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What is the cost of living like in Italy for expats?


Dave's picture
By Dave - Posted on
12 April 2011
Can anyone give me an estimation of what an expat moving to Italy will find expensive or cheap? What costs surprised you - or gave you a shock?
Dave's picture
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Last seen: 3 weeks 6 days ago
Joined: 02/19/2009

Living in:
Claremont, Cape Town

From:
Johannesburg

Dave's Website
Housing costs are mostly much higher than expats expect and utilities are pricey compared ot the US where energy costs are still low. Gasoline is much more expensive in Europe, but food is cheaper and fresher and tastier too. Clothing, medicine and day to day living is also much cheaper. Energy in all forms - from heating your house to putting petrol in your car to keeping the lights on - is much more expensive.
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Dave's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 weeks 6 days ago
Joined: 02/19/2009

Living in:
Claremont, Cape Town

From:
Johannesburg

Dave's Website
In America if you want quality you have to pay for it! High quality is just the standard here in Italy. This means that a good glass of wine at an enoteca with a vast array of finger foods could cost you just 5 euros. At home I was used to paying at least 10 dollars with nothing to munch on! Italians believe that wine must be paired with food ALWAYS! 30 euros a head for dinner may seem pricey but considering how much food you eat for that, it makes it seem like a great deal!
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