Teach English in Italy: Financial Snapshot

Living costs in Italy do vary between large cities - such as Rome, Milan, and Venice - and smaller towns and villages. Monthly salaries for ESL teachers in Italy range between 900 - 1,600 EUR.

Expected Apartment Costs
Banking In Italy
Food Costs in Italy

Expected Apartment Costs

Various factors influence the cost of housing in Italy, including city, neighbourhood, and size of apartment. Since employers rarely provide subsidized or fully paid living arrangements, ESL teachers should be prepared to pay for rent. Be aware that Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice have restrictive rental rates. The cost of rent in Italy can range from 500 - 1000 EUR for a new or renovated property. With ESL teachers typically earning 900 - 1,600 EUR monthly, additional savings may be needed to cover rent and other living expenses. Along with rental fees, apartment tenants are required to have compulsory insurance and pay for any service charges, which usually include items such as heat, hot water, garbage removal, maintenance of the landscape, communal lighting, and repairs. ESL teachers should find out if the rent is inclusive of the service charges and if the previous tenant is up to date on their payments to ensure they will not be held responsible for the outstanding costs. Other utilities such as gas, electricity, and water are usually paid separately by the tenant.

Banking in Italy

ESL teachers should know that banks are only open from Monday to Friday, from around 8:30am to 1:30pm, and again in the afternoon from 2:30-3pm until 4-4:30pm. Banks in major cities may have a branch open Saturdays during the morning. It should also be noted that hours may be reduced in the morning on the day before a public holiday. Booths at major airports and railways will be open longer hours for changing money if needed. Italian establishments accept various forms of payment; however, it is recommended that foreigners carry some cash, as not all establishments accept credit cards. ATMs in Italy are known as bancomats and are located thoughout major cities in shops, train stations and other high traffic areas. ESL teachers will typically have 24-hour ATM access with their Italian bank accounts.

Food Costs

The following list provides English teachers with examples of the average cost of food in Italy. These costs can be compared to typical North American grocery stores.

• Average restaurant meal for one - 15 - 30 EUR
• 1 L of milk - 1.21 EUR
• McDonalds meal - 8.00 EUR
• 1 kg of apples - 1.90 EUR
• Cappuccino - 1.48 EUR
• .33 L bottle of water - 1.07 EUR

Other Western Europe Countries: