Last Updated on September 28, 2024
Do you know that Italy is famous for its rich cuisine and history and attracts many Indian students? In fact, as of 2024, over 96,000 international students are studying in Italy, which has steadily increased over the past decade! Italy is one of the most beautiful and sought-after education destinations for international students abroad, given its lifestyle and the affordable cost of living in Italy for Indian students. So, if the idea of relocating to Italy has been running in your mind, buckle up for a journey that transforms hesitation into resounding affirmation! Starting from the average cost of living in Italy for Indian students, we will shed light on the cost of food, groceries, travel, and more. We will learn about it all in this blog.
Cost of Living in Italy For Indian Students: 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 monthly, 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 |
| costliest Italian cities | Rome & Milan |
| Cheapest Italian cities | Naples, Pisa, Turin, and others |
Average Cost of Living in Italy: Major Cities
Before diving into the intricacies of various aspects, let us look at some famous cities and the average cost of living in Italy for Indian Students. We have listed the top ten cities in Italy along with the cost of living for Indian students index.
| Name of the city | Average cost per month | Cost of living index | Rent index | Grocery index | Restaurant price index |
| Milan | €1,700 – €3,000 | 68.9 | 39.2 | 55.2 | 79.6 |
| Bologna | €1,300 | 65.6 | 23.9 | 55 | 63 |
| Florence | €1,300 | 64.6 | 25.7 | 53.8 | 62.1 |
| Genoa | €1,100 | 61.8 | 12.7 | 52.7 | 55.7 |
| Padova | €1,200 | 59.7 | 19.3 | 54.3 | 65.3 |
| Turin | €1,100 | 59.3 | 14.1 | 53.5 | 56.9 |
| Rome | €1,400 | 57.5 | 30.4 | 50.4 | 68.5 |
| Verona | €1,200 | 56.2 | 20.6 | 50.8 | 62 |
| Naples | €1,100 | 55 | 18.1 | 48.1 | 56.1 |
| Palermo | €1,000 | 53 | 12.6 | 48.4 | 54.2 |
Annual Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students
The average cost of living in Italy for Indian students ranges from €7,500 to €8,500. It usually covers the cost of accommodation, food, entertainment, and personal expenses, which may be approximately €3,000. Before diving into the article, let’s take a look at an overview of the cost of living in Italy:
Cost of Housing in Italy
Milan and Rome are both the most expensive cities in Italy when it comes to housing. Many Italian residents spend approximately 40% of their income on housing. This shows that accommodation holds a significant chunk of the cost of living in Italy. For instance, you are looking for a studio or a private room in one of the top cities. The amount of rent you would have to pay is given below-
1. Single Occupancy: €300-€400/month
2. Shared occupancy: €200-€250/month
Cost of Food in Italy
The food expenses in Italy depend on your living standard. It varies depending on whether you want the best price: quality ratio or saving a few euros. In either scenario, Italy has you covered. You could buy your groceries at markets, greengrocers, or supermarkets. We have listed the average price of groceries you may require daily.
| Grocery | Amount (€) |
| Bread | 1.5 |
| 1-liter milk | 1.6 |
| 1 kg White rice | 2.61 |
| 1 kg Tomato | 2.5 |
| 1kg Potato | 1.4 |
| 1 kg Local cheese | 13.4 |
| 1 kg white rice | 2.8 |
| 1 dozen eggs | 4 |
Ordering takeout or dining out sounds exciting but can leave you feeling overwhelmed, too. Due to the expenses you already bear of living alone in another country, you might only sometimes go for a takeout option. So, To help you include a few takeouts in your budget, here are some estimated costs:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €15
- Three-course meal at a medium-priced restaurant: €50
- Median cost of dinner in Italy: €40
- Regular Cappuccino: €2
- Soda: €2.5
Cost of Transportation in Italy
The transportation system in Italy is conveniently spread throughout the cities and is very efficient. The cost of transportation in Italy is quite affordable for Indian students. It offers excellent connectivity and is low-cost compared to other countries. The gas prices or ticket fares are more or less the same in all cities.
| Factor | Amount (€) |
| One-way bus ticket | 2 |
| Day Ticket | 7 |
| Monthly pass | 35 |
| 1-liter gas | 1.7 |
| Taxi (1km) | 1.5 |
Cost of Utilities
On average, a student in Italy would spend€200 – €300/month on utilities. To better understand, we have separated the essential cost of living in Italy for utilities further:
1. Basic Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): €199.59
2. Monthly plan for mobile: €13
3. Internet: €30
Cost of Healthcare in Italy
The basic Italian health insurance for foreigners costs only €10- €13! Isn’t that great? For EU students, healthcare is free, but non-EU students must sign up for public insurance to avail themselves of this perk. Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), the national health service in Italy, offers students the option to register by paying €149.77 per year.
