For food, drinks and eating out, I find everything in Italy the same as or even cheaper than neighboring Montenegro, Albania and Greece, which are considered to be some of the cheapest countries in Europe and I’ve spent quite a bit of time in since 2023.

I’ve also found … They don’t price gouge – even in airports or the large cities, so long as you stay away from tourist traps. Things might be a few euros more, but they’re not extortionate.

Contrary to what were used to of cities always being more expensive, the prices and selection at many of the big city markets are phenomenal. Palermo and Turin blew me away. Also, prices at city grocery stores aren’t noticeably  different than those in smaller towns.

The ingredients are so fresh and tasty, even if you’re not into cooking (like me!) you might find yourself getting inspired and making some simple, delicious meals – or tagliere spreads – for very cheap.

Also, I love that I don’t have to “edit” my shopping and choose between the stuff I love because it’s priced so high in the US. I can buy the olives and the prosciutto and the delicious cheeses and the sun dried tomatoes and the anchovies and the berries and lots more without feeling guilty that I’m being indulgant and spending too much.

As for mini-breaks, even when you buy a place you’re not going to want to be there all the time. Outside of the peak summer months, there are some fantastic hotel and rental deals to be found everywhere in the country starting at around €60 a night for two – many including breakfast!

So, here goes …

Groceries – €100/week
Market – €20-50/week
Cleaning Supplies – €10/week

Wine – €2-20 a box or €5-10/bottle
Spirits – €10-25/bottle
Beer – €1/bottle or less
Tobacco -€5.30/pack

Eating Out – Sit Down Restaurant/Bar/Cafe
Breakfast – €6-10 Coffee & Pastries for two
Lunch – €20-30 for two
Dinner – €40-50 for two

Coffee – €1.50-3
Panini – €6
Pizza €8-12
Pasta – €10-15
Main Dishes €12-15
Side Veggies / Salads – €4-6
Beer – €3-5 – bottle or tap
House Wine – €10 litre carafe
Aperitif – €6-10

Mini-Breaks / Hotel Rooms – €60-120/night

Rental Car –
€100/week low season;
€250/week mid season;
€450/week high season

Gas/Petrol –
€5/liter; €80/tank for 800kms

Taxi to/from Airport – Varies
Public Transport – Airport – Varies

IMU – <€1,000/year **
TARI – €10-12/month *
Electricity – €75-100/month
Water – €50-75/month *
Cooking Gas – €35/bombola
Internet/TV – €40/month
Phone – Varies

Home Insurance – <€1000/year ***

Health Insurance – Varies

• These are estimates because we haven’t actually received any bills for these services yet.
** On our €40,000 house the annual property tax is €269.
*** Home insurance for our 100 sq mt home is €185 a year with Prima.