Living in Italy has been a game-changer for my husband and me. We recently moved to a small village near Riomaggiore, Italy, and the cost of living here is a far cry from what we were used to in Toronto, Canada. I'm here to share my experience and highlight 11 things that shocked us when we compared the prices to back home.
- Phone Plans and Internet: Italian phone plans are a steal! A 250GB plan costs just €10 a month, which is around $16 CAD. Many locals don't even bother with home Wi-Fi, relying on their phones for hotspotting. This has saved us around $200 CAD a month.
- Groceries: Italian groceries are surprisingly affordable, especially produce, pasta, and olive oil. While the selection might be more limited compared to Toronto, the locally produced goods keep prices low. Our monthly grocery bill is $500 less than what we spent in Canada.
- Rent: Rent in our Italian village is $800 less than what we paid in downtown Toronto. However, it's worth noting that our Toronto apartment was rent-controlled and below market rate. Still, living in a bigger Italian city would be hundreds of dollars cheaper than major Canadian cities.
- Dining Out: Aperitivo is a great way to save money. Drinks come with snacks, and alcohol is cheaper. An Aperol Spritz at my local bar is €5, compared to $18 CAD at my previous job in Toronto. We save around $50 CAD per outing.
- Travel: Plane tickets are a steal in Italy. A round-trip flight to Paris costs as little as $50-75 CAD, and even on the high end, it's around $100. This makes travel around Europe more accessible and affordable.
- Coffee: Coffee is incredibly cheap in Italy. A cappuccino costs only €1.50, or around $2.40 CAD. This is a significant savings, especially for those who spend a lot of time at coffee shops.
- Wine: Local wine is a bargain, costing €2-5, or $3-8 CAD. This is a great way to save money on cooking and entertainment.
- Leather Goods: Italy is known for its leather, and prices are reasonable. You can find high-quality leather items for a fraction of what you'd pay in Canada.
- Public Transit: Bus tickets are just €1.50, or $2.40 CAD, which is half the price of major Canadian cities. This makes getting around town much more affordable.
- Healthcare: Healthcare in Italy is accessible and affordable, which is a significant advantage for those from countries with high healthcare costs.
- Luxury Brands: Italian designer brands are often cheaper in Italy due to lower taxes and import costs. This is a great opportunity for those who want to indulge without breaking the bank.
Living in Italy has been a revelation, and I'm struggling to imagine going back to Toronto. The tiny village life is captivating, and I'm determined to make the most of our year-long visa. Have you ever moved to a new place and been shocked by the cost of living? Share your experiences and the pros and cons of living in different places in the comments!
