Why Are Americans Moving to Italy?

Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.

In recent years, a significant number of Americans have been making this dream a reality by moving to Italy.

As per recent statistics, more or less 15,658 American immigrants live in Italy because of its cultural heritage, high quality of life, and affordable living standards.

Italy’s “la dolce vita” is an irresistible draw.

With a focus on community, long meals, and a work-life balance, the nation is a clear alternative to the busy and work-focused nature of Americans.

This cultural shift serves as a major reason Americans are flocking to find a more joyful day-to-day experience.

From an economic perspective, Italy has attractive benefits.

Italy has a lower cost of living than the US.

For instance, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is roughly €747 ($834) in Italy and about €1,574 ($1,758) in the United States.

Moreover, Italy's universal healthcare system offers high-quality healthcare services for a fraction of what they would cost in the U.S., which makes it an appealing destination for individuals looking to downsize their living expenses.

Furthermore, Italy's diverse history, art, and cuisine give a unique and enriching experience.

The country's diverse regions provide a range of lifestyles, from the hustling urban environments of Rome and Milan to the peaceful countryside of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.

This rich mix gives Americans so many places to fall in love and find what they like.

A Slice of “La Dolce Vita”

The Italian way of life can be impossible for many Americans to resist.

It’s not only the postcard-perfect landscapes or the world-class food; it’s that slower rhythm, the focus on family and community and, ideally, feeling happy every day on this earth.

This change in culture from the hustle culture of the U.S. to the slower-paced Italian culture is another big reason many Americans find themselves here.

Living in Italy as an American means accepting a life where taking time to enjoy a meal, a conversation, or even an afternoon stroll is the norm.

It’s a sharp contrast to the often work-obsessed culture of the United States.

Healthcare

Italy has a healthcare system that delivers high-quality care at a fraction of the cost of the U.S.

For example, primary care visits are often free, while out-of-pocket expenses for medications or specialist consultations are nominal. For expats, this might mean that the game has changed.

Healthcare in Italy for American expats is available through either public or private services.

Many expats go for private insurance for extra convenience, but even that is vastly less expensive than it is in the United States.

This is especially attractive for retirees because healthcare typically constitutes one of the largest expenses in later years.

Visa Requirements and Pathways

Moving from the U.S. to Italy involves several visa requirements.

But the good news is Italy has the right option for every need.

Elective Residence Visa: This visa is perfect for retirees or those with independent income. However, you need evidence of financial means to apply for it.

Work Visa: This is for individuals who already have a job offer in Italy.

Student Visa: This one is ideal for young Americans who want to visit and study Italy.

Self-Employment Visa: It is a good fit for freelancers or remote workers.

While the visa requirements for Americans moving to Italy may appear overwhelming, it is a manageable process.

Most Americans applying for the Elective Residence Visa must demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support themselves in the country through a steady income or a large savings account balance.

Best Italian Cities for Americans

When preparing for a move to Italy, it is compulsory to choose the right city is crucial.

Rome

As Italy's capital, Rome is rich in culture and history. It's home to approximately 2,800 Americans, which makes it the most popular region among U.S. nationals.

Florence

Florence is considered as the birthplace of the Renaissance. It provides a dynamic cultural scene. The city accommodates roughly 380,000 people, with around 14% of the population made up of expats and other foreign inhabitants.

Milan

As Italy's financial hub, Milan attracts professionals globally. The city has around 850,000 inhabitants, approximately 14% of whom are from non-Italian backgrounds.

Bologna

It is known for its quality lifestyle and smooth public transportation system. Bologna is an attractive city with a diverse cultural heritage.

Turin

Located in the northern province of Piedmont, Turin is a center of international industry, commerce, and trade. This provides a broad international mentality and a thriving expat community.

Challenges of Moving to Italy

Moving to Italy is an exciting adventure, but it's important to be aware of the challenges that may arise.

Italian Bureaucracy

Italy is known for its complex and time-consuming bureaucratic processes.

Whether you're applying for visas, setting up utilities, or dealing with official documents, always expect delays and significant paperwork.

