*A couple holding the Italian flag in Venice, Italy.*

Trying to figure out the cost of your dream Italian life? Packing your bags is thrilling, but your wallet needs a plan. We’ll break down the real costs of moving to Italy. These include shipping your stuff overseas and nailing that visa to handling rent in Rome.

No guessing games, just clear numbers so you can budget like a pro. Ready to make your Italian adventure affordable? Let’s go!

Understanding the Overall Cost to Relocate to Italy from the US: An Overview

Before you get excited about life in Italy, let’s talk numbers. The total cost to move to Italy from the US and settle can range from $1,500 to $18,000. Why the gap? It all depends on how much you ship, which city you pick, and your lifestyle.

A minimalist single person might only spend $1,500. However, a family shipping a full household could hit $18,000.

For a couple heading to a mid-budget city like Milan or Tuscany, plan for $6,000 to $10,000. That covers international moving, initial rent or deposit, visa fees, and other items.

Industry estimates show international relocation costs generally fall between $3,000 and $10,000. These include hiring professional moving companies and shipping goods overseas. But remember, these are just upfront moving costs.

Your ongoing cost of living in Italy and living expenses depend on where you settle. From big cities to beach towns, Italy offers options for every budget. Whether you’re a US citizen or an EU citizen, planning ahead saves money.

International Moving Costs: Shipping Your Belongings from the US to Italy

Moving your belongings across the Atlantic requires careful planning and budgeting. Let's break down your options and what they'll cost.

Choosing Your Mover: Comparing International Moving Companies and Services

Professional movers set rates by volume and weight. This also applies to international moving and shipping to Italy, so clearing out stuff cuts your moving costs.

Professional movers handle customs and paperwork, making your relocation smoother. Packing yourself and selling big items instead of shipping them also slashes the cost of moving to Italy.

Some companies, like International Van Lines, offer car transport for an extra fee. If you’re an expat or US citizen planning to move to Italy, smart choices now will lighten your load and help you settle faster.

Average Cost of Sea vs. Air Freight for Your Move to Italy

When planning to move to Italy, your freight options will determine your moving costs and timeline. Sea freight is budget-friendly. It consists of a 20ft container that runs for $2,600–$4,900 and takes 3–6 weeks. It’s perfect for expats shipping bulky boxes.

In contrast, air freight delivers 100 kg in 2–8 days but costs $300–$800 (sometimes $1,170–$1,500). Ideal for essentials you need right away. Most families use sea freight for furniture, then air freight for essentials. Once you arrive, you can budget your cost of living, making it easier for your life in Italy.

Estimated Sea Freight Costs & Timelines (Port-to-Port, 20ft Container)

Note: Costs exclude add-ons and vary by provider and specific ports.

Estimated Air Freight Costs & Timelines (Airport-to-Airport, 100kg)

Note: Costs and times vary significantly based on service level and specific airports.

Approximate Cost of Moving Belongings by Home Size

Your current home size directly correlates with the cost of moving expenses:

These estimates include professional packing, shipping, and basic insurance coverage.

Shipping Your Vehicle: Is It Worth the Cost?

*A car shipping trailer departing for the seaport.*

Shipping a car overseas usually costs $1,000–$5,000. However, it depends on size, departure port, and shipping method.

Here’s a perk: once you relocate to Italy, you can import your car duty-free. But this is within six months of getting a residence permit, if you’ve owned it for over a year.

Plan ahead for international moving costs. When your car arrives, you’ll need Italian plates. So, factor in extra fees for registration, insurance, and any safety tweaks.

Securing Your Visa and Residency Permit to Live in Italy

Legal residency forms the foundation of your Italian adventure. Understanding visa costs and requirements helps you budget accurately and avoid delays.

Types of Visas and Their Costs for US Citizens

Before your move to Italy, you need to figure out the different kinds of visas and their cost. First up, the National Visa (Type D) costs $121.80 according to the Italian consulate. It’s valid for one year for long-term stays.

A work visa, on the other hand, runs about $127.30 for two years and is renewable. For retirees, the Elective Residency Visa requires proven passive income. You don’t need to have a job.

In April, Italy launched a Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU citizens staying over 90 days. This new visa taps into the expats and remote worker pool.

The Path to Permanent Residency in Italy

After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for residency. This requires maintaining status and proving you’re part of local life.

For any stay over 90 days, get your permesso di soggiorno at the post office. You can do this within 20 days, but you’ll need paperwork, appointments, and patience. The visa process can drag on due to bureaucracy. Start early and expect delays. Other expats advise giving extra time for documents.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Italy: A Price Comparison

Money goes further in Italy compared to most US locations, but the savings vary significantly by region and lifestyle choices.

Overall Cost of Living: How Italy Compares to the US

The cost of living in Italy is about 12.9% lower than in the US, excluding rent. It’s also 25.8% lower with rent, according to Numbeo data. Italians spend about €1,300 ($1,576) a month on basics.

As an expat, your bills may shift based on lifestyle. Head outside Milan or busy Tuscany, and you’ll see even bigger savings. A single person can live for much less.

*A family at a point-of-sale terminal in a supermarket.*

Housing Costs: Renting vs. Buying Property in Italy

Renting gives flexibility. In Italy, a one-bedroom apartment costs on average $825.36 a month. In the US, this same apartment costs $1,738.75. Expect to pay a security deposit of one to three months’ rent.

Buying is a smart investment opportunity if you plan to move to Italy for good. In Trentino-Alto Adige, homes go for about $372,000. Many moving from the US see real estate in Europe as a long-term strategy. But life in Italy involves local rules and patience.

Utility Prices in Italy

In Florence, basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment average $214.54 per month. That’s about 33% cheaper than Wichita, lowering your cost of living.

