Capua sits 25 meters above sea level in the Campania region of southern Italy, enjoying a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city's population is around 18,000, giving it a small-town feel that appeals to those looking for a quieter base. Expats tend to settle in the Centro Storico, the historic heart with narrow streets and old buildings, or in the Via Appia area, which offers more modern conveniences. English is common in tourist areas, but the expat community here is very few, so newcomers should expect to rely on Italian for daily life.
Living costs in Capua are notably low. A single adult's monthly expenses excluding rent come to $780, while a family of four spends about $2,450 per month on the same items. Rent is affordable: a one-bedroom in the city center runs $520 per month, and outside the center it drops to $420. A three-bedroom in the center costs $950, and outside the center it is $750. Utilities run $210 monthly, internet is $30, and a mobile phone plan costs just $11. A cappuccino at a restaurant is $1, an inexpensive restaurant meal is $17 per person, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $62. The cost of living index is 51 out of 100 (New York City equals 100), making it a budget-friendly choice. For a single adult living in the center, a budget-tier lifestyle totals $745 per month, a mid-range tier is $1,086, and a comfortable tier is $1,376.
The city has a safety index of 75 out of 100 and a crime index of 25 out of 100 (lower is safer), indicating a secure environment. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, and the air quality index is 48 (lower is better), which is moderate. These factors contribute to an overall expat score of 82 out of 100, a FIRE score of 84, a retiree score of 77, and a digital nomad score of 69.
For those considering a move, Italy offers two visa pathways. The Italy Elective Residence Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $2,895, and the Italy Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $2,615. The nearest airport is NAP, located just 9 kilometers away. Capua is best suited for retirees, FIRE seekers, and digital nomads who value low costs, safety, and excellent healthcare, and who are comfortable with a very small expat community.