Moving to Tuscany can be appealing for those seeking a blend of cultural wealth, stunning landscapes, and a high quality of life. Known for its historical cities, beautiful countryside, and world-class wine and food, Tuscany offers all of that. This guide covers everything you need to know, from property prices and cost of living to the pros and cons of settling in this iconic region. Let’s take a look together!
Property Prices
Property prices in the region, just as it’s common everywhere, vary widely depending on the area. Florence, the region’s capital, is the most expensive, with average property prices around €3,000 ($3,300) per square meter. In contrast, rural areas and smaller towns like Arezzo and Grosseto offer more affordable options, ranging from €1,500 ($1,650) to €2,200 ($2,420) per square meter. Renting in Florence can cost around €17 ($19) per square meter per month, while in smaller towns, you might pay as little as €9 ($10) per square meter.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tuscany is moderate, though it depends, once again, heavily on location: unsurprisingly, Florence is the most expensive, with monthly expenses for a single person around €1,800 ($1,980), including rent. In contrast, smaller towns like Siena or Lucca offer a lower cost of living, closer to €1,200 ($1,320) per month. Groceries and dining are relatively affordable, with typical prices aligning with the national average.
Quality of Life
Let’s say it straight: life in Tuscany is good, with the regional capital Florence regularly scoring quite high in the national indexes of livability. Smaller towns like Pisa and Lucca offer a quieter lifestyle with access to excellent healthcare and education services. The region’s public transportation system is reliable, making it easy to travel between cities.
Employment and Services
Tuscany’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The average monthly salary is around €1,700 ($1,870), while public services, including healthcare and transportation, are well-regarded, contributing to the region’s overall appeal.
Pros and Cons of Living in Tuscany
So, do we want to move to Tuscany? Let’s sum up the pros and the cons together:
Pros:
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Beautiful landscapes and mild climate
- High quality of life with excellent healthcare and education
Cons:
- Higher cost of living in major cities like Florence
- Limited job opportunities outside major urban centers
- Tourist crowds in popular areas can be overwhelming
All in all, moving to Tuscany can be a unique opportunity to experience one of Italy’s most iconic regions; here, you will enjoy a high quality of life but it’s important to keep in mind the varying property prices and cost of living across the region to make sure you pick the right place for you, your budget and your lifestyle!
