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Thinking about studying in Italy? You're not alone. Each year, thousands of international students choose Italy for its top-quality education, beautiful cities, and rich culture.
But before packing your bags, it’s important to know how much it costs to live in Italy as a student.
From rent and food to transport and health insurance.
In this guide, i'll will give you a full breakdown of the cost of living in Italy in 2025.
Why Italy?
Italy is home to some of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities, including the University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome.
It's also known for its affordable tuition fees compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia.
And when it comes to daily living expenses, Italy can be quite budget-friendly especially if you plan wisely.
Also Read: How to Apply for University in Italy 2025?
1. Monthly Living Costs in Italy (2025)
On average, international students in Italy spend between €700 to €1,200 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Here's a quick overview of where that money goes:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
€300 – €600
|
| Food & Groceries | €150 – €250 |
| Transportation | €25 – €35 |
| Health Insurance | €20 – €60 |
| Mobile & Internet | €20 – €30 |
| Entertainment & Other | €100 – €200 |
| Total (Estimate) | €700 – €1,200 |
2. Cost of Rent and Housing
Housing is usually the biggest monthly expense. Your choices include:
A. University Dormitories
Many public universities offer student dorms, which are cheaper but have limited spots. Prices range from €200 to €400/month.
B. Shared Apartments
Sharing an apartment with other students is very common. Prices depend on the city:
- Rome or Milan: €400 – €600/month for a single room
- Bologna or Florence: €300 – €450/month
- Smaller cities: €250 – €350/month
C. Private Studio or Apartment
If you prefer more privacy, a studio or one-bedroom flat can cost:
- Rome or Milan: €700 – €1,000/month
- Other cities: €500 – €800/month
Tip: Websites like Uniplaces, HousingAnywhere, and Idealista are great for finding student-friendly housing.
3. Food and Grocery Costs
Italy is famous for its delicious food, and luckily, eating well doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here’s a sample list of average grocery prices:
- Milk (1 liter): €1.20
- Bread (1 loaf): €1.50
- Eggs (12): €3.00
- Pasta (500g): €1.00
- Chicken (1kg): €8.00
- Cheese (1kg): €10.00
- Fruits and vegetables: €1.50 – €3.00/kg
- Eating Out
- Pizza or pasta at a casual restaurant: €8 – €12
- Fast food meal: €6 – €8
- Coffee: €1.20 – €1.50
- Aperitivo (drink + snacks): €8 – €12
Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out, so many students shop at local markets and cook their own meals.
4. Transportation Costs
Most Italian cities have good public transport systems, including buses, trams, and metros.
- Student Travel Passes
- Monthly student pass: €25 – €35
- One-way metro ticket: Around €1.50 – €2.00
In smaller towns, students often walk or bike instead of using public transport.
5. Health Insurance Costs
If you are a non-EU student, you need to have health insurance during your stay in Italy.
- Italian Public Health Insurance (SSN): Around €149 per year
- Private health insurance: €100 – €300/year depending on coverage
- EU students: Can use the EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card)
SSN is the best value for long-term students, as it covers most services including doctor visits and hospital care.
6. Internet and Mobile Phone Costs
Having a phone and internet connection is essential. Good news—it’s fairly affordable in Italy.
- Mobile phone plan: €10 – €20/month for calls, texts, and 50–100GB data
- Home internet (Wi-Fi): €25 – €30/month if not included in rent
- Top providers: TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad (great student packages)
Look for special student offers or bundled deals that include both mobile and home internet.
7. Entertainment and Social Life
Living in Italy isn’t just about studying—you’ll want to enjoy life too!
- Movie ticket: €8 – €12
- Museum or gallery entry: €5 – €10 (discounted for students)
- Gym membership: €25 – €50/month
- Weekend trip by train: €20 – €50
Italy’s cities offer free festivals, concerts, and student events, especially in university towns. Many places also offer student discounts, so always carry your student ID.
8. Other Monthly Costs
Here are a few extra things to budget for:
- Books and Supplies: €30 – €50/month
- Clothing and personal care: €50 – €100/month
- Laundry: €2 – €5 per load at self-service laundromats
9. City-by-City Cost Comparison
Here’s a rough comparison of monthly living costs in different Italian cities for students:
| City | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rome |
900 – 1,200
|
| Milan | 950 – 1,300 |
| Bologna | 800 – 1,000 |
| Florence | 850 – 1,100 |
| Turin | 750 – 1,000 |
| Pisa | 700 – 950 |
| Bari | 650 – 900 |
10. Budgeting Tips for Students
Want to save money while studying in Italy? Here are some helpful tips:
- Cook meals at home instead of eating out
- Use student discounts for transport, museums, and shops
- Share housing with other students
- Travel during off-peak times for cheaper transport
- Buy second-hand books and clothes
- Apply for scholarships or part-time student jobs
Many Italian universities also offer low-cost meals at student cafeterias, known as mense universitarie.
11. Scholarships and Financial Help
Some scholarships also cover part of your living expenses:
- Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
- Regional scholarships (DSU, EDISU, etc.)
- University-specific grants
- Erasmus+ funding (for EU students or exchange programs)
Make sure to check the deadlines and eligibility criteria well in advance.
Final Thoughts
Italy offers international students not only great education but also a chance to experience rich history, world-class art, and a vibrant student life.
While living costs vary by city, Italy remains one of the most affordable study destinations in Western Europe.
By planning your budget and using student discounts, you can enjoy your time in Italy without spending too much.
So, whether you're dreaming of sipping espresso in Rome or walking to class through the streets of Florence, Italy can be both a smart and unforgettable choice for your study abroad journey in 2025.