The Internet is $32.71 monthly. This is over 50% savings versus US cities and meets work-from-home needs. A cell plan runs $13.62 a month, 75% less than American options. If you live in Italy, these savings will help boost your life in Italy.

Food Costs: Groceries and Dining Out

If you’re planning to move to Italy, you’ll find the prices in Italy for food a pleasant surprise. Groceries run about 20.3% lower than US norms. This generally means that a couple can live on around €450 monthly.

Dining out varies: a three-course meal for two in Florence is $88.55. But local trattorias have better deals. And coffee and pastries cost just €3–€5.

Transportation Expenses

If you move to Italy from the US, transportation costs may surprise you. In Florence, a monthly transit pass costs $42.34. This is 23% less than in American cities.

Gas runs $7.48 per gallon, making driving pricier than in the US. A new Toyota Corolla equivalent costs 23.8% more.

If you are moving abroad, especially to Italy, you’ll have less use for cars. This is due to the available walkable centers, efficient public transit, and bike-friendly streets.

Education Costs for Expat Families

Planning to live in Italy with your family? Public school is free from kindergarten through university. This helps you save big compared to US private fees.

In Florence, full-day preschool costs $664.10 a month. This is much more affordable than stateside options.

International primary schools cost about $18,755.17 a year, which is 17.2% higher than American counterparts. They also teach English instructions for expat families preferring continuity.

Additional Moving Costs to Consider When You Relocate to Italy

Beyond obvious expenses, there are several additional costs you’ll need to budget. This budget is necessary for a successful relocation to Italy.

Pet Relocation Expenses and Requirements

Pet relocation to Italy involves various steps. For moving abroad, budget for vaccinations, microchipping, and valid vet certificates. Top international moving companies quote $1,500–$3,000 based on size and origin.

Pets must be over three months old. Skip quarantine if you nail the visa health checks. However, arrival inspections can add extra fees. Once you relocate to Italy, factor in registration, yearly vaccines, and vet costs.

Health Insurance and Navigating the Italian Healthcare System

Italy’s National Health Service (SSN) is available for all citizens and legal residents. This service slashes medical bills compared to US costs.

If you move to Italy from the USA, non-EU newcomers must get a visa. You’ll also need to grab a “tessera sanitaria” after securing residency. It takes some paperwork, but it opens low-cost care.

Out-of-pocket costs sit at 21.89% vs 10.7% in the US. However, overall bills stay lower thanks to government help.

Taxes for US Expats Living in Italy

Taxes in Italy hit on three levels: national, regional, and local. The national rate is progressive, from 23% up to 43%.

A US–Italy tax treaty stops double taxation, but Americans must still file US returns. That can get tricky.

If you’re planning to move or moving from the US, talk to a tax pro. They’ll guide you through the maze and help optimize your taxes.

Smart Ways to Reduce the Overall Cost of Moving to Italy

How much does it cost to move from the US to Italy? Before trying to figure out the exact figure, start by thinning out your stuff. Sell items to cut weight and drop the average cost of shipping.

Skip full-service movers. Pack boxes yourself with professional packing tips. Try to compare quotes from a top international moving company. This will help you find the least expensive deal.

If you can be flexible on timing, you might snag a discount from moving services. Bringing a car? Ship your car by sea to save big. Don’t forget to also budget for months’ rent before you secure a residency permit.

Finding Your Best Place to Live in Italy: Popular Regions for Expats

*A man looking at a map in an Italian neighborhood.*

Choosing where to live in Italy affects both moving costs and living expenses. Regions cater to different lifestyles and budgets.

In Rome, job markets for expats are strong, but the average cost of rent can be high. Prepare to pay around €1,200 for a month’s rent. As Italy’s capital, it offers rich history and culture.

Milan draws students and finance pros with modern amenities. Florence shines for family in Italy with top schools, walkable streets, and cultural sites.

Tuscany and Puglia rank among the most popular for moving from the US. These cities offer authentic culture, lower prices in Italy, and friendly expat scenes. Smaller cities like Verona or Bologna give metropolitan perks, at least lower costs.

Don’t forget to apply for the visa and secure a residency permit early. Talk to a real estate agent and explore the healthcare system before moving to Italy. Research locally and visit potential spots to find your perfect home.

Finalizing Your Budget for Moving to Italy from the US

Italy involves paying upfront fees for shipping, visa application, and initial housing. Most couples should budget $6,000-$10,000 to start. This is the average cost for moving from the US to Italy.

The visa process and residency permit add to it, too. Once you arrive, the monthly rent and daily expenses vary. Don’t forget insurance costs for your items and health coverage, too. Northern cities like Milan are pricey. Rural towns cost less.

Use online cost calculators for rough numbers. To avoid surprises, get quotes from the best international moving company or local companies. Ask about moving services and legal fees. If you plan on buying European property, research markets and rules first.

Conclusion

Moving to Italy from the US in 2025 comes with costs like visas, shipping, and start-up expenses. Overall, you can expect to spend several thousand dollars, though this varies by city and lifestyle. Choosing a smaller southern town can save money, while big cities can cost more. With good planning and a clear budget, you can make your Italian dream a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costs to Move to Italy from the US

How much would it cost to relocate to Italy?

Moving from the US to Italy costs $6,000–$10,000. That covers moving services, the visa application process, and months’ rent.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Italy?

Beyond moving costs, moving to Italy requires proof of funds. A residency permit needs €31,000. For a work visa, you need to get a job offer.

Is it cheaper to live in Italy or the USA?

Italy’s average cost is 28.1% lower (15.4% lower without rent) than the cost in the USA. Prices in Italy vary. Milan is generally more expensive, while southern towns are the cheapest.

How Much Does It Cost To Move To Italy From The US? (2025)