Lazio, the central Italian region that houses the capital, Rome, is one of the most attractive places to consider moving to in 2024. Its rich history, cultural offerings, and diverse landscapes make it a popular choice for both locals and expatriates. However, like any relocation, it is crucial to understand key factors such as property prices, cost of living, quality of life, and available services.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect if you’re considering moving to Lazio.
Property Prices
Lazio’s real estate market has seen moderate growth in recent years. As of July 2024, the average price for properties in the region stands at €2,460 per square meter (around $2,675). However, prices vary significantly by province: Rome, the most sought-after location, has an average property price of €2,777 per square meter ($3,020), while Frosinone, a quieter province, offers properties at an average of €813 per square meter ($885). If you’re looking to rent, expect to pay around €15,64 (around $17) per square meter per month, with prices peaking in Rome (€16,27/m² or $17,69/m²) and the lowest in Frosinone (€6,57/m² or $7,14/m²).
Cost of Living
Making up you mind about moving to Lazio also means understanding how expensive life is in the region. As it is for every place, the cost of living can range from moderate to high, depending on the city. Rome, unsurprisingly, is the most expensive, with an average monthly cost of living at around €1,697 ($1,840). Other cities like Latina or Viterbo have a significantly lower cost of living, ranging from €1,049 ($1,139) to €1,332 ($1,446), making them attractive alternatives for those on a tighter budget. Essential goods, such as a liter of milk (€1.36 or $1.50) and a kilogram of apples (€2.37 or $2.57), reflect general European price levels. Utilities, including electricity, heating, and garbage, for a typical 85m² apartment average around €204.73 ($222) per month. Internet costs are relatively affordable at an average of €27.70 ($30) per month for a high-speed connection.
Quality of Life
Lazio consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life. Rome, the region’s capital, scores 87/100 in livability, offering an unbeatable mix of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and lively cultural life. Smaller cities such as the already-mentioned Viterbo and Ladispoli also have strong livability scores, thanks to their relaxed pace of life, cleaner environments, and access to natural beauty, with the latter benefiting from proximity to the coast.
Healthcare services in Lazio are excellent: Italy’s public healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides free or low-cost medical services, and private healthcare is also available for faster access. Lazio’s larger cities, particularly Rome, host some of Italy’s best hospitals and specialist centers in the country.
Employment and Services
As the capital region, Lazio is an economic powerhouse: Rome is home to several multinational corporations, governmental organizations, and cultural institutions, offering a wide range of job opportunities in sectors such as finance, tourism, and media. The average monthly salary in Lazio is around €1,833 ($1,988), enough to cover the moderate to high cost of living. Public transportation in Rome is efficient, with a monthly pass costing about €35 ($38). For those driving, gasoline prices average around €6.72 ($7.30) per gallon.
What’s Great About Lazio?
Lazio’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Rome offers the buzz and fun of a cosmopolitan city with ancient history at every turn. For those who prefer a quieter life, places like Viterbo and Latina provide charming historic centers, lower living costs, and easy access to Italy’s stunning countryside and beaches. Thanks to its variety and landscapes, opportunities and, indeed, prices, Lazio can be a good option if you are thinking about moving to Italy and stay. Key is also the good level of essential services like public transportation and healthcare, especially when in or near Rome.
rawn to the cultural vibrancy of Rome or the serene landscapes of smaller towns, moving to Lazio can offer a high quality of life with access to excellent services. Just be mindful of the varying property prices and cost of living across the region to find the best fit for your needs!
