Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students in 2024

Did you know that Italy is not only famous for its rich history and cuisine but also attracts a significant number of international students? In fact, as of 2023, over 96,000 international students are studying in Italy, a number that has seen a steady increase over the past decade​!

Understanding the cost of living in Italy is essential for anyone planning to move there. The average monthly expenses can range from INR 63,000 to INR 1L, depending on the city and lifestyle choices​​. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Milan can range from INR 72,000 to INR 1.3L per month, while in smaller cities like Bologna or Florence, it may cost between INR 54,000 and INR 90,000​​.

The expenses can vary widely based on the city and lifestyle, with Milan and Rome being among the most expensive cities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate everything about the cost of living in Italy: from housing to food, tuition fees, transportation, and more.

Key Highlights

Here are the key details you need to know about the cost of living in Italy.

Topic	Cost of Living in Italy
Cost of Living in Italy per month	INR 56,000 – INR 96,000 per month including rent, utilities, food, and transportation.
Cost of Living in Milan	Scholarships to Reduce Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students
Cost of Living in Rome	Estimated monthly cost: INR 76,400 – INR 89,600
Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students	INR 81,000 – INR 1L per month
Utility Expenses	INR 11,375 – INR 21,875 per month including electricity, heating, internet, and mobile services.
Average tuition fees at Top Universities in Italy	INR 2L TO INR 5L
Part-time Job Opportunities to manage the cost of living in Italy	Average hourly wage: INR 900 – INR 1,350
Scholarships to Reduce Cost of Living in Italy for Indian students	Pays around INR 90,000 to INR 9L

Average Monthly Expenses Breakdown

The average monthly expenses in Italy can range from INR 63,000 to INR 1L, depending on the city and lifestyle choices​.

Before delving into city-specific details, it’s essential to get a general idea of the average cost of living in Italy. This includes rent, food, transportation, utilities, and other miscellaneous costs.

Here is the overall calculation of average monthly expenses in Italy.

Factor	Approximate Amount Per Month (INR)
Rent for Student Housing	INR 33,000
Cost of Food	INR 21,200
Personal Expenses	INR 25,400
Transportation	INR 2,970
Entertainment	INR 2,900
Utilities	INR 15,280
Groceries	INR 5,500

Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students

Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage and top-notch educational institutions, is an increasingly popular destination for Indian students. According to recent statistics, the number of Indian students in Italy has increased by 20% over the past five years, reflecting its growing appeal as a study destination​​. Understanding these costs is crucial for effective budgeting and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable stay in this vibrant country.

Here is a brief breakdown of the cost of living in Italy per month for Indian students.

Category	Cost of Living in Italy for International Student
Tuition Fees	INR 1.8L – INR 9L per year
Accommodation	INR 18,000 – INR 45,000 per month
Food and Other Expenses	INR 1,350 – INR 27,000 per month
Total Monthly Expenses	INR 81,000 – INR 1.35L per month

Please note:

• The total cost of living in Italy includes rent, food, utilities, and transportation.
• Budgeting carefully can help you manage these expenses effectively.

Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in Italy

1. Accommodation: Choose shared apartments or university dormitories to save on rent.
2. Food: Cook at home and limit dining out.
3. Transportation: Use public transport where a monthly pass can cost you around INR 2,900.
4. Shopping: Look for discounts and buy in bulk.

Cost of Living in Italy – Accommodation Costs

Housing expenses often account for a significant portion of a student’s budget in Italy. On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment in cities like Milan and Rome can cost between INR 72,000 and INR 1,35,000 per month​​. Despite high rental prices in these cities, Italy offers a range of affordable accommodation options.

Shared apartments can significantly reduce costs, with prices starting from just INR 20,000 per month. University dormitories are even more budget-friendly, costing between INR 18,000 and INR 36,000 per month. These options provide flexibility for you to manage your housing expenses effectively while enjoying your stay in Italy.

Here is a brief breakdown of the different types of accommodations available and how much they can cost you.

Type of Accommodation	Cost of Living in Italy Per Month (INR)
Student Accommodation	INR 20,800 – INR 25,000
Single Person	INR 33,390
Students (Shared)	INR 16,690

Cost of Living in Italy – Food and Drink Expenses

Food costs in Italy can vary. Dining out can be affordable if you know where to go, with meals at inexpensive restaurants costing around INR 1,350 each​​. Popular dishes like pasta carbonara, pizza margherita, and risotto alla Milanese offer authentic flavours at reasonable prices.

If you prefer to cook at home, monthly grocery expenses can typically range from INR 18,000 to INR 36,000​​. Shopping at local markets and cooking your meals can significantly reduce the cost of living in Italy while allowing you to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine on a budget.

Here are the average food costs in Italy.

