve got you covered; check out our guides to France, Spain, and more. Wherever you’re considering, moving abroad means changes in finances too—download Remitly to stay connected with secure, simple money transfers.

FAQs

What’s it like to live in Italy?

Life in Italy depends on what part of the country you’re in. Matters like the weather, food and job market vary widely by region. 

That said, Italian culture places high value on things like food and social activities, so you can expect to enjoy nice meals and good conversation when interacting with locals.

What are the best cities in Italy for American expats to live and work in?

The best Italian cities for American expats depend on your career goals and personal interests. Northern Italy tends to offer more job opportunities in industry and business, with cities like Milan and Turin being major economic hubs. 

On the other hand, Southern Italy, including cities like Naples and Catania, has a stronger focus on agriculture and tourism. Your choice will depend on whether you’re looking for job opportunities or a more relaxed lifestyle.

Where do most American expats live in Italy?

Lazio, the region Rome is located in, hosts the highest number of American expats in Italy.

More about Italy

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Remitly’s editorial team is a diverse group of international writers and editors specializing in finance, immigration, and global cultures. We provide accurate, updated content to help with money transfers, living abroad, and more.