22 Jul 2026

Most Affordable Cities in Italy for International Students

Studying in Italy does not have to mean paying the high living costs associated with cities such as Milan, Rome or Florence. Several smaller university cities offer respected institutions, active student communities and more manageable accommodation and everyday expenses.

Cities such as Catania, Palermo, Bari, Perugia, L’Aquila and Pisa may help international students control their monthly budget without missing out on quality education or the Italian lifestyle. However, affordability should not be the only factor when choosing where to study. Course availability, university reputation, language of instruction, transport connections and career opportunities also matter.

Best Budget-Friendly Cities in Italy for International Students

The following figures are indicative monthly planning ranges for a student renting a room in shared accommodation. They normally include rent, basic utilities, groceries, local transport and modest personal expenses but exclude tuition fees, international travel, visa costs and major one-time expenses.

City	Indicative Monthly Student Budget	Main Cost Advantage	Popular University
L’Aquila	€650–€850	Lower rents and compact city living	University of L’Aquila
Catania	€650–€900	Affordable rooms and everyday expenses	University of Catania
Palermo	€650–€950	Relatively low accommodation and food costs	University of Palermo
Perugia	€700–€900	Student-oriented lifestyle and manageable transport costs	University of Perugia
Bari	€700–€950	Lower costs than many northern Italian cities	University of Bari Aldo Moro
Pisa	€800–€950	Shared housing and a walkable student environment	University of Pisa
Turin	€850–€1,100	Better value than several major northern cities	University of Turin
Padua	€850–€1,100	Compact layout and extensive student services	University of Padua

These estimates are intended for initial budgeting. Actual spending depends on the neighbourhood, accommodation type, lifestyle, utility bills and availability of subsidised student services.

Cheapest Places to Live in Italy as an International Student

1. L’Aquila

L’Aquila can be a practical option for students who prefer a smaller city and want to avoid the higher rents found in major Italian metropolitan areas. Located in the Abruzzo region, it provides a quieter environment with access to nature and a close-knit university community.

The University of L’Aquila offers programmes across fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, medicine and the sciences. Students should check the university’s current course catalogue to confirm which programmes are taught in English.

Why L’Aquila May Be Affordable

Rental costs are generally more manageable than in Rome or Milan.
The city’s compact size may reduce daily transport expenses.
University canteens can help eligible students control meal costs.
A quieter social environment may make discretionary spending easier to manage.

Students should investigate the distance between their accommodation and campus because university facilities are located across different parts of the city.

2. Catania

Catania is one of the most attractive budget-friendly cities in southern Italy. Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, it combines historic architecture, Mediterranean weather, an active student population and access to the coastline.

The University of Catania is one of Italy’s established public universities. Its international student guide estimates that a single room may cost approximately €200–€350 per month, excluding around €25–€50 for bills. Students may also be asked to pay several months of rent in advance. These figures can change according to location and housing demand.

Why International Students Consider Catania

Private rooms can be cheaper than in northern Italian university cities.
Local markets may help students reduce grocery costs.
University residences and canteen services may be available to eligible students.
The city offers a lively cultural environment without the typical costs of Italy’s largest destinations.

Regional ERSU support may include tuition waivers, accommodation and meals for successful applicants, but assistance is competitive and based on the applicable merit and financial requirements.

3. Palermo

Palermo is another affordable option in Sicily. It may appeal to students looking for a large, energetic city with historic surroundings, coastal access and comparatively reasonable everyday expenses.

The University of Palermo describes the city’s accommodation and living costs as relatively low compared with many other destinations. The university also operates a housing support service that helps international and non-resident students search for suitable private accommodation.

Reasons to Study in Palermo

Shared accommodation may be available at competitive rates.
Local food and fresh produce can be reasonably priced.
Students may be able to use subsidised canteens.
The city offers the experience of a regional capital without the costs associated with Milan or Rome.
Airport connections make travel to other parts of Italy and Europe more convenient.

Eligible international students can also apply for ERSU scholarships. Depending on the award, support may include a tuition fee waiver, university accommodation, canteen meals and financial assistance. Awards are not automatic, so students must apply within the published deadlines.

4. Perugia

Perugia is a historic university city in central Italy. Its manageable size, strong student identity and central location make it attractive to international students who want a balance between affordability and cultural experience.

An official University of Perugia guide estimates typical student living costs at approximately €700–€800 per month, including accommodation, meals, local transport and study-related expenses. Personal lifestyle and the type of room selected can increase this amount.

What Makes Perugia Student-Friendly?

Many parts of the city are accessible on foot or by local transport.
A large student population supports affordable cafés and social activities.
Shared flats can be more economical than independent apartments.
Its central location provides access to Rome, Florence and other Italian destinations.
The city offers a less crowded environment than Italy’s biggest metropolitan areas.

Perugia is also known for language learning, making it worth considering for students interested in improving their Italian while completing their main course.

5. Bari

Bari is a major university and port city in the southern region of Puglia. It offers a Mediterranean lifestyle, coastal surroundings and good rail, road and air connections.

The University of Bari Aldo Moro highlights the area’s lower living costs compared with major European cities. Although the university does not directly provide accommodation to every student, eligible international students may apply for housing through ADISU, the regional agency responsible for scholarships, residences and meal services.