Type of Meal	Cost in INR
Meal for 2 People in Mid-range	INR 4,628
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	INR 1,262
Cappuccino	INR 117
McMeal at McDonald’s	INR 673
Cold Drinks (0.33 litres)	INR 178

The costs of some common grocery items you’d normally buy in Italy are as follows:

Item	Cost (INR)
Chicken Breasts, 1 kg	INR 676
Apples, 1 kg	INR 150
Lettuce	INR 83
Eggs, 12	INR 217
Banana, 1 kg	INR 133
White Bread, 500 g	INR 125
Local Cheese, 1 kg	INR 1,000
Onions, 1 kg	INR 100
Tomatoes, 1 kg	INR 158
Milk, 1 l	INR 91
Potatoes, 1 kg	INR 91
Oranges, 1 kg	INR 133
Rice, 1 kg	INR 158

Cost of Living in Italy – Utilities and Additional Living Expenses

Utility costs in Italy can significantly affect overall living expenses. Budgeting for these is essential. On average, monthly utility bills, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, range from INR 21,000 to INR 26,000​.

According to recent data, internet services typically add up to INR 2,500 to your monthly expenses, making it crucial to factor these costs into your budget​. Properly managing utility expenses ensures a comfortable lifestyle while studying or working in Italy.

Here is a breakdown of the average monthly utility costs.

Utility	Monthly Cost (INR)
Electricity	INR 8,350 – INR 12,500
Internet	INR 1,672 – INR 2,500
Mobile	INR 11,700 (average)
Total	INR 21,700 – INR 26,750

Cost of Living in Italy – Other Miscellaneous Expenses

Did you know the cost of living in Italy is about 31% lower than in the USA, including rent? Below are the prices for miscellaneous items and activities that should give you an idea of the average cost of living in Italy for students:

Miscellaneous Expenses	Cost (INR)
Cinema ticket	INR 669
Fitness club, monthly fee	INR 4,017
Pair of mid-range running shoes	INR 6,695
Pair of top quality jeans	INR 6,446
Summer dress from a chain store	INR 2,511

Also Read: Average Cost Of Living In The USA In 2024

Cost of Living in Italy – Transportation Costs

Italy has an efficient public transportation system. The average monthly cost for a public transportation pass in major cities like Milan and Rome is approximately INR 3,150 to INR 4,500​​.

According to a late 2023 report, about 70% of residents in these cities rely on public transport for their daily commute, reflecting its affordability and convenience​​. This makes budgeting for transportation both manageable and essential for students and professionals living in Italy.

Take a look at the different transportation types in Italy and the costs associated.

Type	Cost in INR
Monthly Pass	INR 2,945
Taxi	INR 420 + INR 84 per Km
One-way Local Transport Ticket	INR 126
Gasoline	INR 136 per litre

Education Costs for International Students

Italy is home to several top-ranked universities, attracting students from around the world. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024:

• Politecnico di Milano is ranked 123rd globally
• The University of Bologna is ranked 154th​​
• Sapienza University of Rome is another top institution, ranked 134th worldwide​.

The increasing number of international students and the presence of these prestigious institutions make Italy an appealing destination for higher education.

Here are the average tuition fees at top universities in Italy.

University	UG Annual Courses Fee (INR)	PG Annual Courses Fee (INR)
University of Milan	INR 4.95L	INR 2.7L
Politecnico di Milano	INR 3.6L	INR 32.4L
Università di Padova	INR 2.7L	INR 2.25L
Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna	INR 3.6L	INR 3.24L
Sapienza University of Rome	INR 0.72L	INR 2.7L

Also read: Top Universities in Italy for International Students: Top Business Schools in Italy

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Living in Italy for International Students

Several scholarships are available to help reduce the cost of living in Italy for international students. For example, the Italian Government Scholarships provide a monthly allowance of around INR 81,000​. 

Additionally, the University of Bologna offers study grants up to around INR 2,00,000 annually. These financial aids significantly offset expenses, making it more affordable for you to live and study in Italy.

Here is a list of the most notable scholarships in Italy.

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligible Degrees
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students	INR 2L – INR 4.5L per year	Master’s and PhD programs
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships	INR 90,000 – INR 2.2L per year	Undergraduate and Graduate programs
Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards	Up to INR 9L per year	Graduate programs
University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students	INR 2.2L per year	Undergraduate and Graduate programs
Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships	INR 2L – INR 4L per year	Undergraduate and Graduate programs

Also read: Government of Italy Scholarship for Indian Students 2024 – Eligibility, How to Apply, Benefits

Eligibility for Scholarships in Italy

Academic Excellence: Applicants must hold the necessary academic qualifications to enrol in an Italian university. For Master’s programs, this typically means a completed Bachelor’s degree; for PhD programs, a completed Master’s degree​​.

Age Limits

• Master’s Programs: Applicants should not be over 28 years old by the application deadline.
• PhD Programs: Applicants should not be over 30 years old by the application deadline.
• Research Projects: Applicants should not be over 40 years old by the application deadline​​.

