Cities & Hotspots

Milan is the business hub, Rome has the broadest international life, Florence is compact and cultural, and Sicily offers lower-cost regional living with more trade-offs.

  • RomeOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • MilanOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • FlorenceOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • SicilyOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

April to June or September to October Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

City traffic and summer heat are the main concerns. Northern cities can see winter pollution; island air is often easier but healthcare depth varies.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Humanitas, San Raffaele and the Gemelli network are well-known private options. Call 112 for emergencies and keep your European Health Insurance Card or private cover details.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

TIM, Vodafone and WindTre offer eSIMs. Free Now, itTaxi and Uber availability vary by city; Just Eat and Deliveroo are common for food.

  • Mobile networksTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad are the main mobile comparisons. A codice fiscale is often needed for resident contracts.
  • Ride appsFree Now, itTaxi, appTaxi and Uber availability vary sharply by city; do not assume Milan and Sicily work the same way.
  • Food deliveryJust Eat, Deliveroo, Glovo and Uber Eats coverage depends on city and neighbourhood.
  • PaymentsCards are common in cities, but cash still helps in markets, taxis and smaller towns.
  • Home internetTIM, Vodafone, Fastweb, WindTre and Iliad fibre depend on building coverage and installation timelines.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • Codice fiscaleThe codice fiscale is the basic tax/admin code needed for rentals, banking, contracts and healthcare steps.
  • Permesso di soggiornoNon-EU residents usually handle residence through visa entry, postal-kit application, Questura appointments and fingerprinting.
  • AnagrafeMunicipal registration affects residence, healthcare and local services. Landlord paperwork matters.
  • TaxAgenzia delle Entrate rules, residence, flat-tax regimes and foreign income need advice before a long stay.
  • Admin habitBring originals, translated/certified documents where required, appointment receipts and patience for regional bureaucracy.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

People drawn by culture, food and family life who are prepared to handle regional bureaucracy.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.