United States vs Italy
Italy costs roughly 96% less than United States, though United States has significantly faster internet infrastructure, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for United States expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Italy is approximately 96% less expensive than United States based on cost of living including rent. This makes Italy a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Italy has a FIRE Score of 55/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 53.1, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Italy is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
United States
Washington, D.C.
About United States
Best for families seeking high English proficiency and excellent air travel access, with no retiree or digital nomad visa available. Internet speed of 390.28 Mbps and a large expat community support remote work, but the cost of living index is 100 (global baseline). Key trade-off: no retirement or digital nomad visa, and a complex pathway to residency or citizenship limits long-term stays.
$155/mo
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About Italy
Retirees with steady income fare better here than remote workers chasing savings. Rent outside the center runs $660.88/mo, cheap by European standards, but income tax climbing to 43% erodes any freelance upside fast. The Elective Residence Visa requires $2,895/mo in passive income, and citizenship stays complex even after years of residency.
$1,138/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | United States | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | N/A | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 188.8 +37.8 | 151 |
| Healthcare Index | 67.8 +2.7 | 65.1 |
| Safety Index | 50.8 | 53.1 +2.3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 51 +49.0 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,176 | $1,017.2 +158.8 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $4,239 | $3,632.9 +606.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,668.61 | $845.17 +823.44 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,355.41 | $660.88 +694.53 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,688.4 | $1,474.53 +1,213.87 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $2,228.12 | $1,091.27 +1,136.85 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 390.28 Mbps +105.2 | 285.05 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Italy. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Italy. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
Get a quote →Compare visa routes
Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for United States and Italy, side by side.
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