Language Proficiency

• English-taught Courses: A minimum B2 level in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required. This can often be self-certified if English is the official language of the applicant’s country​​.
• Italian-taught Courses: A minimum B2 level in Italian is required for most courses. For Italian language and culture courses, the minimum required level is A2​​.

Enrollment Status: Applicants must be enrolled in or have been accepted to a full-time program at an Italian university or institute recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR)​​.

These criteria ensure that scholarships are awarded to students who are well-prepared and meet the necessary academic and language requirements to succeed in their studies in Italy.

Also read: Top 10 Italy Scholarships for Indian Students 2024: Full Guide

Part-time Job Opportunities for Students

Many international students work part-time to help cover their living expenses. The average hourly wage for part-time jobs in Italy ranges from INR 900 to INR 1,350​​.

Top companies offering part-time positions include:

• Fiat
• UniCredit
• Ferrero
• Gucci
• Ferrari​​

These opportunities not only help you manage your finances but also provide valuable work experience and industry exposure.

Here are some popular part-time jobs in Italy for Indian students.

Job Type	Average Hourly Wage (INR)
Retail Sales Assistant	900 – 1,125
Tutor/Teaching Assistant	1,125 – 1,350
Hospitality/Restaurant Worker	900 – 1,125
Office Assistant	900 – 1,125
Delivery Services	900 – 1,125

Cost of Living in Italy Compared to Other European Countries

Italy’s cost of living is generally lower than many other Western European countries but higher than Eastern Europe. This balance makes Italy an attractive destination for students and expats looking for a more affordable European experience.

For example, the cost of living in Italy is about 25% lower than in France and 35% lower than in Switzerland, but it is around 50% higher than in countries like Poland and Romania​. This affordability, combined with Italy’s rich cultural heritage, renowned universities, and quality of life, makes it a preferred choice for you as an Indian student.

Here is a comparative cost of living: Italy vs. Other European Countries.

Country	Cost of Living Index	Monthly Cost for a Single Person (INR)
Italy	58.9	INR 68,500 – INR 2L
France	66	INR 75,900 – INR 2L
Germany	62.7	INR 78,000 – INR 1.3L
Spain	48.4	INR 56,400 – INR 1.4L
Portugal	46.6	INR 53,256 – INR 1.4L

Is INR 1L Per Month Enough to Live in Italy?

Absolutely! With INR 1,00,000 per month, you can comfortably cover your living expenses in Italy, allowing you to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Here’s how you can make the most of your budget:

• Shared Apartments: INR 27,000 – 45,000/month​
• University Dorms: INR 18,000 – 36,000/month​ 
• Groceries: INR 18,000 – 27,000/month​ 
• Dining Out: INR 1,350/meal (inexpensive)​ 
• Public Transport: INR 3,500 – 5,250/month​ 
• Utilities: INR 11,375 – 21,875/month​ 
• Part-Time Work Earnings: INR 900 – 1,350/hour

Budgeting to Reduce the Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students

Effective budgeting is crucial to managing the cost of living in Italy. Modern banking facilities in Italy offer various features to help with budgeting and managing money. Banks like UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena provide online banking services, mobile apps, and budgeting tools to track your expenses.

For example:

• UniCredit’s mobile app allows you to set spending limits and get alerts when you approach them.
• Intesa Sanpaolo offers personalised financial advice through its digital platform, helping you make informed decisions about your finances.
• Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena provides detailed expense reports and categorises your spending, making it easier to identify areas where you can save.

Tips for Effective Budgeting

1. Monitor Expenses: Use apps and online banking tools to keep track of your spending.
2. Set a Budget: Allocate specific amounts for rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.
3. Save on Utilities: Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and choose energy-efficient options.
4. Utilise Discounts: Look for student discounts and special offers on transportation, dining, and entertainment.

Conclusion

While managing finances in a new country can be challenging, proactive planning and budgeting are essential for maximising the Italian living experience. Italy offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a highly rewarding place to live, work, or study.

By carefully managing expenses and making informed decisions about where and how to spend, you can easily reduce the cost of living in Italy and make the most out of your study abroad dream. From enjoying world-class cuisine to exploring historic sites and modern art, the benefits of living in Italy far outweigh the effort of budget management.

• Average Monthly Expenses: Indian students can expect to spend between INR 81,000 and INR 1,08,000 per month, covering essentials like accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities​.
• Housing Costs: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in cities like Milan and Rome can cost between INR 72,000 and INR 1,35,000 per month. Shared apartments and university dormitories offer more affordable options, ranging from INR 18,000 to INR 45,000 per month​​.
• Food and Dining: Monthly grocery expenses typically range from INR 18,000 to INR 36,000. Dining out at inexpensive restaurants costs around INR 1,350 per meal, with popular dishes including pasta carbonara and pizza Margherita​​.

.These insights provide a clear picture of what to expect when budgeting for life in Italy, ensuring you are well-prepared for the financial aspects of your move.

Frequently Asked Questions