Tuition Fees at Top Universities in Italy
For Indian students, tuition fees play an important role since they take up a significant component of your budget after housing expenses in the cost of living in Italy for Indian students. Home to some of the most reputed institutions, Italy offers affordable tuition without hampering the quality of education. So, If you’re looking to apply to universities in Italy, these could be among your top picks-
| Name of the university | Undergrad Courses Fee (€) | Postgrad Courses Fee (€) |
| University of Milan | 5,500 | 3,000 |
| Politecnico di Milano | 4,000 | 36,000 |
| Università di Padova | 3,000 | 2,500 |
| Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna | 4,000 | 3,600 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | 800 | 3,000 |
Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students: Entertainment & Leisure
How does exploring the streets of Italy sound? It may be a great way to unwind from the hectic uni life. Or just a new way to bond with your peers! Italy has a lot of recreational hubs and places to visit to keep you entertained. Take a look at the estimated costs to help plan your budget:
| Activity | Amount per person (€) |
| Movie Ticket | 8.5 |
| Gym Membership for a Month | 55 |
| Ticket for Theatre/ Play | 36 |
| Shopping | 30 |
| Entry Fee for Museums | 11 |
On-Campus vs Off-Campus Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students
Typically, on-campus costs include accommodation, utilities, and sometimes meal plans as part of the university fees. Costs may differ by university and the kind of accommodation. Regarding the off-campus cost of living in Italy for Indian students, rent and utilities are additional expenses. Food, transportation, internet, and mobile costs are estimates based on average expenses in Italian cities. The following table will help you understand the living costs in Italy for Indian students better based on your preference:
| Category of Expense | On campus cost | Off-campus cost |
| Rent | included in fees | €300 – €700/month |
| Utilities | included in fees | €50 – €150/month |
| Food/Groceries | Included in fees | €200 – €400/month |
| Transportation | Included in fees | €20 – €50/month |
| Internet | Included in fees | €20 – €50/month |
| Total Monthly cost | Varies by university | €590 – €1350/month |
Top Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students
Various scholarships are available for students studying in Italy, ranging from prestigious programs like DAAD ( German Academic Exchange Service) to Erasmus+. Awards from Bocconi University and Scuola Normale Superiore, covering tuition fees and providing stipends, helping in saving a lot of money. Below are some of the scholarships you can apply for:
| Name of the Scholarship | Award Amount (approx) | Universities | Overview |
| DAAD Scholarships | €1350 and other benefits | German students studying in Italy | Scholarships funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). |
| Erasmus+ | €400 – €500 per month | Participating universities in EU | European Union program offering mobility grants for students. |
| European University Insititute Scholarships | €1505 per month or Full Tuition Fee in case of non-contracting state’s citizen. | European University Institute (EUI) | Scholarships for PhD studies at EUI, covering tuition and providing a stipend |
| Bocconi Merit and International Awards | €12,000 (Undergraduate) and €13,000 (Post-Graduate) | Bocconi University | Merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students at Bocconi. |
| Politecnico de Milano Merit-Based Scholarships | €1000 | Politecnico di Milano | Scholarships awarded based on academic merit at Politecnico di Milano. |
| Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships | €5000 | Politecnico di Torino | Scholarships for international students studying at Politecnico di Torino. |
| Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships | €18000 | Scuola Normale Superiore | PhD scholarships covering tuition and providing a stipend at Scuola Normale Superiore. |
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Italy
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must have the educational qualifications to enroll 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 be at most 30 by the application deadline.
- Research Projects: Applicants should not be over 40 by the application deadline.
- Language Proficiency
- English-taught Courses: A minimum B2 level in English is required is required according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 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 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 well-prepared students who meet the academic and language requirements to succeed in their studies in Italy.
Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students
The cost of living in Italy for Indian students varies based on individual choices and lifestyle. On average, the monthly expenses range from approximately €700 to €1200 (equivalent to about ₹60,000 to ₹1,00,000), including accommodation, food, transport, and other utilities. This estimate excludes tuition fees and personal expenses like travel and entertainment. By budgeting based on your location and specific needs, you can efficiently manage the cost of living in Italy for Indian students.
Top Part-Time Jobs in Italy
Italy is one of the top nations to study in Europe. You can explore part-time job opportunities to help manage your living costs while studying in Italy. Popular options often include hospitality, retail, tutoring, and administrative support roles. While the income from these jobs can contribute to covering costs such as rent, groceries, and leisure activities, balancing work commitments with academic responsibilities is crucial. Below is the list of top jobs you can go for as a student:
| Job Sector | Salary Range (approx per hour) |
| Hospitality | €8 – €12 |
| Retail | €7 – €10 |
| Tutoring | €10 – €15 |
| Administrative | €9 – €12 |
Tips to Save Money in Italy as a Student
Living alone comes with its share of challenges and difficulties, and managing finances is one of them. Figuring out where you can save might become tedious! We have listed a few ways to save money in Italy as a student! Let’s discuss some money-saving tips that will help you save some extra euros-
- Book your Housing Early- Booking early allows you to save up!
- Utilize Public Transport- In Italy, the high connectivity of routes and affordable ticket prices allow you to explore and navigate the city. Utilize public transport as much as possible and even enjoy student discounts with your student ID.
- Talk to Locals- Local people will offer some insightful knowledge about the place, which you may need to learn while surfing the internet. The locals will tell you everything from shorter routes to travel to the best street food and cafes! Initiate conversations with the locals to learn more about the city.
- Install Student Apps- An array of must-have apps can assist students in learning languages and more! These apps help students organize and understand the Italian language for free instead of paying for classes.
- Shop Locally- Shopping locally is one of the best money-saving tips you can incorporate. May it be groceries or other items you look forward to shopping for, and the price will vary depending on the place.
Several aspects, including location and lifestyle choices, influence the cost of living in Italy for Indian Students. It may vary slightly depending on the city, but with careful budgeting or expense planning with cautious planning and budgeting, students can manage their monthly payments. While the cost of living in Italy is an important consideration, with proper money management, you can enjoy it without breaking the bank! Italy’s experiences, memories, and beautiful culture will be worth it!
Check other countries:
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of living in Italy for Indian students 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. While managing finances in a new country can be challenging, proactive planning and budgeting are essential for maximizing the Italian living experience. Italy offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, making it an advantageous place to live, work, or study.
By carefully managing expenses and making informed decisions about where and how to spend, you can quickly reduce the cost of living in Italy for Indian students and make the most out of your dream of studying abroad. 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.
FAQs
Q. Are living expenses in Italy lower than that in the UK?
The average living expenses for international students in Italy are more affordable than in the UK. One of the benefits of living in Italy is its affordability in terms of transport, groceries, and education.
Q. Is it expensive to live in Italy as an Indian?
The living costs in Italy for Indian students come to approximately €8,400.
Q. Which city has the highest cost of living in Italy for Indian students?
Rome and Milan have the highest cost of living in Italy for Indian students compared to other cities.
Q. Which are the top companies offering part-time job opportunities in Italy?
Fiat, UniCredit, Ferrero, Gucci, Ferrari , etc, are the top companies offering part-time job opportunities in Italy. These opportunities help you manage finances and provide valuable work experience and industry exposure.
Q: What is the average cost of living in Italy for Indian students?
The average cost of living in Italy for Indian students ranges from INR 81,000 to INR 1,08,000 per month. This includes expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities.
Shared apartments or university dormitories are more affordable, costing between INR 18,000 and INR 45,000 monthly. Monthly grocery expenses typically range from INR 18,000 to INR 36,000. Public transport passes in major cities like Milan and Rome cost about INR 3,150 to INR 4,500.
Linette Shoji is a seasoned content writer specializing in guiding students through the complexities of applying to universities abroad. Her well-researched, clear, and practical articles break down intricate information into easy-to-understand advice. Linette’s work empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to higher education.
