Italy

Italy remains one of the most desirable destinations for American expats, combining world-class culture, cuisine, and history with a surprisingly affordable cost of living compared to the United States. According to Numbeo (2026), living costs in Italy are on average 11.1% lower than in the US, and rent is 48.5% lower. A single person can expect to spend €1,600–€2,300 monthly in mid-sized cities, or €2,000–€2,700 in Rome or Milan. The Italian healthcare system, ranked 2nd globally by the WHO in 2000, continues to provide universal coverage to legal residents through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), with a current Numbeo healthcare index of 64.86. Italy introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2024-2025, opening a new pathway for remote workers alongside the established Elective Residency Visa for retirees and the Golden Visa for investors. The country scores well on safety metrics, ranking 34th on the 2025 Global Peace Index (score: 1.662) with a US State Department Level 2 advisory. English proficiency is moderate—Italy ranked 59th on the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index with a score of 513—so expats outside major tourist areas should expect to learn basic Italian. Over 15,000 Americans currently live in Italy, with growing communities in both major cities and smaller towns attracted by lower costs and quality-of-life benefits.