Why Bari Can Offer Good Value

Housing is often more affordable than in major northern cities.
Local markets and supermarkets provide different food-budget options.
The city has useful transport connections without requiring students to live in an expensive capital.
Regional accommodation and scholarship support may reduce overall costs.
Students can experience a lively urban environment alongside a coastal lifestyle.

Bari may be particularly suitable for students who want a larger city but find Milan or Rome too expensive.

6. Pisa

Pisa is internationally recognised for its university tradition. It is a relatively compact city with a significant student population and strong academic links across science, technology, engineering and other disciplines.

The University of Pisa suggests a monthly budget of approximately €800–€850 for a student renting a room in a shared flat. Its estimate includes accommodation and utilities, food and other basic housing-related expenses. Renting an entire flat can raise the monthly total to around €1,000–€1,100.

Advantages of Studying in Pisa

The city is compact and many areas are walkable.
Sharing an apartment can significantly reduce housing expenses.
A large student community creates opportunities for affordable social activities.
Pisa has useful rail connections to Florence and other Tuscan cities.
University dining facilities may help students manage meal costs.

Accommodation demand can be high before the academic year begins. Students should start searching early and avoid making payments without verifying the property, landlord and rental agreement.

7. Turin

Turin is not always the cheapest city on the list, but it can offer better value than Milan for students who want to live in a major northern Italian city. It has a developed public transport system, a broad university environment and access to business and industrial sectors.

The city is home to the University of Turin and the Polytechnic University of Turin. It may be especially attractive to students interested in engineering, architecture, technology, economics, business and scientific disciplines.

Why Turin May Be Worth the Higher Budget

Students gain access to a major city at a potentially lower cost than Milan.
Extensive public transport can reduce the need to live close to the city centre.
University residences and regional EDISU services may help eligible students.
The city has a strong academic, research and industrial environment.
Living outside the central districts can reduce monthly rent.

Students should compare neighbourhoods carefully because accommodation costs can vary considerably across the city.

8. Padua

Padua is a well-established student city in northern Italy. Although it can cost more than cities in Sicily or southern Italy, its compact layout, cycling culture and student services may provide good overall value.

The University of Padua indicates that a single room may cost around €300–€600 per month plus expenses, while a place in a double room may range from approximately €250–€400. It also estimates weekly supermarket spending at about €60.

Why Students Choose Padua

The city has a strong and visible student community.
Walking and cycling can lower transport expenses.
Students can access university and regional accommodation opportunities.
Padua is well connected to Venice, Verona and other northern destinations.
The university offers a broad range of academic disciplines.

Affordable rooms can fill quickly, so students should begin their accommodation search as soon as their admission plans become clear.

Typical Monthly Expenses for International Students in Italy

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost	What It May Include
Room in shared accommodation	€250–€650	A private or shared room in an apartment with other students
Utilities and internet	€50–€120	Electricity, gas, water, heating and Wi-Fi
Groceries	€180–€300	Basic food, household products and personal-care items
Local transport	€25–€50	Student bus, tram or metro pass
Mobile phone	€10–€25	Calls, messages and mobile data
Study materials	€20–€60	Books, printing, stationery and digital resources
Personal and leisure expenses	€80–€200	Clothing, entertainment, eating out and social activities
Estimated monthly total	€650–€1,100	Approximate living expenses excluding tuition fees and major one-time costs

Which Affordable Italian City May Suit You?

Student Preference	Cities to Consider	Why They May Suit You
Lowest possible accommodation costs	Catania, Palermo or L’Aquila	Shared rooms and daily expenses can be more manageable than in Italy’s largest cities
A compact and traditional university city	Perugia or Pisa	University life is closely integrated with the city, making campuses and services easier to access
Coastal lifestyle	Bari, Palermo or Catania	Students can combine university life with Mediterranean weather and access to the coast
Major city experience on a controlled budget	Turin	Offers extensive services, cultural activities and career opportunities at potentially lower costs than Milan
Strong northern Italy location	Padua or Turin	Provides useful transport connections and access to important academic and industrial areas
Quiet study environment	L’Aquila	Offers a smaller-city atmosphere with fewer metropolitan distractions
Easy access to central Italian destinations	Perugia or Pisa	Convenient for exploring cities and regions across central Italy
Active regional scholarship options	Palermo, Catania or Bari	Eligible students may apply for regional support covering tuition, meals or accommodation
Engineering and technology opportunities	Turin, Pisa or L’Aquila	Home to universities offering programmes across engineering, technology and scientific disciplines
Business and economics studies	Turin, Bari or Perugia	Provide varied academic options and access to regional business environments
Historic and cultural surroundings	Palermo, Perugia or Pisa	Allow students to study in cities known for architecture, history and local traditions
Walkable student lifestyle	Pisa, Perugia or Padua	Compact layouts may reduce reliance on daily public transport
Strong international student community	Turin, Padua or Pisa	Established universities attract students from different countries and academic backgrounds
Italian-language learning environment	Perugia	Offers an immersive setting for students interested in improving their Italian
Mediterranean climate	Catania, Palermo or Bari	Suitable for students who prefer warmer weather and relatively mild winters
Access to larger employment markets	Turin or Padua	Provide connections to developed commercial, industrial and research environments
Affordable food and local markets	Palermo, Catania or Bari	Local markets and regional produce may help students manage grocery expenses
Smaller and less crowded surroundings	L’Aquila or Perugia	Suitable for students who

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