How Much Does It Cost to Live In Naples?
Similar to other southern Italian cities, the cost of living in Naples is much lower than in Rome, Milan, and Florence.
However, the average monthly salary is very low in this city, resulting in less purchasing traffic.
Even renting in Naples is up to 50% cheaper than in Rome.
All other aspects like groceries, eating out and transport are also much less than other major cities worldwide.
Even though Naples has the fourth largest economy in Italy, the closure of a number of factories, unemployment that is on the rise, and corruption have affected the city’s productivity greatly.
Italy : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in Italy
RESTAURANTS
Naples is famous for the low prices of food, which by no means affects the quality of food.
It is still the city of the best restaurants, food and wine.
But if you want to save some money, even though restaurants are cheap, you can always order a pizza that ranges between 3$ and 9$, or pasta, or even a cheaper beer for around 4$.
MARKETS
If you plan on cooking, take advantage of the fact that you’re in Naples and buy a bulk of their pasta, it’s cheap and will definitely keep you satiated.
A kilo of pasta is around 2$ and tomato sauce is 1$ for 700m.
You should also know that supermarkets keep basically the same prices as all the other stores in the country.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is also cheaper than in other cities.
It’s still as badly organized – for example, on working days there’s a bunch of people just not working, like taxi drivers, and if there’s an important football match – just forget about going anywhere.
But, it’s still cheap and your cost of moving around Naples should be, in general, manageable.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
For an apartment around 85m2 (which is definitely bigger than a usual apartment for one or two people) utilities will cost you 137.35$ approximately, which is actually more than in many other (major) cities of Italy.
Utilities include gas, electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage services and if you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment, be prepared to pay over 100$.
SPORTS & LEISURE
If you’re in Naples, you’re going to want to have some fun, or even enjoy some kind of sport.
However, you should know that this is definitely expensive in Naples.
A membership at the gym or a fitness club can’t go by without you cashing out around 50$, and if you want to go to the cinema, add to that another 10$ per person.
CLOTHING & SHOES
If you want to go shopping anywhere in Italy, Naples is a place for that.
It is definitely cheaper to go shopping here because you can find the same pieces of clothing for up to 20$ less – each.
For example, a pair of Levi’s jeans costs around 73.04$, quality sneakers around 90$, and light dresses and shirts only 32$.
RENT PER MONTH
Renting in Naples is up to 50% cheaper than in Rome.
For example, you will pay an average 679.95$ a month for a one to three-bedroom apartment in the city center.
Outside the center, a one-bedroom property is an average of 400$.
These prices are actually very low in comparison with other Italian cities.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Naples
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $15.91 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.24 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.06 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.31 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.21 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.66 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $1.38 |
| Monthly Pass | $42.44 |
| Gasoline | $2.12 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $137.35 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.20 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $30.93 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $50.01 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $27.85 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $9.55 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $73.04 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $32.62 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $89.29 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $679.95 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $409.21 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1120.39 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Naples?
In Naples, its citizens spend the most money on food, in markets and grocery stores – no less than 150$ a week goes on groceries alone if you have a family and not living as a student.
Next on the list of biggest expenses in Naples is rent, though it is rather cheap when compared to other cities.
Restaurants and transportation go side by side like in most countries – though if you stick to pizzas and pasta, you won’t pay that much (but count on gaining a couple of pounds).
Average Costs Breakdown
Naples: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Both minimum wage and average net salary are much lower in Naples than in other cities of Italy.
This happened after the closure of a number of factories, and the following onset of corruption and unemployment.
Still, the city of Naples keeps on fighting and its citizens are able to make ends meet because their expenses are lower too.
Average monthly salary amounts to around 1500$ which makes it somewhat acceptable for an average citizen of Naples to pay their bills and live a normal life without stress.
Naples Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Naples Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Cost of Living by City in Naples
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Bologna | 69.5 |
| Cagliari | 61.3 |
| Florence | 77.21 |
| Genoa | 75.38 |
| Milan | 73.89 |
| Padova | 73.49 |
| Palermo | 61.16 |
| Rome | 69.03 |
| Trieste | 71.51 |
| Turin | 66.68 |
I’ve wanted to move to Italy for a long time and now I’m seriously looking at my options. This all sounds very promising about Naples, I think I can do well for myself there. My Italian is good so I think getting a job will be fine. I’m considering Turin as well, I will check the crime index for both cities. Thanks!
I’ve been in Naples almost my entire life, and while things are getting a little harder, I still survive quite comfortably. Renting an apartment just outside of the city is cheap and I don’t have to travel far for work. Be modest with your money and you’ll live just fine in Naples.