Language Barrier

While English is spoken in tourist areas, proficiency in Italian is essential for daily life, especially in smaller towns.

Not learning the language can prevent communication and make tasks like shopping, banking, and socializing more difficult.

Cultural Differences

Italy's lifestyle differs from that of the U.S., with a focus on a slower pace and different business practices.

It is important to adjust to these cultural norms, such as the importance of family time and traditional customs, for a smooth move.

Financial Considerations

It is integral to understand the cost of living, tax obligations, and currency exchange rates.

The cost of living in Italy is generally lower than in the United States. For example, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Italy is approximately €747 ($834), whereas in the United States, it averages around €1,574 ($1,758).

Employment Opportunities

Italy's job market can be competitive. Its unemployment rate is 6.5%, higher than the U.S. rate of 4.2%.

It is challenging to secure employment, especially without proficiency in Italian.

Buying Property in Italy

You must be dreaming of a Tuscan villa or a Roman apartment in Italy.

Buying property in Italy as an American is entirely possible. Italy offers several incentives for foreigners purchasing property, especially in rural or underpopulated areas.

Key things to know:

Property prices fluctuate based on location, with rural homes being far more affordable than city apartments.

Legal assistance is crucial for a smooth transaction.

Renovation costs should be factored in, especially for older properties.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Italy From America?

Let’s discuss the detailed costs of moving to Italy so that you’re fully prepared.

To make this even more relatable, we’ll include a real-life example of an American family who made this move.

The Johnson Family’s Move to Florence

The Johnson family—a couple in their early 40s with two children—decided to move from Boston to Florence.

They had dreamed of enjoying Italy's culture and wanted their kids to experience a different lifestyle.

Let’s follow their journey to understand how the costs stack up.

Visa Application Fees

The Johnsons needed Elective Residence Visas.

Each application cost approximately $130 per person, and they had to provide proof of financial stability and a clear plan for housing in Italy.

Cost for a family of four: $520

Travel Expenses

Flights from Boston to Florence cost around $450 per ticket for one-way travel.

The family had extra luggage, with two additional suitcases costing $100 each.

Total airfare: $1,800

Extra luggage: $200

Grand total: $2,000

Shipping Household Goods

The Johnsons shipped a 20-foot container with their furniture, kitchenware, and personal items.

The cost for shipping from Boston to Livorno (the nearest port to Florence) was approximately $3,000.

Temporary Accommodation

Before settling into their new home, the family stayed in an Airbnb in Florence for 14 days at a nightly rate of $120.

Temporary housing: $1,680

Long-Term Housing Costs

The Johnsons rented a three-bedroom apartment in the city center.

They paid the first month’s rent (€2,000), a two-month deposit (€4,000), and a real estate agency fee (€2,000).

The total upfront cost was €8,000 ($8,880).

Utilities and Internet

Monthly utilities averaged €250 ($278) for electricity, water, and garbage collection.

Internet services were €30 ($33) per month.

Healthcare Insurance

The family opted for private healthcare during their first year in Italy.

The total cost was €2,400 ($2,664) for all four members.

Transportation

The Johnsons relied on public transport. A monthly pass for the family costs €140 ($155).

Miscellaneous Expenses

They budgeted $400 monthly for dining out, school supplies for the kids, and entertainment.

Total Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the Johnsons' initial and monthly expenses:

Key Takeaways from the Johnson Family’s Experience

Plan for Upfront Costs: The Johnsons found that the biggest expenses were related to housing and shipping goods.

Consider Downsizing: To save on shipping, sell bulky furniture and buy locally in Italy.

Utilize Public Transport: They avoided car-related expenses like fuel and maintenance by relying on public transport.

Budget Extra for Surprises: Hidden fees, like customs charges for their shipped goods, added an unexpected $500 to their budget.

The Future: Why the Trend Will Continue

Italy's allure remains strong, and the trend of Americans moving to Italy shows no signs of slowing down.

Whether it’s the promise of a better quality of life, the adventure of living abroad, or the practical benefits of affordable living, Italy continues to be a dream destination.