Florence, the city of the Medici family and the cradle of Rainessance Art and architecture, is a wonderful destination for nomads looking to settle in Italy.
But before you take the big step and move to Florence, you have to fill up your pockets first.
You’d be happy to know that the cost of living in Florence is 39% less expensive than in New York (rent excluded), or 58% lower with rent.
So, in order to live comfortably in Florence, you’d need $1,500 a month (if you are traveling alone), which is still less expensive than Luxembourg, Zurich, and London, for instance.
Rent in Florence is about $800 or 77% lower than in New York.
If you are on a tight budget, you could reduce your monthly costs living in Florence by sharing an apartment with roommates or cooking instead of eating out.
Is Florence expensive?
On the whole, the cost of living in Florence is low, but in comparison to other Italian cities, such as Piacenza or Padova, it is high.
One can comfortably live in Florence on a $1,500 budget a month, double that if you are a couple, or triple it if you are a family of three.
American expats will find that Florence is a great city to live in, and the cost of living is significantly lower than in the USA.
How expensive is food in Florence?
When it comes to food, Italy, especially Tuscany, is the king. So, in Florence, you will mostly come across Tuscan and Florentine cuisine, but the city doesn’t lack international food either.
In Florence, eating out every day is not a good idea if you are on a tight budget.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost $15 per person, while fast food costs around $8 for a McMeal at McDonalds or $2.30 for a cheeseburger.
Florence is a foodie paradise and a haven for all coffee lovers.
Cappuccino coffee will cost you only $1.40, while espresso costs one buck.
How expensive is accommodation in Florence?
Renting in Florence is relatively cheap. The best areas to rent in Florence are Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Santo Spirito area, and the train station.
Still, they tend to be more expensive as they are centrally located.
So, if you are on a budget, you can either find a roommate and share a 1-bedroom apartment in the center for $800 or opt for 3-bedroom apartments outside the city center for $1,000 a month.
When you share with 2 flatmates, your monthly cost for rent will only be $350.
Similarly, you will pay around $36 per night in a hostel or around $77 for a 3-star hotel.
If money is not an issue, you can stay in a luxury hotel for about $320 a night.
What is the cost of transportation in Florence?
Florence is a relatively small city, and you can get around easily on foot.
But if you need to use public transport to get around Florence faster, you’d be happy to know it’s convenient and affordable.
The main means of transport are buses, trams, and trains.
A one-way ticket for local transport costs $1.50, while a monthly pass is $35 only. Car rental is also affordable, starting at as little as $7.
