Italy is often associated with luxury villas, bustling tourist cities, and high living costs in places like Rome, Florence, or Milan. Yet beyond the famous hotspots lies another Italy — one of quiet hill towns, coastal fishing villages, and rural communities where life is slower, more authentic, and surprisingly affordable. From Molise’s hidden valleys to Sicily’s inland cities, there are dozens of places where you can enjoy la dolce vita without breaking the bank. This guide highlights 50 of the most budget-friendly cities and towns across the country, grouped by region to help you find the lifestyle that fits.

Top 50 Most Affordable Cities To Live In Italy

1. Campobasso (Molise)

Campobasso, Molise’s quiet regional capital, offers one of Italy’s lowest living costs. Nestled among hills, it combines medieval charm with modern conveniences. Housing is inexpensive compared to most Italian cities, and daily expenses remain modest. The historic old town, with its castle and winding streets, contrasts with newer districts. Life here is slow-paced, community-oriented, and ideal for retirees or remote workers seeking authenticity. Campobasso provides affordable living without sacrificing cultural richness or access to essential services.

2. Isernia (Molise)

Isernia is a small, historic town in Molise known for its ancient origins and affordability. Housing prices are among the lowest in Italy, and the cost of food and services is modest. Its old town features Roman ruins, medieval churches, and charming piazzas. The community is tight-knit, offering a peaceful lifestyle far from tourist crowds. With its rural setting and low expenses, Isernia appeals to those seeking simplicity, history, and budget-friendly living in southern Italy.

3. Termoli (Molise)

Termoli is a charming Adriatic beach town in Molise, offering affordable seaside living. Its medieval old town sits on a promontory overlooking sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Housing and daily costs are lower than in more famous coastal destinations, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents. Termoli balances history, with its castle and cathedral, and modern amenities like shops and restaurants. It’s ideal for those wanting affordable coastal life, combining relaxation, culture, and accessibility in one package.

4. Crotone (Calabria)

Crotone, located on Calabria’s Ionian coast, is one of Italy’s most affordable coastal cities. Known for its ancient Greek heritage, including the ruins of Kroton, it offers inexpensive housing and low everyday costs. The city has a working port, beaches, and a relaxed southern lifestyle. While jobs can be limited, the affordability makes it appealing for retirees or remote workers. Crotone combines history, sea views, and budget-friendly living, offering a genuine taste of Calabria without high expenses.

5. Catanzaro (Calabria)

Catanzaro, Calabria’s inland capital, sits on hills overlooking the Ionian Sea. It offers very affordable housing and living costs compared to northern Italian cities. The town blends medieval streets, modern districts, and nearby beaches. Catanzaro is quieter than coastal hubs, with a strong local identity and slower pace of life. Its affordability, combined with access to both mountains and sea, makes it appealing for those seeking balance, tradition, and budget-conscious living in southern Italy.

6. Reggio Calabria (Calabria)

Reggio Calabria, located on the Strait of Messina, is Calabria’s largest city yet remains affordable. Housing and daily expenses are lower than in northern Italy, and the city offers vibrant culture, seaside promenades, and historic sites. Famous for the Riace Bronzes, Reggio blends history with modern amenities. Its location provides stunning views of Sicily and easy ferry connections. Affordable living, Mediterranean climate, and cultural richness make Reggio Calabria an attractive option for those seeking southern city life.

7. Caltanissetta (Sicily)

Caltanissetta, an inland Sicilian city, is known for its rich history and affordability. Housing costs are low, and everyday expenses remain modest compared to coastal tourist centers. The city features Baroque architecture, lively markets, and a strong local identity. Its central location makes it a hub for exploring Sicily’s interior. Life here is slower, community-focused, and deeply traditional. Caltanissetta appeals to those seeking authentic Sicilian culture, history, and budget-friendly living away from crowded tourist destinations.

8. Enna (Sicily)

Enna, Italy’s highest provincial capital, offers stunning panoramic views and affordable living. Perched atop a hill in central Sicily, it combines medieval charm with modest housing costs. The city is known for its fortress, historic churches, and dramatic landscapes. Daily expenses are lower than in coastal cities, and life is peaceful and traditional. Enna’s altitude provides cooler summers compared to Sicily’s coast. It’s ideal for those seeking affordability, history, and breathtaking scenery in a central Sicilian setting.

9. Agrigento (Sicily)

Agrigento, famous for the Valley of the Temples, offers affordable living outside its tourist core. Inland neighborhoods and surrounding towns provide inexpensive housing and modest daily costs. The city blends ancient Greek ruins with medieval streets and modern districts. While tourism drives parts of the economy, residents enjoy a slower pace and authentic Sicilian culture. Agrigento is ideal for those seeking affordability, history, and Mediterranean charm, with access to both cultural landmarks and coastal beauty.

10. Messina (Sicily)

Messina, a bustling port city on Sicily’s northeastern tip, offers lower costs than Palermo or Catania. Housing is affordable, and daily expenses remain modest. The city is known for its cathedral, clock tower, and vibrant waterfront. Its strategic location provides ferry access to mainland Italy and views across the Strait of Messina. Messina combines affordability, culture, and connectivity, making it appealing for those seeking Sicilian city life with easier mainland links and a manageable cost of living.

50 Most Affordable Cities & Towns to Live in Italy

#	City / Town	Region
1	Campobasso	Molise
2	Isernia	Molise
3	Termoli	Molise
4	Crotone	Calabria
5	Catanzaro	Calabria
6	Reggio Calabria	Calabria
7	Caltanissetta	Sicily
8	Enna	Sicily
9	Agrigento	Sicily
10	Messina	Sicily
11	Trapani	Sicily
12	Foggia	Puglia
13	Andria	Puglia
14	Barletta	Puglia
15	Taranto	Puglia
16	Potenza	Basilicata
17	Melfi	Basilicata
18	Benevento	Campania
19	L’Aquila	Abruzzo
20	Chieti	Abruzzo
21	Teramo	Abruzzo
22	Ascoli Piceno	Marche
23	Fermo	Marche
24	Macerata	Marche
25	Perugia (outskirts)	Umbria
26	Terni	Umbria
27	Foligno	Umbria
28	Rieti	Lazio
29	Viterbo	Lazio
30	Latina	Lazio
31	Grosseto	Tuscany
32	Arezzo	Tuscany
33	Pistoia	Tuscany
34	Alessandria	Piedmont
35	Cuneo	Piedmont
36	Piacenza	Emilia-Romagna
37	Cremona	Lombardy
38	Mantova	Lombardy
39	Pavia	Lombardy
40	Padova	Veneto
41	Verona (outer areas)	Veneto
42	Treviso	Veneto
43	Udine	Friuli-Venezia Giulia
44	Pordenone	Friuli-Venezia Giulia
45	Gorizia	Friuli-Venezia Giulia
46	Trieste	Friuli-Venezia Giulia
47	Sutera	Sicily
48	Mussomeli	Sicily
49	Oliveto Lucano	Basilicata
50	Lecce (non-touristy areas)	Puglia

Closing

Choosing an affordable home in Italy isn’t just about saving money — it’s about embracing a different rhythm of life. Whether you settle in Calabria’s sun-soaked coast, Umbria’s green heart, or Piedmont’s alpine plains, each region offers its own blend of culture, history, and community. Remember to rent first, explore in different seasons, and connect with locals before committing. With patience and preparation, you’ll discover that Italy’s true value lies not only in its housing prices, but in the richness of everyday life — food, friendships, and the timeless beauty of its landscapes.