What’s it really like to live in Italy as a retiree?
Italy is a beautiful place to retire - after all, who doesn’t love great food and wine, abundant sunshine and a rich, exciting culture?
Since Italy is such an appealing place to live, the overall cost of living can be a little higher than in other European countries - but don’t let this deter you.
While living in big cities like Milan or Rome can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-conscious options to consider. Rural areas in southern Italy like Sicily and Puglia are a great place to start. Generally, public transport links in Italy are good, so living in the countryside won’t stop you from visiting cities and tourist hotspots in your free time.
Whether you’re looking for ideas on how to make friends in Italy or you want to learn more about the cost of living in Italy, read on for our guide on living in Italy as an expat retiree.
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How to meet other expat retirees in Italy
Retiring to a new country is a big adventure. It doesn’t matter how long you spend planning your retirement in Italy; at times you might feel lonely or worried. That said, there is plenty to look forward to and we've compiled this guide of handy steps you can take if you want to make friends in Italy.
Meeting new friends is easier when you live in a large city like Rome or Milan. Meeting new people can be more challenging if you decide to live in a small town or rural village, especially if you don’t speak Italian. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible!
If you’re serious about making friends in Italy, it’s best to start preparing early. Nowadays, it’s pretty easy to “meet” people online if you know where to look. Apps like Hey! VINA, MeetMe, Ablo and Skout are all good options for meeting platonic friends.
You can check out Facebook for expat groups, sign up for an Instagram account, and Google bloggers and expats already living in the place you’re hoping to live in. You could also look up online forums dedicated to retiree expats in Italy who are originally from your home country.
Another option is to join a few online communities, such as Patook, which will connect you with others who share your interests, and Meetup, which allows you to search and sign up for social events and friendship groups in popular expat cities like Milan and Rome.
Want to combine meeting new people with helping others? Volunteering is a great place to start. Visit the Voluntari Per Un Giorno website to find volunteering opportunities in your chosen Italian municipality.
Advice on learning the language
Only around 34% of Italians speak English, so learning to speak Italian is vital if you want to make the most of your retirement in Italy. Communicating with the locals is essential if you want to meet new people and integrate into your local community.
Best of all, there’s no need to wait until you actually arrive in Italy. You can quickly get a head start on learning to speak Italian with websites like Italki and Tandem.
Once you’ve arrived in Italy, finding an Italian-speaking friend who is looking for ways to improve their English could help both of you achieve your language goals.
Dating and finding love
If you’re retiring to Italy as a single person looking for amore, Meetic.it is the best choice for making long-term and meaningful connections. For casual dating opportunities, try LOVOO, Tinder, Happn or Badoo.
When it comes to dating in Italy, there are a few important things to bear in mind.
Firstly, most people drive everywhere. It’s not unusual for a date to offer to pick you up from home or drop you off at the end of the night. You’re under no obligation to accept, but don’t let it put you off.
Also, don’t be offended if your date is ten minutes late. Timekeeping differs in Italy, and being up to ten minutes late isn’t really a big deal.
Always dress to impress. Whether you’re meeting for a coffee or going for a three-course dinner, it’s important to make an effort with your appearance if you want to get a second date.
Looking for ideas on what to do on a first date? Aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) is always a winner. If things are going well, you can order another drink or move on to dinner. If not, it’s easy to make a quick escape once you’ve finished your drink!
Fidanzato or fidanzata for women translates to “betrothed” and can also mean “fiance/fiancee”, but there’s no need to start dreaming about your wedding day. In Italy, it just means you’ve moved on to the “official” boyfriend/girlfriend stage.
In Italy, you’ll probably notice that traditional gender roles are still in place. Many men will offer to pay for everything on a first date, but there is no reason why you can’t offer to contribute.
Cost of living in Italy
As mentioned, the cost of living in Italy can be higher than other European countries, although this depends on your lifestyle and where you want to live.
If you plan to transfer funds to an Italian bank account or back home, you must check any fees and exchange rates you’ll incur. Many banks and transfer services charge low up-front fees but make up the difference using a higher exchange rate.
Local culture
Many Italian people enjoy planning their days around food. The day begins with an espresso coffee and a light breakfast. Many non-working people enjoy spending time in cafes, either reading a book or newspaper or chatting to friends and family.
Lunch is the longest and most filling meal of the day. After work and prior to dinner, many traditional Italians enjoy the passeggiata. This is where families dress up and take a walk through the local town square to people-watch (and be watched, too!)
People in Italy celebrate many different festivals throughout the year. These tend to be based on the Roman Catholic calendar, local agriculture or physical activity. Festivals usually feature food and wine, games, music and activities. For example, the olive and bruschetta festival of Spello.
Retirees can take advantage of the rich culture and architecture in Italy. Once the centre of the Renaissance, it was also a key part of the modern Futurist movement. Thanks to its artistic legacy, it is home to many fine museums, from the Uffizi Galleries in Florence to the Borghese Gallery in Rome.
There are many great Italian cities to explore, many of which have an array of Roman and Gothic architecture to enjoy. For example, Vatican City in Rome is a micro-country and seat of the Catholic church.
Interested in fashion? Lively Milan is considered one of the world’s style capitals. Love cars? Museo Ferrari Maranello offers a fascinating tribute to the country’s proud automotive history.
Where to look for a job in Italy
If you need to find work in Italy, there are a few options to consider, including websites and local newspapers.
Whether finding friends is at the top of your to-do list or you can’t wait to explore Italy’s vibrant culture, retiring to Italy offers a host of wonderful opportunities to make new connections during your retirement.
Make learning to speak Italian your priority, as this is key if you want to make friends in Italy.
Once you know the local lingo and understand the culture, you can join a few social groups and expat communities - and before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by new friends to enjoy your exciting new Italian lifestyle alongside.
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