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Bologna, Italy
Capital City

Follows Italy Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,030
Retiree Score
78.0
Safety Index
54.5
Healthcare
53 facilities

Living in Bologna means dealing with a heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucratic headaches. The city is home to 390,734 people, with a metropolitan population of over 1 million. While Bologna boasts the oldest university in continuous operation, the academic community has brought its share of public order and waste management challenges stemming from the lively nightlife. Those looking to relocate should brace for a city that, while rich in history and culture, can be a slog to navigate at times. Bologna may be best suited for die-hard university buffs and lovers of hearty Italian cuisine.

Can I afford Bologna?

$

Bologna

You could save

970/mo

Savings Rate32%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,050
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$980

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
32/100
Retiree Score
(i)
78/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
55/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Italy Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
55
Safety
53
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) *$2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) *$4
Rice (1kg) *$3
Chicken (1kg) *$13

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$17
Meal (Mid-range) $7
Cappuccino *$3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $369
Mobile Plan (mo) $29
Gym (mo) *$58
Cinema Ticket $12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $840
1BR Outside (mo) *$529
3BR Center (mo) $1,520
3BR Outside (mo) *$873

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Centro, Saragozza, Santo Stefano
Best For
students, professionals

Expat Life Notes

The educational heart of Italy. It is extremely walkable, safe, and offers an unmatched food culture.

Pros

  • ✓ Best food in Italy
  • ✓ Vibrant youthful energy
  • ✓ High English proficiency in center

Cons

  • ✗ Housing shortage due to students
  • ✗ Summer heat
  • ✗ High rent prices

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
0°C°C - 31°C°C
Annual Rainfall
893 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Sondrio, ItalyFinale Emilia, ItalyLiving in Finale Emilia, Italy offers ultra-low rents near Bologna, but requires Italian skills and patience with post-earthquake rebuilding. Ideal for budget-fAndorra la Vella, AndorraLiving in Andorra la Vella offers tax benefits and mountain living, but prepare for high costs and bureaucracy. Ideal for tax-savvy expats who prioritize outdooSquamish, CanadaLiving in Squamish, Canada offers outdoor adventure and proximity to Vancouver, but high rents make it a pricey FIRE option despite its natural appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Bologna

Click any question to expand the answer.

Bologna has a population of approximately 387,971 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,625 per month in Bologna, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1050/month.

The nearest airport to Bologna is BLQ, approximately 6km away.

Bologna is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 54.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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